Upcycling vintage objects into jewelry

Random Facts About You?

In college, I wanted to be the next Emily Dickinson.

I won a trip to Paris, London and Edinburgh in 1999 and also visited Exeter and Ottery St. Mary.

My wonderful beach-filled life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast ended in 2005 when Katrina hit.

I have rescued around 8 dogs including the ones I've adopted.

I have a fetish for British men.

What got you started crafting?

In 2001, I wanted to make medical bracelets to match what I had in my wardrobe. After making a few, I wanted to make other things, so after buying more books and tools, my passion grew and gave me a sense of purpose more than any other job has. In 2008, I decided to make this a full-time job and to this day have not looked back!

Today, my primary purpose in designing and making jewelry is to “upcycle” found objects in such a way as to create pieces that evoke meaning and joy. My secondary purpose is to express my love of nature through metal and wire.

What is your source of inspiration?

I have used vintage postage stamps, old keys, watch faces, hymnals and books in my work. It is wonderful to see an English teacher’s face light up when she finds a necklace made with a calligraphy pen nib. It warms my heart when a family member’s face softens when I return their grandmother’s costume jewelry redesigned for their generation, but still evoking fond memories.

In my metal and wire designs, I use copper, brass, bronze and aluminum. I use the first three metals because I love the different colors they produce when annealed. When a customer picks a piece made from metal, they notice the details and value the hard work I put in which satisfies my creative soul.

What have you made recently?

I made a long necklace for a lady that uses old hardware in her work with three different metals, an old painted keyhole and a rusty copper key. I sprayed an acrylic solution to keep the paint from peeling off the keyhole and so rust from the key won't rub off. She picked out the keyhole and key for me to use and when I brought it back to her, she loved it! I love making custom pieces!

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I submitted my work to the Mississippi Craftsman Guild for potential membership, so I hope I can start selling there soon. For now, I go to local arts & craft shows and sell on my official website as well as my Etsy site.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

1) Helps the environment - machines require more coal to burn which destroys the ozone layer and increases climate change.
2) A relationship with the artist. You know where your items were made and who to bring them back to if they should break.
3) Handmade work is far more appreciated by those who own it.
4) Not MASS produced and more likely to be one of a kind.
5) You help an artist from starving. ;)

Find Me

Location
United States

Email Address
Suzanna McMahan

Personal Website
http://suzannamcmahan.com

Store Website
http://suzannamcmahan.etsy.com

Twitter
@suzannamcmahan

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzanna-McMahan/130001610410545