Monday Mosaic: Bracelets Bangles Cuffs

curated by Susanne from enchantedhue

Hammer Textured Wide Brass Cuff Bracelet by PrunellasWorkshop

Hammered Silver Bracelet by Linkouture

Simplicity Bracelet by Lushbeads

Oxidized Sterling Silver Sparks Cuff Bracelet by CristinaHurley

Bracelets are my favorite pieces of jewelry. I wear them almost every day. From felt to brass, copper, silver, white gold, fabric, and gemstone; extra wide or narrow stacked; sleek modern or intricate vintage; tribal, ethnic, kitschy - I love them all!

Monday Mosaic: Around in Circles

curated by Sharon Fischer, Stray Notions

1. Sterling Silver Necklace with Mobius Spiral & Freshwater Pearl, Linkouture

2. Simplicity Bracelet - Silver - Lush Beads Industrial, Lush Beads

3. Hammered circle earrings ecofriendly recycled sterling silver, Beryllina

4. Boyfriend Ring Sterling Silver Wide Band set with CZs, Cristina Hurley Designs

October Birthstones: Tourmaline and Opal

by Laurie Lynn of Beryllina

an INCREDIBLE collection of pink, green, and watermelon tourmaline on display in Maine

October babies are lucky enough to have two birthstones, and both can be mined in the USA! Tourmaline exists in a stunning array of colors (pink, green, and blue, to name a few), and each variety has its own unique name. Some of the most common in Maine are:

Elbaite - green tourmaline

Rubellite - pink tourmaline

Indicolite - blue tourmaline

Schorl - black tourmaline

Watermelon tourmaline - tourmaline crystals with a pink center and green outer later

One of my favorite things to do is go mining for tourmaline in Maine. This necklace is called "Mountain Treasure" and I handmade it entirely with a fabulous "elbaite" crystal that is terminated (has a natural point) that I mined there.

"Mountain Treasure" necklace with eco-friendly recycled silver and Maine tourmaline by Beryllina

Another interesting fact is that tourmaline can be "pleochroic", meaning it can be different colors when looking at the stone from different directions (for example looking from the side versus through the end of the crystal). This means that a gemcutter has to be mindful to intentionally cut the stone in the direction to display the color he/she wants to showcase. Here's an example of pleochroism in one tourmaline crystal that my husband Jared and I mined in Maine this summer:

Pleochroism in Maine tourmaline crystal, mined by Laurie Lynn in 2014

Pretty cool, huh?

Opals are beautiful stones too, and are also found in several varieties. What makes some opals unique are their "play of color" (enhanced by their high water content), though this stunning rainbow of colors is not found in every variety of opal. Australia is most well known for their abundance of fiery opals, but they can also be found in the US in Idaho and Nevada. One variety without the rainbow flashes is named Fire Opal (rich red, orange, and yellow), and this can be found in Oregon and Washington. Here are a few samples of Washington Fire Opal that I have yet to set into jewelry:

 Fire Opal from Washington state

Like I said, October babies have some fabulous options for birthstones! Which do you prefer, opal or tourmaline?

Lowell Open Studios

by Liz Stewart of Lush Beads

Once a year, the artists of the city of Lowell enjoy a citywide celebration of art known as Lowell Open Studios. This year, over 170 artists at 14 venues across the city are participating.

BH member Liz Stewart owns Lush Beads Industrial and has been creating her funky jewelry designs with new and repurposed hardware for about 4 years. "While I still have a fondness for beads and beading, the hardware is what is speaking to me right now," Liz says. You will find her in studio A-205 at the Western Avenue Studios. You can also see some one-of-a-kind pieces at the Wearable Arts Extravaganza on Saturday October 4 starting at 6:30 PM in the Onyx Room at Western Avenue Studios.

BH member Leanne Tremblay owns Loomination and weaves intricate and lovely scarves and home decor. Leanne says, "I am working on a large custom order for a home decor store in Nashville and getting ready for a busy holiday season - I have lots of shows planned and my work will be featured at the annual holiday show at Craftland in Providence." You can see Leanne's work at the Arts League of Lowell Cooperative Gallery located at 307 Market Street.

Lowell Open Studios runs from 11-5 each day. Free parking and shuttle bus service is available. Visitors will be able to take a shuttle to Western Avenue Studios as well as the ALL Cooperative Gallery to visit both Liz's and Leanne's work in person.

Interview with Boston Handmade Member Melissa Glick

by Melissa Glick of Hacker Junk Creations

BH: Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).

MG: Hi, I’m Melissa Glick, I live in Central Sq Cambridge with my ltbf Sean and work out of the Artisan’s Asylum (huge maker space) in Union Sq Somerville. I have been involved with the Nave and Nave Annex, www.navegallery.org two all volunteer run galleries in Somerville for over 10 years.

BH: What is your background? (family background, education, former/current day jobs)

I am a youngest child. Grew up in Lexington and studied Art History at SUNY Purchase and at The American College & Parsons in Paris. I have a masters in Art Education from Mass College of Art. I didn’t have the temperament to be a school teacher so instead I managed educational programs at cultural institutions including: Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, Arts in Progress, The Boston Public Schools, Mass Alliance for Arts Education, Boston Ballet, ICA and The Museum of Fine Arts. My grandfather went to Cooper Union and my sister inherited the sewing talent and makes costumes.

BH: How long have you been doing your artwork/craft?

I’ve been doing Hacker Junk Creation for almost 3 years. Previously I did photography. I learned to work in the dark room in high school. I was an early adopter of the digital medium and spent many hours experimenting with Photoshop. I may not know how a computer does it’s magic, but I sure know how to take them apart!

BH: Describe your work.

I transform old computer parts and recycled paper into assemblages, mosaics, tiles and clocks. I play with pattern, perspective and illusion by combining a plethora of 3D abstract shapes, colors and materials found in e-waste with 2D imagery from my personal collection of cultural relics.

BH: Please describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc).

When I took apart my first computer I was amazed to find so many unusual abstract shapes made of many kinds of materials in many beautiful colors. I was immediately reminded of some of my favorite artists, Bauhaus, Louis Nevelson, Mondrain. Along the way I have learned techniques for attaching and manipulating the materials involving lots of tools, woodworking and recently 3D design software and the CNC Router. My work is about visual connections, playing with shapes, patterns and composition.

BH: What are your favorite materials?

What’s not to love about a shiny hard drive platter that makes a beautiful tone when you tap it? Stators look like snowflakes and come in original copper, blue, green and even red. I especially love the tiny little bushings and other connectors with geometric cut outs.

 

BH: What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I studied Art History and have amassed a collection of images of art and other graphics that attract my eye. Its an alchemy of bringing together obsolete mechanical parts with the line and color of beautiful images. The first time I saw the plastic sheet under a key board I immediately thought of Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie-Woogie. By incorporating reproductions of works of art I am giving them new life and reinterpreting them in my unique manner.

BH: How do you promote your work?

Open studios at the Asylum brings over 300 people in. We also host other events where people can see my work displayed by my space. Being involved with the Nave Gallery provides exhibition opportunities and keeps me in touch with the community where I learn about new projects to get involved in. The Somerville Arts Council www.somervilleartscouncil.org supports the artist community by producing many wonderful events and projects to get involved with. I have a website at: Melissasglick.com.

BH: What’s your most interesting fair/show experience?

The Trash Bash! This was the 2^nd year # Graces Productions put on the event. Artists who work with recycled materials get to display and the audience votes for their favorite piece in many categories. There are bands and information about recycling. These are my people!

BH: Why should people buy handmade?

Something handmade has a unique quality and is endowed with the spirit of it’s maker. Being creative and making the world around us more beautiful is a very valuable skill.

BH: How long have you been involved with Etsy and what have your experiences been?

I opened my store in 2008 but never really used it until 2012. I have sold 2/3’s of my work to people in San Francisco, which is totally awesome. I have watched some videos about marketing and love the whole international craft marketplace economy phenomenon, but I wouldn’t consider my experience to be a success. My Etsy shop is called Melsplace, come visit!

BH: Name your top five books, movies, songs/musical groups, and web sites

MG: Websites: http://beautifuldecay.com, www.lostateminor.com, whatshouldireadnext.com, www.thisiscolossal.com, www.sca-roadside.org, www.instructables.com

Movies: Amelie, Roman Holiday, Big Fish, Almost Famous, Train Spotting, Usual Suspects, City of God, Black Swan, Borat, Moonrise Kingdom, School of Rock, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Break Back Mountain, Blood Simple.

Songs: Regina Specktor: Eet, Dylan: Knocking on Heaven’s Door, Bruce Springsteen: Thunder Road, Decemberists: Cinnamon

Books:Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern, Traveling with Pomegranates SM Kidd & AK Taylor, People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks, Song of Chameleons, Truman Capote

BH: Is there anything about you that would surprise people to know?

I was an extra in the Martin Scorsese film The Departed. You can see me just over Martin Sheen's left shoulder as he exits the South Station T station.

Why Handmade: The Birthday Tiara

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

I have been living with a two year old Dr. Princess. She hits you, and gives you a pretend shot of medicine and a kiss to make you feel better. She doesn’t wear a stethoscope because she doesn’t have one. Instead, she wears her latest tiara. You can obtain a tiara for a dollar in a variety of craft stores. They break easily, but at least they are fun. However, when Mommy is a jewelry designer/metalsmith, you really need a real tiara, right?

In the meantime, I have an online friendship with a lady who I have never met in person. She lives just far enough away, it may never happen. She received wind my daughter was in need of a stethoscope and decided she wanted to give her one as a birthday present. My friend is currently undergoing cancer treatment, and she loves the idea of encouraging young girls who have expressed any interest in the medical field. Just turns out, I love the idea of encouraging middle aged women to feel like little girl princesses again. I decided matching tiaras was in order.

Making jewelry for children to sell is a very complicated expensive process due to requirements for product safety testing- specifically lead. As such, Prunella’s Workshop refrains from making items for children. However, this does not preclude making items for my own, as I am aware of what materials I am using in my work none of which contain lead. I determined brass to be the most appropriate metal for the circumstance. I don’t work in gold, and this would be an exceptionally expensive tiara if I did. Sterling silver may yield a higher quality item, but brass would give me the gold color best suited to my design. Brass is also a harder metal, which will hopefully be more durable to the hard play of a child.

Cheap plastic tiaras made for children often have a lot of bling. I wanted a design that would appeal to the eyes of a child, but would not be so over the top there was no possible way a grown woman would be willing to wear it. I accomplished this with the gold color, and incorporating one big stone instead of one hundred faceted stones. I chose blue glass due to the rich color against the brass, and the durability of the stone. It is harder to scratch a glass stone than many semi precious stones I had available, as it is harder. I am hoping this tiara will still be around that she may give it to a daughter of her own one day. I cut and shaped small flowers for other parts of the tiara for added interest.

I still needed to be certain I made the tiara over the top enough for a little girl while remembering the matching one was for a grown woman. The band for my daughter’s fits her little head perfectly, while the other band is adult sized; however, the focal point is the exact same size in every way from the flowers to the loops to the center stone. By making them the same size, instead of scaling my daughter’s down, the child focal point appears much bigger.

Now here is where it became interesting. Both of my girls were aware I was making a tiara. I needed my friend to know why her tiara was special once she received it, and I have shared pictures of my daughter’s tiara with her. She has no reason to believe there are two. Meanwhile, I needed my daughter to understand her new tiara was more special than her old ones. I didn’t let her see it, but I let her know I was going to go work on it again. The excitement in her voice has been priceless.

I had never made a headpiece before, but I am quite pleased with the results. I believe I will be making more in the future, as all women should feel like a princess on occasion. In the mean time, the only thing that would make this project better is if I had a picture of the princesses together!

Mining Garnets for Jewelry

by Laurie Lynn of Beryllina

To make my jewelry as eco-friendly and socially-responsible as possible, I mine many of the gemstones myself. This past weekend, my husband Jared and I went mining at a crushed stone quarry in Maine. Neither Jared nor I love mining at commercial quarries, as we don't enjoy seeing this large scale disruption of the natural Earth. But during this visit, we realized that we are glad to have been there, to rescue the amazing crystals that were created by the Earth from being crushed for gravel. Here's a picture of a perfect garnet, exactly how I found it. Isn't that color and shape incredible?!

Sometimes the garnets can be found loose, as in the photo above, and other times they are still in the host rock. Jared found a large rock that contained many small garnets, which he removed very carefully using a chisel and small sledge hammer.

It took some time to remove the garnets, but he was very happy once he got them out!

Here's a picture of one of the gorgeous garnets he removed from that large rock.

I can't wait to use this beautiful little gem in a piece of jewelry, using eco-friendly recycled sterling silver. I'll be sure to post it on my website and share photos with you once I do!

Cambridge Arts Invites you to its Sixth Annual Cambridge Open Studios: this Weekend!

by Bev Feldman of Linkouture

For the first time since its inception, all of the Cambridge neighborhoods will be coming together for Cambridge Open Studios this weekend.  On Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 artists across the city will be opening their homes and studios to the public. You will have the opportunity to sample the wonderful variety of art that Cambridge has to offer including paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, photography, and of course, jewelry. With Mother's Day just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to find a beautiful handcrafted present for that special mom in your life!

I am excited to be exhibiting my jewelry for the second year in a row in my home studio (which is conveniently located just a short walk from the red line), where I will be selling my handcrafted modern chainmaille jewelry including bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I will be offering a number of pieces at reduced prices, as well as some brand new pieces that are made primarily from recycled sterling silver. 

Proudly displaying my jewelry last year at Cambridge Open Studios

In addition to physical art, there will be two Performing Artist Showcases, which will features theater, tango, poetry and musical performances. (I'm a little bummed to be missing out on these!)

Open Studio hours are from 12:00noon to 6:00pm both days. Click here for a complete listing of artists participating, and download the smartphone app for information on the go!

I hope to see you there!

A Collaboration between Jeweler and Dog Collar Maker

by Kerrie Beck of Cody's Creations

In June of 2013, I moved my studio from my home to Natick Center. At 43 Main Street I share the floor with a tutoring center, a jewler, a silversmith, a wordsmith and a lampwork glass artist. Such an array of talents gives the studios of 43 Main a fun and diverse feel. Often we meet in the common area to bounce ideas, show our new work or just have a chat.

Liliana of Liliana Bead came into my studio to talk out a project she was working on, a necklace intended to be worn at prom. She needed spacers for the beads to give it the look she wanted, so after a few minutes I had made for her little ribbon beads. The fabric beads were the perfect accompaniment for her glass beads.

Announcing a very special line of jewelry by Linkouture

by Bev Feldman

One of the things I love most about being a member of Boston Handmade is how genuinely interested the members are in supporting one another. It is a dynamic group of people who really want to see everyone succeed, and when we come together great things happen.
At our February meet-up we each went around and gave an update on our businesses and used this as an opportunity to ask each other questions and provide feedback. When it came to my turn, Lucie Wicker, who is an amazing fitness photographer, asked if I was making any more fitness jewelry after seeing pictures I had posted on my Instagram account of a custom order I was working on. Up until that point, it really had not even occurred to me to continue making fitness jewelry, though I really enjoyed making this new piece. At everyone's urging, an idea started to form. Members started throwing out ideas, and my excitement over the idea began to form. I knew I had to act fast.
With that, I am so excited to announce the debut of a new line of fitness jewelry Linkouture will be offering. In honor of the Boston Marathon happening next month, I will be kicking off the line with a limited-edition runner charm bracelet available for order between now and Monday, April 21 (the date of this year's marathon). 

Runner bracelet by Linkouture

Made from recycled sterling silver, this chainmaille bracelet features a hand-sawed runner charm, and proceeds from each bracelet will be donated to the One Fund Boston. You can read the full story behind the bracelet here, and pre-order them on my Etsy shop.

Monday Mosaic: Spring, the Sweet Spring

curated by Susanne Guirakhoo of enchantedhue

Black Eyed Susan - Beaded Anklet by LushBeads
Bluebell or Bellflower Brooch of Felted Wool by straynotions
Pin Brooch - Black Eyed Susan by jilljburns
Sterling Silver Lotus Ring with 5 mm Garnet by CristinaHurley

Long awaited, it's almost here:

Spring, the Sweet Spring
(by Thomas Nashe)

Spring, the sweet spring, is the year’s pleasant king,
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The palm and may make country houses gay,
Lambs frisk and play, the shepherds pipe all day,
And we hear aye birds tune this merry lay:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The fields breathe sweet, the daisies kiss our feet,
Young lovers meet, old wives a-sunning sit,
In every street these tunes our ears do greet:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to witta-woo!
Spring, the sweet spring!

Why Handmade: How We Make Earrings

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

Earlier this month I was at the JP Centre/South Main Streets Valentine's Day Pop Up shop, where I was selling my jewelry. I was again surprised by how many people are surprised to know that I make all of my handmade metal jewelry. I do not purchase components and attach them, and finished product was not made in a third world country and shipped to me. I realize, however, prior to eight years ago, I would not have believed I really made everything myself, either. As such, I have decided to share a bit of the process in making heart-shaped earrings for the holiday.

1. In my studio, we have the capability of casting our own sterling silver ingots, forging, anneal, and then rolling the ingot through our rolling mill to the desired thickness. For earrings, I typically use 20-gauge thickness, or thinner. Earlobes can be fragile, and rip from earrings that are too heavy. By keeping my metal thin, my earrings can be larger.
   
2. Hearts are fairly easy to draw. I take a scribe, and draw a heart on the metal to the desired shape. If I’m uncertain, I can start with a black sharpie. I pierce the shape with a well-waxed jeweler’s saw.
   
3. I file the edges of the heart, to smooth out any wobbles or sharp edges caused by the saw. Once the shape is perfect, I trace the heart with my scribe on the metal, so that the second earring will match the first. If I prefer the earrings not to match, I can just scribe the second heart. I pierce the second heart, and file the sharp edges.
   
   

   

   
   
4. I drill a hole with my flex shaft in the earrings where I want my ear hooks to attach later.
   
5. For this design, I am going to give the earrings a slight dome. Even the slightest dome makes the earrings stronger, and less likely to face damage. Presently, it is likely the metal is work hardened. To dome it in it’s present state, I run the risk of cracking the metal. I will need to anneal the earrings with my torch.
   1. I flux the piece with boric acid to prevent fire scale
   2. I light my torch and heat up the earrings with a small circular motion so that the heat doesn’t get directed to one spot and melt the silver.
   3. I quench the metal in cold water, and place in a pickle bath.
6. Once out of the pickle, I stamp the back of the earrings with a .925 stamp and my maker’s mark; my way of showing that the piece is sterling silver and made by me.
   
   

   

   
   
7. I can dome the earrings, using a doming block, punch, and hammer. Sometimes the first shape achieved is sufficient depending on the design. However, for a higher dome,
   additional annealing can be required.
8. I bend my earring wires with sterling silver that we drew down to size with a drawing plate (and lots of annealing!)
9. The earrings and ear wires are placed in a tumbler with water, soap, and steal shot for a few hours. When it comes out, it is work hardened, and unlikely to bend. The earrings are attached to the ear wires, polished, and ready to go!

There you have it! I’m ready to wear heart earrings on my date tonight with that special someone.

*Disclaimer: These directions are not written with a true beginner in mind. I do not recommend attempting this project, unless you have knowledge of proper torch use, and some direction in using a jeweler’s saw. Furthermore, sterling silver is available in sheet and wire, without making it myself; however, there is no better way to have a great variety of sizes in stock, once one starts working in any quantity.

Maine Tourmaline in Handmade Jewelry

by Laurie Lynn of Beryllina

Just yesterday I finished handcrafting another round of jewelry for the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum (MMGM), which will be opening in Bethel, Maine later this year. The tourmaline that the MMGM sent me to work with is so beautiful! These were all mined at the same quarry, the Dunton Mine in Newry, Maine. The Dunton Mine sits on Plumbago Mountain, and is a beautiful place that I had the great pleasure of visiting in 2013. The view from the mine was spectacular!

Here's what tourmaline looks like "in matrix", aka in the host rock where it grows. This is black tourmaline, also called "schorl". Pink tourmaline is also called "rubellite" and blue tourmaline is also called "indicolite". Pink tourmaline with a green tourmaline outer layer is called "Watermelon Tourmaline"!

I'm looking forward to spring when the ground thaws and it will be time to go mining again. Maine has a lot to offer, including beautiful gemstones, don't you think?

Metalsmith Mind: How to Burnish or Flush Set Stones

by Cristina Hurley

I was asked by a number of people to try to create a tutorial on how I set stones into my jewelry. I took my very "low tech" (or so I thought!) Power Shot camera and created this video... I did it in one take:

The response has been incredible. Whether you know how to make jewelry or not, I think you will enjoy this little movie and learn a little bit about my process! I take great care in making jewelry that is interesting, unique, and ALWAYS handmade. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show!

Want to make your own How To video? It's easy and so fun to do! All I did was put my camera on a tripod, I set it up, zoomed in on my hands and bench, and pressed play! If your camera has the movie icon, you can make your own how to video.

Here is the finished product! Like what you see? You can find my designs online at Cristina Hurley Jewelry or in person at:

554 Washington Street

Canton, MA 02021

781-562-1853

Thanks for watching!

Why Handmade: Rings and Things

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

Lately, I have been hyper-focused on building my inventory. I don’t need to just make new pieces; I need a lot of them. For the last couple of months, I really focused on creating new earrings. I fabricated earrings until I couldn’t see straight, and then I made some more earrings. I didn’t think I could come up with any more designs that could dangle from your ears.

I have now moved on to rings. I am still in the beginning stages, having only made a few over the last week or so. I haven’t grown tired of how many different ways someone can wrap a piece of metal around their finger and call it a ring. I’m enthusiastic this will be even more fun than earrings.

Boyfriend Ring by Cristina Hurley Designs

Rings are easily my favorite type of jewelry, both to wear and to make. Depending on the design, and your activities of choice, they can be the least obtrusive adornment. Admittedly, I have seen outrageous designs, such as a tree growing three feet tall from the base of the ring, but this is not the norm. They can be worn every day, or on special occasions. There are rings with highly symbolic meanings, such as promises, engagements, or marriage. They can be very expensive, and of high quality, or a plastic spider ring from a cereal box.

Recycled Argentium Sterling Silver Apple Blossom Flower Ring by Beryllina

And we mustn’t forget the fun of the mood ring. I have spent more hours than I should allow myself to admit, testing my mood ring, so it can tell me how I am feeling-because you know, I can’t figure it out myself without a ring.

Rings can have a remarkable presence, such as the cocktail ring. There are spinner rings to relieve stress and anxiety, for people who like to click their pens repeatedly. They can be stackable. A ring can be delicate. While we typically think of them being perfect circles, there is no requirement the two ends join at all. They can even connect to a bracelet, a design I hope to explore at some
point.

Mad as a Hatter by Prunella's Workshop

They are also a very personal piece of jewelry. You can buy anyone a necklace as a gift. Earrings aren’t too difficult, as with very little research, you can determine the recipient has pierced ears. However, rings require a little more investigation, as you need to know their ring size.  Typically, a ring, as a gift, is a symbol of love, whether it be romantic, such as an engagement, or familiar, as in a mother’s ring. More so than other types of jewelry, you will find it’s wearer usually has a story to every ring they wear. For example, I have my great-grandmother’s sapphire ring. I was the first great grandchild, first granddaughter after eight grandsons, and sapphires are our birthstone. Also, by some miracle, I was able to find the sapphire when it fell out of the ring on the back staircase of my dorm, the last night of college. All of my rings have similar stories.

Do you have a ring with a story? What is your favorite type of jewelry? Are you building your inventory too?

Sterling Silver Beach Stone Ring by Linkouture

Maine Tourmaline, Amethyst, and Beryl Jewelry Designs

by Laurie Lynn of Beryllina

In designing and fabricating jewelry using only gemstones that are mined in America, I often use stones that were mined in Maine, which has a rich variety of gorgeous stones from which to choose...a rainbow of tourmaline, amethyst, and beryl to name a few. 

In a beautiful moment of synchronicity, I connected with the folks from the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum (MMGM), which will be opening in 2014 in Bethel, Maine. This world class museum will be focused on preserving and exhibiting Maine mineral specimens, gemstones, and historical documents that tell the story of Maine's mining history. I am honored to be creating jewelry for the Museum's gift shop that features their beautiful Maine gemstones.  

After receiving a lovely little package of precious stones from MMGM, I got to work designing. First, I made several sketches for each stone, then I selected my favorite design for each and emailed the Museum for approval. Once I got the go ahead, I headed to my studio to get started. I fabricated each piece by hand, using all recycled sterling silver, and embellishing with hand engraving, hammering, or oxidizing. Each piece also features my hallmark, a hummingbird, and a 925 stamp to indicate sterling silver. 

Now that the first four are complete, I'm on to the next round of sketches. The stones are so beautiful, they are such a treat to design for!

Why Handmade: Special Family Edition; An Interview with Duane Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

Our families and our upbringing can have great impact on who we are as artists as well as the future artists we may create and inspire. Every once in a while I plan to interview an artist regarding art in their family, both current and growing up, to shed light on the different places artists come from.

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Duane Mohney, the other half of Prunella’s Workshop, as well as a member of my family – specifically my spouse. Duane is in a unique position as he did not enter the handmade lifestyle from an art background. Duane has a degree in computer science and he is a full time software engineer; however, he is an integral part of Prunella’s Workshop, a business that may have otherwise never existed without his input.

Needless to say, it was an interesting experience to interview my own husband, as I had to be cautious to not finish his sentences for him! While the majority of the interviews have been performed via cyberspace, Duane Mohney was present during his interview, and I have done my best to capture his responses as he stated them. I hope you enjoy!

Duane Mohney working at the jeweler's bench

 Prior to meeting me, would you describe your family to be creative/handmade/artistic?

“Artistic is not a word that I would associate with my family. Craftsman would be more appropriate.”

Which of your family members inspired you to pursue a craft?

“I would say my father, the handyman, who has always had a “do it yourself attitude” has been the best inspiration towards my being crafty, specifically, woodworking. Interest in woodworking led to the photo printing classes in school, and a general introduction to craftwork. My father taught me you do it yourself or you do without. It was a financial necessity growing up, but it was still inspirational.”

(Duane’s father should be the poster child for the handmade movement. He helped his grandfather build his mother’s house, and when Duane’s father was ready to settle down himself, he built his own.)

A Do It Yourself (DIY) project done in our home. Duane built the mantel piece and I tiled the fireplace.

“My maternal grandmother did counted cross-stitch as referenced in an earlier post. Counted cross-stitch is a craft more so than an art and she was exceptionally skilled in her craft. At one point she had met one of the pattern designers for one of her larger works. The designer was so impressed by the quality of her work, that she asked her to do a couple more of her designs.”

How did you come to find yourself immersed in metal work?

“We had just met Liz Stewart of Lush Beads and you had wanted to make some jewelry. You picked up a lot of supplies and made some beaded things, but it wasn’t what you were looking for. We were at dinner with our friend, Anton, who had his chasing work with him. We began talking about classes, which led me to do some research on Metalwerx and Worcester Craft Center, as well as what would be required to be able to do this in the house. I bought you a class at Metalwerx for your birthday, and the instructor gave you homework. Watching you make metal jewelry at home made me realize it would be a nice small scale way for me to “do it yourself” in the condo and get out my own crafty itch. From there, it has just spiraled, or as they say in traditional wood working groups, ‘It’s been a slide down the slippery slope.’”

What is it like being part of a creative team with your spouse?

“My role in the creative team is more of a craftsperson. I implement your vision, and research what is needed to apply that vision to become reality, so that you have the resources needed. Given that, the 90% of the time that I am carrying out the artistic vision of the designer, it works well. It can be frustrating when I’m having an original moment and I don’t like the input I am receiving from you. I can’t be a diva and throw a fit because there is no where to go but to the rest of the house.”

Pendant by Duane Mohney; Photo by Duane Mohney. Duane is also a skilled photographer

Was there someone in your life who, while not necessarily crafty in their own right, pushed and encouraged you on your path?

“Craft is not a career for me; therefore, I would not expect someone to push me in that direction. By day, (and night sometimes) I am a software engineer, and drive a keyboard most of the time. Craft is a physical and mental break for me and I can direct my creative release in a business-positive manner, which is an added bonus.”

Do you feel your skills as a software engineer come into play with your craft?

“I don’t feel that my skills as a software engineer come into play specifically, but I certainly feel that some of my educational background effects how I think about problems in the studio. I have a very engineering detail oriented approach to jewelry making.”

Do you feel it is our responsibility as craftspeople to pass along our skills and knowledge to future generations?  If so, how?

“I do feel it is our obligation as skilled workers to pass on the tips and tricks that we have learned so that future generations can discover something new. We invite our son into the shop and let him participate in safe parts of our jewelry making. We participate in online forums discussing problems and solutions.”

Passing our skills down to our next generation; our son hammering a new pendant

How do you pass along the love of what you do to other people?

“When we are out trying to sell our work we tell our customers the story of ‘why handmade.’ Why did we do something this way, how did we do it, and what is our vision.”

Do you feel it is more important to pass along your specific skill set?  Or a respect for craft/art in general?  How can either be achieved?

“My specific skill set may or may not be worthy of passing on, but an appreciation of craft needs to be passed on. As craftspeople, we can help this by educating our customers in the benefits of locally produced handmade goods, and why keeping it local is important.”

Duane Mohney at the jeweler's bench

Silly question for fun – what was it like to take a fine art drawing class?

“My past education included both technical drawing as well as CAD, which forces you to think about objects as you know they exist, whereas fine art wants you to draw it as you see it.  My lizard brain is technical and I don’t see the foreshortened image in my head. When I analyze what is before me, I see the isometric view. It was really hard for me to see the foreshortened image.”

What is your favorite part of metalworking?

“Molten metal. It is the juxtaposition of the fluid state and the solid state. Flowing yet ungiving.”

Cast Viking Turtle Brooch by Lynn and Duane Mohney; Lynn designed the turtle, and Duane cast several pairs. Photo by Duane Mohney 

What other DIY crafts are you involved in?

“As I alluded to in an earlier question, traditional woodworking is another interest of mine. By traditional woodworking I mean hand tools not consuming electricity. This choice to not use power tools is two fold; first it is possible to do more in a smaller space with hand tools and secondly it is safer.”

Why do you do more than just metal?

“Because I can. Woodworking would be the first craft that I practiced in a serious manor, and when I moved east, I didn't have the space to have a shop and borrowed shop space when needed. The research into jewelry instruction lead me down many side paths, and I discovered the traditional woodworking movement by accident. It struck a chord, and I've follow the path, not as seriously as the metal work, but certainly sliding down the slope.”