ALICE HUGHES decided to set up jewellery-maker Alice in Wonderland in 2004, after being inspired by the nature of New Zealand.

When she went there, she ended up working with two of the country’s best known jewellers, Ray Mitchell and Peter Elsbury.

Mr Mitchell achieved fame after designing the “One Ring” used in the film trilogy, Lord of the Rings.

She said: “When I arrived in New Zealand I was overwhelmed by the nature. I found it really energising and the whole idea of combining the natural elements with jewellery really came together in my mind.”

When she returned to Merseyside, Ms Hughes, 27, decided she could make her living by making bespoke silver jewellery inspired by the plants and sea shells of New Zealand.

She initially set up a base in Liverpool city centre, but has now moved to the north dockland where she has found she has a lot more space to work.

She now sells her items to the well-heeled of Merseyside through specially-arranged parties and through her website.

“I started the business because I believe strongly that an artist should be able to make money from his or her work,” she said. “When I first started I was very nervous about approaching galleries to display my work, but I eventually found more courage and confidence not to be fobbed off.

“I now hold parties for stylish women in Liverpool where the range has gone down really well. I always turn up with a couple of bottles of New Zealand wine which is always a help, too,” she said.