Moose Spotlight: Jewelry Inspired by Wildlife and Places

"If you feel a strong pull to begin, then do it."

- Megan Carys Jones of @megan.carys.metalwork

 

 

MEET THE ARTIST

 

 

 

 

@megan.carys.metalwork on Instagram

 

 

 

 

Meet Spain-based jewelry artist, Megan Carys Jones. She has been doing metalwork for about a year now but she has previously worked with macrame. You can see her creations on Instagram @megan.carys.metalwork

 

 

 

 

THE JOURNEY TO CREATING JEWELRY

 

 

"I've always loved the idea of jewellery as a work of art that we can live in, something that gets passed down through generations, as each person gives it their own meaning." Megan's pieces are inspired first and foremost by the wildlife and wild places that make her feel at home, and the idea that we can carry some small part of these with us.

 

 

When Megan was just starting out, soldering was her first and biggest hurdle. She shared that it must have taken her about 20 attempts to solder a simple ring band. She said, "it drove me crazy but I remember that feeling of amazement and joy when I actually managed to do it." That ring was so important because it taught her that even though she might have to try over and over, she will find the way.

 

 

Megan recalled selling her very first piece to a friend she hasn't seen for a long time - she saw that particular piece on Instagram!

 

 

Megan has changed her brand name quite a few times and she feels she's still searching for the right one. For her, everything is so new and she's just starting to grow so she's very open to change. For the moment, she has decided to be herself and use her own name, and who knows, she said she might even stick to that!

 

 

Let's take a look at some of Megan's creations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handmade Jewelry by Megan Carys Jones of @megan.carys.metalwork

 

 

 

ARTIST'S DESIGN STYLE

 

 

 

Every time Megan makes a new design, she gets really excited by the process of bringing to life a simple sketch. She added, "I start thinking about all the other possibilities that have opened up now that I can do this."

 

 

THE DESIGN PROCESS

 

 

 

Megan has very little time but unlimited ideas. Megan explained, "Ideas can come anywhere so I often find myself scribbling on cafe napkins or writing a note on my phone. When I go hiking now I really pay attention to the different curves and forms of the landscape." The hardest part for her? It's sorting through this flood of inspiration and choosing which design to go with.

 

 

 

 

JEWELRY DESIGN TIPS, TRICKS, AND HANDY TECHNIQUES

 

 

 

What's one design tip you one to share with your fellow artists?

 

 

"I don't know if I have any real tips but I've noticed how my perspective in everyday life has changed to focus on details, forms and texture, especially when out in nature. For me this is an endless source of inspiration in the design process."

 

 

One piece of technical advice on creating.

 

 

"As someone in the early stages of this journey I've been learning a lot from videos and books and found that even among lifelong metalsmiths there are a plethora of ways of completing the same task. I'm learning to try out these different approaches and find what works best for me."

 

 

 

Any words of encouragement or tips to those who are starting out in the world of jewelry-making?

 

 

 

"If you feel a strong pull to begin, then do it. Everything can be learnt with time and perseverance."

 

 

Lastly, Megan's message to the universe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.carys.metalwork/

Check out her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EDAUjewellery