Bronnie Paterson from Polly Dangles. Image supplied.
Bronnie Paterson founded her playful jewellery brand Polly Dangles in early 2019 after discovering she enjoyed working with polymer clay in 2018. Polly Dangles is a creative outlet for the busy mum of three who creates each pair of her fun earrings by hand in Christchurch. Her colourful creations were featuring on the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week 2019, with Bronnie collaborating with Ruby & Rain on earrings that matched the clothing in the show.
We caught up with Bronnie to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My earrings are all handmade. Predominantly of polymer clay, followed by resin, glitter, mica powder and acrylic. Collections are varied and released every 1 – 2 months via re-stocks. I adore colour, florals, animal prints, watercolour styles and abstract art. These all influence my earring designs and sometimes the clay takes on a life of it’s own.
What made you become a designer?
I discovered polymer clay earrings via friends in Australia. I started playing with it for myself. It was great for mindfulness as I suffered a horrible nervous breakdown in late 2018. It has evolved from making earrings for myself and family to what it is today. I just adore seeing my earrings lighting up other peoples days out in the wild!
What inspires you?
Colourful abstract and metamorphosis art, landscapes – especially the Mackenzie Basin and Lupins over Tekapo – sunsets, flowers, nature, animals, also upcoming fashion styles and colours.
Earrings by Polly Dangles.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
When not in my activewear (working from home/mum life/not always active🤭) I love to wear colourful clothes. Jewel tones are my fave! Which you can see in some of my earring designs.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
My pasta machine, such a game changer in conditioning my clay and making colour blends.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Earrings of course and a decent winter coat. (necessary in Christchurch).
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Earrings, they can be casual or dressy. Always wear a pair!
Earrings by Polly Dangles.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being featured at New Zealand Fashion Week 2019 in the Ruby and Rain fashion show. It was such an honour to make earrings which matched the fabrics they were wearing.
What can’t you live without?
My clay and family.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Anything brown or crocs 🤢
Images supplied.