TRADITIONAL SILVERSMITHING FOR NON-TRADITIONAL PEOPLE
byMaraca is a one-woman metalsmith business for handcrafted jewellery on the Wirral, UK. The unique pieces, which are mostly made from silver and brass, are all designed and handcrafted by me, Mareike, in my little studio - with the aim of creating jewellery that makes the everyday just that little bit brighter.
Established early 2020, I decided to take things properly into my hands when the first lockdown hit and I felt like making jewellery, designing, crafting, hammering away, was giving me the control other parts of my life were lacking. The result is an outburst of my creativity in the shape of beautiful, unique jewellery in various different lines that just keep coming!
I enjoy making new things, thinking up new designs, experimenting, while always making jewellery that I would (and do) wear myself, staying authentic to what I think is right. Most pieces start out as metal wire or sheet, and once they leave my bench, they are a manifestation of my passion. Being sustainably made to me means my pieces come from UK-sourced material where possible, are made in small batches, with waste being avoided or reused, they are shipped plastic-free and they're supposed to last a lifetime. They can also be worn in whatever situation you find yourself in – true versatility.
Watch this 6-minute video to learn more about byMaraca, the studio space, big dreams and my favourite makers.
In November 2023, the brilliant Kim Thompson from Make It With Kim interviewed me for the Jewellers Academy Podcast. Give it a listen to learn more about how I started out, why I think you should talk to other traders at markets and what my most sentimental moment so far has been!
AT THE BENCH


My bench is clearly my happy place. While I work 4 days a week in an office job, my remaining time (and often evenings) are spent at the bench, my packing area or my computer for the necessary admin. And I wouldn't have it any other way!
CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE?
Read my feature on Explore Liverpool that discovers the faces behind the businesses! I'm incredibly happy to be part of the Liverpool maker community.
I wrote a blog post for Bristol-based Blog With Lola all about Kindness, Confidence and Cutting Some Slack.
I am also proud to be featured in the first edition of The Indie Guide.
There are interviews with me in issue 116 of the Bead & Jewellery Magazine and the second edition of The Good News Emporium.
And make sure to check out my Community!
For example, I've filmed and written up a tutorial for Kernowcraft on how to prepare for a craft market, as well as how to make Simple Charm Hoops - go have a look and tag me if you've been inspired!
FULL LIST OF FEATURES
Bead & Jewellery
(print magazine, Issue 116, two double spread interview)
Explore Liverpool
(online feature)
The Indie Guide
(print magazine, ed. 1 and ed. 2)
Blog With Lola
(blog post, authored)
Kernowcraft - Hoops Tutorial
(written tutorial)
Kernowcraft - Day In The Life Of A Jeweller
(vlog and blog post)
The Good News Emporium
(online magazine, ed. 2, 4 page feature)