Shelley is the author of the Bead Embroidery RSN Essential Stitch Guide. She teaches at the RSN on both the Certificate & Diploma Programme and Day Classes.

Shelley is originally from New Zealand where she qualified as Librarian before travelling widely. Once in the UK she joined the RSN’s Apprenticeship graduating in 1995, after which she worked for several years in the RSN Embroidery Studio where she project managed prestigious commissions including the Wells Cathedral altar frontals and also worked on a number of other commissions.

She was part of the RSN team which created the embellishment for the shoes, veil and wedding dress for the Princess of Wales. In 2023, Shelley was honoured to be part of the Embroidery Studio team at the Royal School of Needlework who worked on a number of items for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including The Queen’s Robe of Estate, the Anointing Screen, Chairs of State and the Stole Royal.

In addition to her RSN teaching Shelley also has her own Embroidery Studio in East Sussex where she teaches and works on private commissions.