Loving: Marisa Messick Jewelry |
Metal-smith and jeweler Marisa Messick recently got in touch with me and I'm so glad she did! She is creating amazing things with metal and clay and I'm so excited to introduce you all to her beautiful work.....
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Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us a little about yourself...
Hi! I’m Marisa, the owner and maker of Marisa Messick Jewelry. I have a degree in Craft and Material studies with a concentration in jewelry from Virginia Commonwealth University. I recently moved from Richmond, VA to Eugene, Oregon where I live with my boyfriend and our two dogs.
How/when did your shop get started?
Once I moved to Oregon in the fall, I set up my jewelry studio in my house. Having my studio space so close to me has made me really focus on what I want to accomplish and getting my shop started.
Tell us about your process. What inspires your designs? How do you create your jewelry?
Nature is such a big influence on my work. Right now I’ve been really inspired by crystal clusters, coral and honeycombs. I am constantly looking for new colors, shapes or patterns that I find in nature to incorporate into my jewelry. Once I have an idea that I’m excited about I’ll spend a lot of time sketching, planning and making sure I know exactly what my plan is. Usually my finished pieces will look almost identical to my sketch.
You have so many great pieces! Do you have a favorite?
Thank you! My favorites right now are the black crystal cluster earrings (below). I’ve been wearing them everyday. They are pretty light, small and unobtrusive, which makes them great for everyday wear, yet they are interesting and unique enough to stand out and a little something to an outfit.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists/designers? How about someone looking to open an online shop?
I’m a pretty new shop myself and some days can be a little bit discouraging. Every day I have to tell myself to not give up and to keep persisting. Rejection means that you at least tried. Something that I am continually practicing is patience… good things take time.
The best thing about owning your own small business?
I think the best part is that I have complete control over how everything looks, from my jewelry, to my images, to packaging. It’s so much fun to be constantly experimenting to see what does work for me and what doesn’t.
What can we look forward too? Anything new in the works?
I’ve been looking for different ways to introduce some color into my work for spring. I recently bought a kiln so I’ve been playing around with enameling. I'm hoping to have some fun new jewelry out soon with enamel and gemstones.
Just for fun, how about some rapid fire questions? Answer with the first thing that pops in your head. GO!
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I'm completely in love with Marisa's jewelry... especially this cluster ring… and these stackable rings! Her pieces are beautiful, original and made my hand... and lots of love! I'm super excited to see the Spring line and can't wait to see what she does with that kiln!
For more about Marisa Messick Jewelry:
+ Visit the shop!
+ Get inspired - follow her blog.
+ Like Marisa Messick Jewelry on Facebook.
+ Follow along on Instagram
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i love the cluster ring too! but all her pieces are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHer jewelry is amazing! It has such an organic feel to it. She used to live so close to me; Richmond is only about an hour and a half from me! Thanks for introducing me! I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh these pictures are stunning. And the jewelry! I just love that silver cluster ring
ReplyDeletewow really gorgeous!! Thanks for the intro, Jess!! I'm off to browse her shop now :) Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteWow, such gorgeous jewellery! I love the polymer clay pieces, such beautiful, intricate shapes, really unusual, and they remind me of something from my childhood, though I can't think what!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so lovely!!! I love getting a peek into other creatives' workspaces and seeing a bit of their progress. Thanks for sharing this :)
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful !! I love how organic they look, and how intricate they are !
ReplyDeleteGreat interview too, makes me want to start my own small business !
Thanks,
Victoria
Wow! Such unique and interesting pieces.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
This is such a pretty store!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great read! All of Marisa's jewelry pieces are gorgeous!! Can I just buy them all haha? :)
ReplyDeletep.s. mint chocolate chip ice cream is seriously the best flavor. ever.
What gorgeous pieces! I love the textures and prints on those stones.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Becca | Ladyface Blog
Beautiful pieces and so unique too! Love discovering new designers/artists!
ReplyDeleteher jewelry and design aesthetic is really awesome!! thanks for sharing i will have to put some stuff on a wishlist :)
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