Moose Spotlight: Weaving Maker Magic Through Beautiful Art
"I have loved art since I was a child. Even if I didn’t understand what it meant, I enjoyed the way it made me feel- how it made me feel a myriad of emotions and think all kinds of thoughts."
- Brandy Boyd
MEET THE ARTIST
Meet the artist behind BMB Designs, Brandy Boyd. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Brandy has been creating for 20 years now! You can find her creations under her IG handle, @bmb_designs.
THE JOURNEY TO CREATING JEWELRY
"My grandparents. They were very creative people," Brandy shared when we asked what inspired her to get started in creating jewelry. Her grandmother taught her how to make clothes so Brandy said that, of course, she had to learn how to make accessories as well. Her grandfather made jewelry occasionally and taught her how to make spoon rings when she was a kid.
When Brandy was just starting out, she recalled how hard it was to find information. She even remember checking out a book on medieval goldsmithing for like 10 times in a row just to get a little information. Most of what she did in the early days was trial and error! From this experience, she teaches people now so they don't have to learn that way.
"My initials are BMB and I like the symmetry of it," This is where Brandy got her brand name. She designed her logo with an art nouveau flair, explaining that it is is a type of art and jewelry that she is very inspired by.
Take a look at some of Brandy's beautiful creations!
Turquoise Jewelry by Brandy Boyd of @bmb_designs on Instagram
ARTIST’S DESIGN STYLE
"I design in a way that shows off the stone the best. I love rocks - especially fossils and I like to showcase their story," Brandy shared.
Here are a few more gorgeous creations by Brandy!
Handmade Jewelry by Brandy Boyd of @bmb_designs on Instagram
THE DESIGN PROCESS
For Brandy, she usually feels inspired by the stone(s) so she'll gather up stones that she thinks complement each other and go from there. Sometimes, she would even dream about designing jewelry and she has to wake up and sketch the pieces out so she remembers them. Brandy also shared that at times, it takes her months to decide on a design for really special stones.
When we asked Brandy to describe her design style, she said it's eclectic! She emphasized her love for art history so she is inspired by a lot of different aesthetics. She lets the stone dictate the style. Sometimes she has a modern look, sometimes art deco or art nouveau, and sometimes she just makes it up as she goes!
JEWELRY DESIGN TIPS, TRICKS, AND HANDY TECHNIQUES
What's one design tip you one to share with your fellow artists?
"Make pieces from your heart and the right people will find them. It's ok to experiment with different styles and to be inspired by different people in the journey of finding your own voice. You don't have to know what that is right out of the gate- it takes time and practice.
Any words of encouragement or tips to those who are starting out in the world of jewelry-making?
"Keep at it. Metal prices are always crazy, and it can always be reclaimed, so don't worry if you melt some. Buy the stones that make your heart sing, even if you're not ready to use them."
Finally, here's Brandy's message to the universe:
