Moose Spotlight: Making Handmade Silver Adornments
"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun."
- Mary Lou Cook
MEET THE JEWELRY ARTIST
@lacebonejewelry on Instagram
This is jewelry artist Brii Tangedahl. Based in North Central, WA, Brii has been silversmithing since December of 2018. Her creations can be found on her Instagram account, @lacebonejewelry.
THE JOURNEY TO CREATING JEWELRY
Through Brii's whole life, she has been making art through various mediums She started making jewelry here and there when she was a teenager. She discovered that she could use agates she found on the beach, bones she found while traveling, and Brii wanted to make special talismans to carry with her.
She got inspired to start silversmithing because she wanted to make wearable art that could be passed down generations, adding "so that folks could have the feeling of carrying something special close to them, and one day pass it on to someone they love."
When Brii first started silversmithing, there were a lot of trial and error involved as she was self-taught. "I would say that if you love metalsmithing just keep going for it," she said. Brii also mentioned that you don't have to be good at it, you just have to love what you're doing. She mentioned how it takes time to learn different techniques and skills, in any craft you are always going to be learning, which is what makes it so fun for her.
Curious if there's a significant meaning behind Brii's brand name, she shared that she chose Lace Bone Jewelry because those are two of her favorite things. She said that she's inspired by both and she likes to incorporate them in her work. Moreover, she also really likes to make designs with stamps and wire that make the silver look like lace, and setting lace under glass cabochons, so that it is forever preserved, something that normally wouldn't be, Brii explained.
ARTIST’S DESIGN STYLE
Recalling her first AHA! moment when she was just starting out, Brii said that she had that feeling when she made her first pair of lace hoops. She said she had never seen anything like them before and she felt super proud of them.
There will always be something special about firsts, right?
Here are a few of Brii's stunning creations!
Handmade Jewelry Creations by Brii Tangedahl of @lacebonejewelry on Instagram
THE DESIGN PROCESS
"When I'm designing my jewelry I start with a piece of paper, my stamp pad, a pen and pencil," Brii shared. She added that she lets the things that surround her inspire her as she designs. She likes looking at the patterns in lace and nature. "Designing pieces is so fun, there are endless possibilities!"
Upon asking to describe her design style, Brii said that it's a mix between southwestern style and nature inspired. Stating that her work is heavily influenced by plants, animals, bones, and lace.
Take a look at some of her more beautiful work!
JEWELRY DESIGN TIPS, TRICKS, AND HANDY TECHNIQUES
What's one design tip you one to share with your fellow artists?
"When designing something, just go with the flow. Also if I think of a cool fun design when I'm not at the bench, I write it down, this helps to have lots of different ideas when I'm in the designing stage.
Any words of encouragement or tips to those who are starting out in the world of jewelry-making?
"If you are scared, it's ok. There is a lot to take in, but if it's really what you want to be doing then you will surely have fun with it. When you mess up or get frustrated, just know that happens to everyone, that's how you learn! If you are teaching yourself like I did, take plenty of time to research how to stay safe while using your torch and chemicals."
Lastly, here's Brii's message to the universe:
Follow her work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacebonejewelry/
Check out her website: https://lacebonejewelry.com/
