Meet Alison Flowerpot, the heart behind Carreg Cariad
Discover the woman behind Carreg Cariad and the passion, creativity and inspiration that goes into every handmade piece. Meet Alison Flowerpot, a self-taught Welsh jewellery designer creating unique pearl and gemstone jewellery, bridal jewellery and distinctive headpieces from her studio in Wrexham, North Wales.
From Wrexham with a passion for creation
Oh hi, I'm Alison, the founder and designer behind Carreg Cariad. I was born and raised in Wrexham, North Wales, and I've always been a creative person with a love of making things by hand.
You might be wondering about the nickname “Flowerpot” — yes, it's actually my real name! It was a loving nickname given to me by my dad from birth, and my mum called me it too. I later legally added it to my name.
I've always been a crafter, a self-taught jewellery maker and a seamstress. I love working with beautiful materials and turning an idea into something tangible that someone can wear and treasure.
Every Carreg Cariad piece is created with care and attention to detail, from the initial design through to the finished jewellery and its packaging.
My Journey – From Crafting to Carreg Cariad
My crafting journey began at a very young age, and I've been developing my creative skills ever since.
I'm also a huge lover of music and, quite simply, music is a massive part of my life. I genuinely can't imagine going a day without listening to it. Whether I'm working, relaxing, creating jewellery or simply going about my day, there is almost always music playing.
For me, music has always been a form of therapy especially for my mental health. It can change my mood, help me switch off, bring back memories and give me an escape when I need one.
Jewellery making became another form of therapy for me.
I discovered jewellery making during a difficult period in my life, when I needed something creative to focus on. Sitting down with beautiful pearls, gemstones and jewellery components gave me something positive to concentrate on. I could lose myself in the process of creating.
What began as a way of helping myself gradually became a genuine passion.
Crafting unique pieces with a personal touch
As my passion for jewellery making grew, I began experimenting with different materials and techniques, teaching myself as I went along.
Before long, friends and family started noticing the jewellery I was creating, and people began asking if they could buy my pieces.
What had started as something personal gradually developed into Carreg Cariad.
The name was a thoughtful suggestion from my fiancé Dean, who is a fluent Welsh speaker. Carreg Cariad means “love of stone” in Welsh — a name that perfectly captures my love of gemstones and the creative process behind my jewellery.
Today, I continue to design and handcraft my jewellery from my studio in Wrexham, North Wales.
Some pieces begin with a gemstone or pearl that inspires me, while others start as an idea that I quickly sketch before it disappears. I love creating jewellery that feels individual, whether it is a delicate everyday piece, a statement necklace, a bridal headpiece or a completely one-of-a-kind creation.
"My pieces are more than just jewellery; they are wearable art, crafted with passion and attention to detail, designed to make you feel unique, beautiful and stand out from the crowd."
Alison Flowerpot
Founder & Designer of Carreg Cariad