This week on Shop Small Saturday Showcase, things are a bit different. Usually, I have an interview with a lovely shop owner and a few pictures of the wonderful handmade goods to share with you. However, when Jessica of Crow Jane Jewelry shared her workspace, I know that I needed to add a few more pictures to the final feature. After all, I love to celebrate handmade goods and the artistic process!
One other difference is that Jessica hails from Denver, which isn't exactly local for me. Still, I know some of you readers are from Colorado, so I'm just expanding my definition of local. :)
Here are a couple of items that are remaining the same. The interview reveals some fun tidbits, like the surprisingly tough part of making her pretty jewelry. Also, Jessica is offering a couple of goodies to my readers! One lucky reader will win one of her fabulous necklaces in the giveaway, and everyone will be able to save 20% off her entire Etsy shop! Stay tuned until the end of the post for the details.
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Tell me a little bit about yourself!
I am a jewelry designer, metalsmith and lover of all things sustainable, local and hand crafted. I am mostly self taught as a metalsmith and feel passionate about constantly trying new techniques and creating new designs. My jewelry pieces are inspired by the dichotomy between nature and industry and by the shapes of ancient cultures. Each piece is hand crafted with love and care in my studio in the Denver foothills.
Where did the name of your store come from?
My shop name, Crow Jane Jewelry, comes from an old blues song done by the likes of Skip James. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have a song also called Crow Jane inspired by the original. I am a musician as well and Crow Jane is one of my favorite songs to play.
Why did you start making goods for Crow Jane Jewelry?
I started making jewelry at a very young age. In fact, it's something that I've always done in one form or another. As a student in art school (studying sustainable design rather than jewelry design), I became more focused on jewelry design as a career and became making and selling my designs more seriously. My business has grown organically since then and is now my main gig which I feel so lucky and grateful for every day : )
What is your favorite item?
My favorite item is always the next sketch in my book. I get bored very easily and am always focused on the next thing which inspires me and keeps me moving forward. Right now I am obsessed with some super cool turquoise pyramid stones that I recently had cut and have been using them in rings, bracelets and necklaces. I am in love with the color, dimension and geometric character of the stones.
What is your most popular item?
Turquoise has always done very well for me but recently my ombre patinaed metal pieces have been rocking, such as the Brass Ombre Ladder Necklace, Ombre Brass Bangles, and the Ombre Three Arc Minimalist Necklace.
Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
I am inspired by everything around me. Nature and the colors and shapes that are infinitely and endlessly produced inspire me most. I work out of my studio at home and spend a lot of time in my yard. I am a beekeeper, gardener, and lover of nature and am always in awe and inspired by what I see in my little space in this world and by all of the creatures and forms that surround me.
What makes your store unique?
I think that my lack of formal metalsmithing training helps me to create unique designs. I don't necessarily know how to do things the right way so find my own way to bring to life the sketches that I am always drawing. I grew up in New Mexico and now live in Colorado but definitely still feel that the desert shows in my designs. I am very inspired by native shapes and designs and love to reinvent them in new, modern ways.
What is the toughest part about making your goods?
The trial and error process of trying a new design is always the most annoying but is also the most rewarding! Also, my arms do get tired after pounding metal for 8 hours straight : )
Do you take custom orders?
I do take custom orders and in fact am always inspired by the cool designs that my customers come up with. I can usually turn custom orders within a week.
Where can I see more of your work and buy a gift?
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/crowjanejewelry
Instagram: @crowjanejewelry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crow-Jane-Jewelry/298932886798092
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Now, can you see why I had to include extra pictures in the feature? I am such a fan of the designs and materials that Jessica uses, and I am ecstatic to have featured her amazing work! Now, for the first of the goodies I promised above! For 20% off any order at the Crow Jane Jewelry Etsy shop, use the discount code: SMALLBIZ20.
Now the giveaway is open to U.S. & Canadian residents over 18 years of age, and you have the chance to win the Brass Ombre Ladder Necklace below. Absolutely gorgeous, right? Just enter using the widget below!
Good luck!
My favorite piece is the Pyrite Point Necklace, maybe, there's so much cool stuff!
ReplyDeleteJane Crow designs are fabulous! Bought my first piece at a street fair. Her designs make spectacular gifts as well! Each time I've given as a gift, the recipient has fallen in love with Jane Crow Designs as well!
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