Orkney’s Sheila Fleet has designed two new collections to cheer up the winter. The new pieces crown what has been a stellar year for one of Scotland’s leading jewellery designers, with the Orcadian being awarded an Honorary Degree for her outstanding jewellery design by The University of Edinburgh this summer – in addition to her OBE!
The Daisies for Emily collection proved such a hit with customers that the range has been expanded with new Coloured and Diamond Daisies collections. Available in vibrant enamel hues or twinkling ‘frosted snow’, the new daisy pieces are set to brighten winter days and illuminate long nights.
Like the original Daisies collection, these two have been designed for Emily Findlay, one of Sheila’s former employees. Emily was just 14 years old when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Two years of treatment followed, she was stable for another two years but in the winter of 2014, just three months after starting work with Sheila, Emily relapsed. She was forced to stop work and return to further treatment.
Sheila decided to help. The first Daisies appeared in May and were quickly plucked from the shelves. Every purchase from the Daisy collection contributes to Emily’s Fund at the Orkney Charitable Trust.
By the end of October, the Spring Daisies had raised over £14,800 – surpassing all expectations and astonishing Emily’s family. “We have been overwhelmed by folks’ kindness and generosity,” says Emily’s mum Michelle. “I am a nurse but I can’t work and look after Emily so it’s really difficult for us financially. We can’t believe how much has been raised in just four months and want to thank everyone.”
“People both at home and overseas have been incredible,” added Sheila. “Emily may need specialist treatment in Germany, we hope the new Daisies will keep boosting her Fund and give her that chance”.
Pictured above is Emily wearing a hot pink Daisy necklace created in her name.
Visit the Sheila Fleet blog for Emily’s story: blog.sheilafleet.com/daisies-for-emily
See Sheila’s website for the full Daisies collection. www.sheilafleet.com