Tuesday, August 5, 2014
FASHION WATCH: Locally made jewelry, easily worn
In an era over-saturated with inexpensive costume jewelry from stores like Forever 21, Claire’s, Icing and Charming Charlie, it’s easy to think the art of local jewelry making is all but extinct.
This week, we delved into the Spokane fashion scene to prove that stylish jewelry is made and can still be purchased locally. Here are a few local artists you should check out. Of course, these are only a sample of the many local jewelry makers.
1. Finders Keepers II
Nestled in a cozy office behind the front desk, Rebecka Anderson — artist, crochet master and Finders Keepers jeweler — can be found constantly dreaming up and crafting new creations.
Known as Artesian Fox, Anderson is refreshingly enthusiastic about her art, trendy jewelry pieces and quirky pet squirrel, Earl Grey.
From a young age she was crafty. Growing up, she and her grandmother would get together every Sunday and work on a new project whether it was painting, crocheting or jewelry making.
“I obviously couldn’t decide which one is my favorite because I still do them all,” Anderson says
Anderson specializes in wire weaving, an intricate art form that involves bending wire into unique artistic designs like swirls, flowers or lines. From earrings to bracelets to necklaces, she makes it all.
Her jewelry prices range anywhere from $5 to $200, depending on the intricacy of the pieces (see pictures below for pricing examples).
She is also available to do jewelry repairs and custom orders. Her jewelry can be purchased in Finders Keepers II or you can contact her on her Artesian Fox Facebook page. You can also find Artesian Fox creations at Hopped Up Brewery’s annual event, Hopped Up On Art, Music and Beer, on Sept. 6.
2. Calamity Jane’s Boutique
The first things you experience when you walk into Calamity Jane’s Boutique are the soothing John Mayer-esque ballads, the fresh scents of an always-burning candle, the perfectly aligned racks of stylish clothes, and the large table and hanging fixture filled with modern jewelry designed by Donna Hauck.
Donna Hauck, the grandmother of Calamity Jane’s Boutique owner Sam Grimm, has been in the jewelry making business for three years. Her jewelry line, Repurpose Jewelry, is modern, affordable and stylish.
“Jewelry making is her hobby. She has always been crafty and loves making presents for friends, so she turned this excitement and her ideas into a jewelry business after she retired three years ago,” Grimm says.
The name Repurpose Jewelry comes from the supplies she uses; buttons around the house and new jewels she picks up from the store constantly inspire her. She loves taking beautiful supplies and finding a “repurpose” for them.
Donna Hauck also offers a more personalized shopping experiences, hosting jewelry parties upon request. The parties are similar to Cookie Lee jewelry parties — she sets up her jewelry supply at your venue so that you and your guests can shop and enjoy each other’s company. She also is available to create custom wedding jewelry.
Calamity Jane’s receives new jewelry weekly and prices range from $10 to $40. Donna Hauck can be contacted at [email protected].
3. Mel’s
At its new location in Wandermere, Mel’s is an eclectic boutique carrying a mix of clothing, furniture, giftware and jewelry. Following its spirit of diversity, Mel’s carries a large collection of jewelry ranging from pieces purchased in jewelry markets in Atlanta, Seattle and Vegas to pieces created by local designers here in Spokane.
“We usually find our local designers just by them walking in. If we like their pieces, we sell them in our store,” says Jennifer Griffith, Mel’s sales associate.
Two of their top-selling brands by local designers are Leather Cuffs, by Laurie Hamblen and Mishakaudi “Build-A-Necklace," by Marissa Lewis. Because of their popularity, Mel’s orders more of these brands every two to three weeks. Prices on most local brands range from $5 to $99.
To purchase some of these great local pieces head into Mel’s Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 7 pm and Sunday from, 11 am to 6 pm. For more information, contact Marilyn Brink, Mel’s jewelry buyer, at the store during weekdays.
Tags: Culture , Shopping , Spokane , local fashion , jewelery , Arts & Culture , Image
33 Artists Market @ The Wonder Building
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