In previous posts, I’ve had a lot of fun showing off the jewelry that I’ve created. But one of the great joys of going to shows and meeting other designers is getting a chance to see and own some of their beautiful creations as well. Now it’s time to show off some jewelry by friends and colleagues.
Here are a few faves from some Minnesota designers:
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Clockwise from top left: a few sterling pieces from now Brooklyn based Minneapolis native Nick Lundeen - the bracelet and ring are textured from being cast in cuttlefish bones - how cool is that?; fun kinetic hoops in lightweight titanium from Danny Saathoff - Danny is also a sculptor and you can really see it in his jewelry; Feather earrings from Betty Jäger and Skeletal Raven necklace by Susan Elnora (from Minnesota and now in Virginia) are in my regular rotation. I don't always wear them together - but they do look great that way!; and love my LOOP earrings from Dottir Jewelry when I want a clean, modern look. |
...and even more Minnesota makers (or at least former Minnesotans).
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Clockwise from top left: I wear beaded earrings by Rubinski Works when I want swingy movement and a big splash of color; I love how cleverly made these earrings by Tova Lund (now in California) are - she uses folds and tabs instead of soldering; I so totally fell for these Sugar Skull Rings from Marisa Martinez's Calavera Collection that I had to buy two (!!) and now they are friends; statement earrings by Wazo Design's Lindsay Locatelli (now in Colorado) - perfect when you want people to notice your earring game! |
Are all of the designers in my collection from Minnesota? Oh, no ... of course not!
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I love these all white powder coated silver earrings by Ashley Buchanan that look like strands of pearls; and these edgy earrings with real snake vertebrae and cast sterling twigs by Anna Johnson. (I got to meet Anna when she was teaching a class at the Findings Symposium in Grand Marais, MN.) |
Now that I see everything together, a pattern is making itself clear - there are mostly earrings. I guess I'm a big earring person!
...and speaking of big earrings...
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These enamel and bead stunners from Seventh & Stone are the most recent addition to my collection! |
She's my dear friend and "show wife" (because I usually shack up with her in Baltimore when we do the American Craft Show) - Rachel Atherley also just happens to be one of my favorite designers! I have three pairs of her earrings ... and about 10 more on my wish list!!
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Clockwise from top left: My fabulous collection of Rachel Atherley earrings; Adam giving a thumbs up to Caviar earrings for our anniversary date night; sadly, I don't actually own these blue Kyanite Feather earrings, but I got to try them on when I was at Alchemy 9.2.5 for a trunk show - and now I just wish for them; and my sweet little gold Cat Fang earrings. |
And finally, one of my most prized possessions is my George Sawyer Wabi Sabi bracelet, given to me by my husband Adam. George has been a mentor to me in addition to being one of the most innovative designers out there, so the bracelet has extra special meaning. I loved the bracelet when I tried it on at George's studio, and Adam surprised me with it out of the blue ... over pizza one evening at one of our favorite restaurants! What a great guy!!
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Here's a closeup of my Wabi Sabi bracelet which I wear most days. I just can't get over how lovely it is! Shown with it is one of George's much earlier Mokume Gane rings, which I bought at a sample sale when I was still in college! (Lucky me to get it when gold was a LOT less expensive!!) And on the right, my new bracelet the night Adam gave it to me over pizza and wine. :) |
I am one lucky person to have assembled so many fun pieces by fantastic designers! And with a whole lot of artists whose work I love (and have yet to own), I certainly plan to keep adding to my collection!
Who are your favorite designers?