Dersingham mum sets up business offering unique jewellery made from alpaca wool
An encounter with alpacas at a country show two years ago led to a Dersingham woman setting up her own cottage industry producing a unique kind of jewellery.
Marta Kwasniewicz, of Reynolds Close, is the founder of Alpacappella Jewellery, creating bespoke items such as necklaces, pendants, bangles, bracelets and earrings from alpaca wool, known to be one of the most luxurious fibres in the world.
Originally from Poland, university graduate and former marketing manager Marta moved with her husband, Paweł, to Dersingham three years ago, where their daughter Alicja was born.
Said Marta: "When I first saw these fluffy, lovely and funny looking animals for the first time, I fell in love with alpacas at once.
"I thought about setting up an alpaca farm either in Poland or here in the UK. Finally, I had to put my plans on hold. As a mother of a six-month-old baby, it was just impossible to realise my dream at that point.
"So I decided to be a volunteer on a farm near Norwich and watch how the life cycle of almost 40 alpacas changes and how they thrive.
"When I realised that I couldn’t be an alpaca breeder, I decided to work with their amazing fleece. It turned out that the combination of my ideas, skills, techniques and alpaca fibre is absolutely unique. I can even say that I’m a pioneer in this field and there isn’t anything like it anywhere else."
Alpaca fibre is often compared to cashmere. It’s non-irritating and hypoallergenic, has virtually no lanolin and it doesn’t trigger allergic reactions in wearers. It's exceptionally soft, lightweight, flame-resistant, water-repellent and durable.
Said Marta: "In this day of mass production and 'throw-away' culture, I offer high-quality, bespoke contemporary jewellery produced in tens rather than thousands. My entire portfolio is made from pure alpaca fibre without adding any mixtures.
"It's sourced from friendly farms, mainly British and Polish, which care for the health, safety and comfort of the animals. As a base, I use hypoallergenic and durable surgical stainless steel or sterling silver.
"My main passion and favourite technique is Japanese braiding called Kumihimo, Japanese for "gathered threads". It's a time-consuming method but the results that can be achieved through it are stunning. I also use techniques such as crocheting, wire wrapping, tatting or needle felting. I love challenging myself so there are still many new opportunities to discover."
She chose the name of her business by incorporating the phrase “a cappella”, meaning a voice without instrumental accompaniment. She explained: "In my world 'alpacappella' means that this voice is alpaca fibre. In my project the alpaca fibre would appear without other accompanying materials."
Marta does individual commissions either a single bespoke personal item or multiple items as desired. She is planning to expand her range by including items for men, such as lapel pins and necklaces.
Alpacappella Jewellery is available online: www.alpacappella.com. Marta also takes part in craft fairs and shows like The Maker’s Mark, Wymondham Abbey Spring Fair or BAS National Show. She also has a pop-up stall at North Wootton village market. She can be followed on Facebook and Instagram.
