In anticipation of the Walker’s first Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart Online, Saturday, May 16 through Sunday, June 14, we’re highlighting some of the 24 local makers and artists whose hand-crafted designs will be featured and for sale on our website.
Aisha Formanski has worked in the jewelry making industry since 1994. Her passion for creating jewelry inspired Everthine Jewelry, which she opened in 2010. She also instructs jewelry making and metal working classes, and is the author of the book, Punched Metal Jewelry, 20 Clever and Easy Stamped Projects.
How did you know you wanted to pursue jewelry making?
I was drawn to jewelry making when I was very young and never looked back. It started with beadweaving when I was 10 years old and pivoted to metals when I was 14. After high school I pursued jewelry making by attending Minneapolis Technical College’s jewelry manufacturing program and then Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, where I got my bench jeweler certificate. I have been either working in the DIY jewelry industry or for myself ever since.
What were the early stages of your business like?
I had a day job and would make jewelry at night and on the weekends. I participated in a few markets every year. Looking back on that time I laugh. I remember how much doing two or three markets a year stressed me out. I do two or three markets in a month now (or I did before COVID-19)!
What’s the story behind the Everthine brand name?
My Great Auntie May owned and ran a flower shop in Los Angeles for 50 years called Everthine Flowers. When she passed away I knew that my new business would carry on the name. The origin of Everthine for my Auntie May was as follows:
After his death in 1827, the following love letter was found among the personal papers of Ludwig van Beethoven, penned by the composer in July of 1812 while staying in Teplice. The letter’s unnamed recipient—Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved”—remains a mystery.
Good morning, on 7 July
Even in bed my ideas yearn towards you, my Immortal Beloved, here and there joyfully, then again sadly, awaiting from Fate, whether it will listen to us. I can only live, either altogether with you or not at all. Yes, I have determined to wander about for so long far away, until I can fly into your arms and call myself quite at home with you, can send my soul enveloped by yours into the realm of spirits—yes, I regret, it must be. You will get over it all the more as you know my faithfulness to you; never another one can own my heart, never—never! O God, why must one go away from what one loves so, and yet my life in W. as it is now is a miserable life. Your love made me the happiest and unhappiest at the same time. At my actual age I should need some continuity, sameness of life — can that exist under our circumstances? Angel, I just hear that the post goes out every day—and must close therefore, so that you get the L. at once. Be calm—love me—today—yesterday.
What longing in tears for you—You—my Life—my All— farewell. Oh, go on loving me—never doubt the faithfullest heart
Of your beloved
LEver thine.
Ever mine.
Ever ours.
What’s something you are adamant about teaching your students?
I believe it’s really important to pass on traditional hand crafts. There are fewer and fewer schools and programs that teach arts and crafts. The possible loss of these trades and skills is why I teach.
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Everthine Jewelry. Courtesy the artist
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Everthine Jewelry. Courtesy the artist
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Everthine Jewelry. Courtesy the artist
What is one of your favorite messages you’ve made on your jewelry?
“The darkest nights produce the brightest stars” and “I’m fucking crushing it.”
What’s an ongoing or current challenge you’re facing as a jewelry maker, and how do you work to overcome it?
As I pivot my business to 100 percent online I am tackling producing social media videos to connect to my customers, photography and editing, optimizing my website, and leaning into marketing strategies like never before. I miss the face to face interaction with my customers and will be very happy to get back out there when it’s safe to do so.
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