THE natural world and changing seasons of the Lake District is proving a sparkling inspiration for a local jewellery maker.

Linzi Alford, 44, of Cartmel, has been using walks in the woods and local countryside to inspire a unique range of necklaces and bracelets.

Linzi runs Magpie In The Sky and has just opened a studio at Yew Tree Barn at Low Newton, while her first ever book, Jewellery For All Seasons, has also just been published.

It features her own stunning photography and shows how she was inspired by the natural environment of the Lakes to create new pieces.

Linzi explained: “The idea of writing this book came to me after several years of taking photographs cataloguing the changing seasons and capturing the flowers and scenery around me. I always have my camera in my bag or pocket ‘just in case’ and I am lucky enough that where I live there is no shortage of natural beauty for inspiration.”

She added: “I wanted to show the progress of the seasons by designing a range of jewellery that reflected the natural world throughout the year, complete with my photographs that influenced them.”

“To me jewellery-making is an obsession rather than a hobby and I never tire of dreaming up new designs. Translating those design into something wearable, from the concept through to the actual construction and having the satisfaction of seeing an imagined piece made into an item to be worn or given as a gift is very gratifying.”

Linzi’s studio will be used to make and display her products as well as offering jewellery-making workshops, craft supplies and some quirky gift ideas.

Her book, published by GMC Publications Ltd, shows how the area has provided inspiration for 24 unique and stylish pieces of jewellery that capture the beauty of nature through the year. It also hopes to encourage other people to make their own jewellery.

Said Linzi: “Most projects are easy enough for complete beginners but intermediate and advanced jewellery-makers will also be inspired by these strikingly original designs and photography. I hope people will be inspired by a favourite photograph or the view from their window to make some beautiful jewellery.”

You can follow Linzi on Twitter at @MagpieInTheSky1