Destanie Martin-Johnson

A jewelry maker, a metal work teacher, a DIY book author. Learn more about Aisha Formanski, the woman behind Everthine Jewelry.

Brittany Foster of BMF Jewelry has been inspired by nature since her childhood days when she played in her family’s yard. Today she describes her work as having elements of both her experiences in the city and the swamp, the architectural and the natural.

Andrea Gharritt found inspiration for her brand Jac & Violet through the bold personalities of her maternal and paternal grandmothers, Jacqueline and Violet. Here she discusses how she bases her collections on people she meets who spark creativity, boldness and intelligence.

Founded by Juan Fried in 2014 after a lifetime of interest in sculpture, Metalarchill is a neologism that combines “metal” and “Larchill,” the historic name of the larch-lined, hilltop homestead where the Venezuela-born architect and designer lives and works.

Founded by husband and wife Jeanju Choi-Johnson and Joe Johnson in 2007, the jewelry designs of ITSNONAME—an anagram for Minnesota where they were both born and raised—are meant to tell a story and create a statement of self-awareness.

With a background in strategic communications, marketing, and advertising, Jordyn Diorio founded MEND in 2017 as a business that connects jewelry with customers in a meaningful way.

Jewelry artist Molly Spilane has been managing Unique Art Pendants for more than a decade. Having grown up watching her mother’s artistic practice and studying at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, Spilane enjoys the idea of wearable art and explores connections of memory and images in her work.

Twin sisters Kaja and Zoë Foat grew up in a family of artists who were also active in the outdoors, and both went on to study studio art and art history. Despite being separated by miles—Kaja lives in Minneapolis and Zoë in Charleston—together they run FOAT, an endeavor driven by their shared passions for sustainable and fashionable clothing.

A former news anchor, an art director, a jewelry designer: Robyne Robinson isn’t new to the local art scene. Meet the artist behind ROX jewelry and learn about how she incorporates her style in her statement wearables.

Having studied at Savannah College of Art and Design, worked with artists and gallerists in New York, and returned to her midwestern hometown, Claire Abitz creates jewelry (and other art objects) in a renovated police station in Hortonville, Wisconsin. In advance of the May 5 Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart, she discusses how she investigates the nuances of form, whether renovating an art space or creating jewelry.

“A beautiful mix of history, the natural world, and art, all in one medium.” Britta Kauppila, a featured artist in this Saturday’s Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart,  talks about how her upbringing on Lake Superior and her love of geological history brought her into the world of jewelry art.

Born in Hong Kong, educated in Europe, and now calling Minnesota home, milliner Karen Morris creates a range of hats from simple everyday to elegant, bold headwear. In advance of the Walker Shop’s Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart, we asked her to share insights on her technique and influences.

“My grandmother was an amazing sewer. I have a small jacket she made over 40 years ago that inspires me each time I look at the skilled workmanship she put into it. It pushes me to create both quality and durable items.” Julie Meyer reflects on her personal and artistic influences in advance of the Walker’s November 4 Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart.

“I’m a fairly quiet, introverted person. I think my personality is reflected in my work in that my designs tend to be understated. Even the statement pieces that I make are not ‘loud.’ I try to design my settings to highlight the focal stones that I use and not to overshadow them.” In advance of the Walker’s November 4 Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart, Jeannie Trelles reflects on how her personality plays into her work.

“Art is another form of communication. It can evoke a physical response from someone.” In advance of the Walker’s November 4 Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart, Maggie Thompson talks about the importance of discussion and art while reflecting on her own work.

“I’ve been called a ‘Swiss army knife’ for all the skills I possess, but I aspire to someday be a needle and thread.” Madison Holler discusses her peyote beadwork in advance of the Walker’s November 4 Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart.