Seafarer Integrated Rating Margaret Creighton on the bridge of the Searoad Tamar.
Ms Creighton sells her jewellery under the brand name, Divacre.
The only female sailor on the Searoad Tamar is unfazed by her male colleagues.
“I’ve always worked in male-dominated industries”, she said.
This self-confessed tomboy recalls her mother always wanted her to be a “girly girl” and wear dresses.
“I remember wearing a red dress with white polka dots, rounding up sheep on a motorbike,” she said.
Margaret Creighton started her career as a soldier, but found her real passion when she followed in the footsteps of her seafaring father.
“I always wanted to be by the sea,” she said. “I love it.”
Ms Creighton applied for her first seafaring job while studying Fisheries and Aquaculture at The Maritime College and was one of six chosen from 300 candidates.
Over her 20-year career travelling the world on cargo ships, including a bulk carrier, box carrier, tanker, and oil rig tender, this high-spirited lady found time to indulge her other passion – jewellery making.
“I got to see how jewellery was made in many other cultures,” she said. “When I was in Japan I was fascinated with the pearls and their materials.
“Vanuatu also fascinated me. It’s similar to the way my mum made jewellery.”
Ms Creighton was introduced to jewellery making as a child by her mother, who made it as part of her tradition.
Around age 11 she began to take a real interest when asked to make earrings to match her mother’s necklace, and has never looked back.
“Dad travelled for work and would bring back beads for me,” she said.
“Everywhere I travel now, I’m always researching what other people make and looking at new techniques.
“I like to use natural materials from the sea, like shells and pearls, and also gemstones.”
Ms Creighton’s jewellery is exclusively available at Blue Apple Gift Store & Gallery which specialises in Tasmanian art, craft and design in East Devonport. Just around the corner from where the Searoad Tamar docks.
Danielle Rodgers
