Name: Silvana Mallia Company name: Firecrafted Brief description of my product: I design and make precious metal clay jewellery, mostly in fine silver and bronze. This is not what we usually think of as clay of course, but precious metal particles combined with an organic binder to render it into a soft clay-like material, which is shaped and it then dried, baked and finished. The versatility of this material enables an artist to explore endless design possibilities in fine silver, bronze and other precious metals. When finished, it results into a piece of pure precious metal, and in the case of silver, this is hallmarked at a finesse of .999. I like adding other materials to my designs, for a touch of colour and elegance, such as semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski elements, dried flowers and fabric. All Firecrafted pieces are limited addition and some unique one-off’s. I also accepts to design and make commissioned pieces. But I started off making beaded jewellery, and I still offer a selection of more casual beaded jewellery, if that is your preference. Why I love participating in Malta Artisan Markets: Very well organised market events, which give us artisans an opportunity to showcase our work, meet potential customers, renew connections with our regulars, whilst also joining a community of fellow talented artists and artisans. A fun day every time! :) Silvana's little quote to inspire someone to follow their dreams: "Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish. The time will pass anyway." ~ Earl Nightingale "Believe you CAN and you're half way there." ~ Theodore Roosevelt   

Name: Virag Andersson Company name: ViragDesign Brief description of my product: I design and create colorful and unique statement jewelry collections. Every collection tells a story of my life, or describes a dream. My pieces are lacking symmetry, I use playful waves an vivid colors in my items. Dangling beads and vibrant colors are my sort of things. I love experimenting with materials and techniques, my pieces are always unique. For me, creating jewelries means putting an extra color on the palette of Earth. Why I love participating in Malta Artisan Markets: Artisan market is a great opportunity to meet very talented other artists, and get inspired by my customers. Malta based artists are a lovely, friendly crowd, and i am grateful and proud to be part if it. Every market experience gives me a great wave of energy and lovely new ideas. I feel inspired and bubbling with new projects till the next market. Virag's little quote to inspire someone to follow their dreams: "It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams." ~ Gabriel García Márquez