1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I've always loved making things. The first piece of jewelry I made was a pair of earrings for a friend's birthday in first grade. I grew up in a crafty household, learned traditional crafts in 4-H club, and went to school for Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Now, I make jewelry out of my basement studio.

2.What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

What makes my work unique is in the tiny details. I rarely use any pre-fabricated components, so I can say each piece is 100% handmade. I combine many processes, such as casting and lapidary, and use new and found objects to make jewelry that I want to wear. I think everyone has a personal making style and even if the artist can't see it, others do.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

I really love making jewelry from materials that already have a story. I’m constantly looking for small, forgotten objects that have come from the ground. Rocks, crystals, old pottery and silverware are a few of my favorite found objects.

4.What is your creative process like?

My process changes depending on the project I’m working on, or what I feel like making that day. I usually come up with ideas at very inconvenient times, so I write them down on scraps of paper until I can draw the idea in my sketchbook. I have pages of designs to reference when I get stuck. Sometimes I work very technically, drawing and measuring out a piece I have in mind. Other times, I dig through my stones and ceramic fragments to find a piece that inspires me, then I design jewelry around that.

5.What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

“Pretend to be making something until you actually make something.”

From Austin Kleon's book : Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I have been designing a new jewelry collection for this summer that I will be showcasing at Jackalope this July. The new line is inspired by my collection of antique drawer pulls, broken china and semi precious stones. Some of my favorite pieces include antique china rings and with sparkly agate pendant necklaces.

 7. Where can we learn more about you?

You can view my work at: www.instagram.com/spelunkjewelry