265. Celebrating Alternative Jewellery with Alice from the Museum of Alternative Jewellery

In this week's episode, host Kim Thompson sits down with Alice from the Museum of Alternative Jewellery to explore the wonderfully imaginative world of non-traditional jewellery making.

Alice shares how a childhood love of beads, Polly Pockets, and playful textures evolved into a lifelong passion for alternative jewellery as self-expression and even a personal 'safety blanket'. From shrink plastic to acorn cups and found objects, Alice reveals how unconventional materials can carry just as much meaning and beauty as precious metals.

They dive into how jewellery can be both a memory-holder and a bold personal statement, why alternative materials are often overlooked, and how value in jewellery isn't just about price tags—it's about story, creativity, and connection.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The origins of Alice's love for alternative jewellery

• Why 'toy jewellery' and found objects deserve recognition

• The inspiration behind the Museum of Alternative Jewellery

• How to find beauty and meaning in overlooked materials

• Creative tips for a no-spend jewellery challenge

• Favourite makers and communities like the Precious Collective

• How to get your work featured and connect with alternative jewellery lovers

Whether you're curious about new materials, looking for inspiration, or just love jewellery with a twist, this episode is a joyful celebration of the weird, wonderful, and wildly creative world of alternative adornment.

About Alice

Hey, my name's Alice! When I'm not writing under the name The Museum of Alternative Jewellery, I spend my time fixing, photographing, researching and selling vintage and antique costume pieces. It is my goal to shine a spotlight onto obscure techniques, non-traditional materials and makers that I feel have been underappreciated, with the occasional deep dive into our personal and cultural attitudes about jewellery and the conflicting narratives around 'preciousness'. I deeply believe that jewellery is FIRST and foremost an art form; and The Museum of Alternative Jewellery is here to celebrate that fact!

Instagram @museumofalternativejewellery Facebook

Alice mentions a number of jewellers in this weeks podcast. You can find all their links here: