VOL. 4 2019 GRANT PUBLICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 – 2019 FINALIST COLLAGE 5 – WINNER EMMA ELIZABETH JEWELRY 11 – Q&A WITH EMMA ELIZABETH 13 – LOT 28 17 – S. HOWELL STUDIOS 21 – SAMANTHA SLATER STUDIO 25 – YOTÉ JEWELRY 29 – C ASSONDRA JUSTINE 31 – C HRISTINE BATES JEWELRY 33 – COLLEEN ELIZABETH DESIGNS 35 – GILLIAN TRASK JEWELRY 37 – LEO HANDCRAFTED GOODS 39 – GUEST JUDGE - LIZ KANTNER 41 – GRANT TIMELINE Front & back cover jewelry by Emma Elizabeth
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Jewelry by Samantha Slater Studio
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GRANT
Emma Elizabeth Jewelry WINNER
Lot 28 TOP 5
Leo Handcrafted Goods
Gillian Trask Jewelry
TOP 10
TOP 10
Samantha Slater Studio TOP 5
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Colleen Elizabeth Designs TOP 10
S. Howell Studios TOP 5
Christine Bates Jewelry TOP 10
Cassondra Justine TOP 10
YotĂŠ Jewelry TOP 5 4
EMMA ELIZABETH JEWELRY
Emma Elizabeth Hoekstra 2019 Winner, 2018 Top 5 Finalist
EmmaElizabethJewelry.com EmmaElizabethJewelry EmmaElizabethJewelry Emma_Eliz
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Hello, I’m Emma and I utilize traditional metalsmithing skills to create wearable art. I enjoy working with bold lines, angular organics, and fabricating dimensional geometrics to create modern elegance. Every single piece is made to stand out and meant to encourage, uplift and build confidence. Jewelry making has been a formational journey for me that started in a dark time in my life and continues to evolve. After losing my boyfriend in a car accident, jewelry making turned into my own form of therapy. It allowed me to work through my grief and continue to create as I navigated life without him. My loss fiercely grounds my work. We all have stories, we all have the hard stuff. You can hide it or choose to share it with others. That is one of the reasons I do this-to connect with people, share my story and hope that my path to jewelry making can be an example of what happens when you open yourself up to being led in spite of your grief.
Visionary Earrings Sterling silver & variscite
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EMMA ELIZABETH JEWELRY
Visionary Cuff Sterling silver & shattuckite
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Visionary Necklace Sterling silver & moss agate
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EMMA ELIZABETH JEWELRY
Asymmetrical Earrings Sterling silver & vanadinite
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Structural Ring Sterling silver, variscite Structural Resilience Cuff Sterling silver & rosarita
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Q&A WITH EMMA
How have your life experiences influenced your work and business? After losing my boyfriend at age 21 to a car accident, I was forced to reshape the way I live my life. One realization that has stuck with me since his death is that there is no better time than right now. Evan didn’t get to live out his hopes and aspirations... This is at the core of what influences me to live into mine and I strive to do so in his honor.
What mentors, artists and teachers have inspired you? There are four women who played vital roles in my success that come to mind right away. Those women are, Renee Zettle-Sterling, Beverly Seley, Julie Sanford and Lisa Lehmann. I am so fortunate to have studied/ worked under these remarkable women. They never stopped believing in me or challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone. Their generosity to share their knowledge so openly is infectious and it has inspired me to do the same with what I have learned from my experiences. I could not have asked for better role models, mentors and friends.
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What did you learn about yourself while preparing for the grant? The whole process of applying and reapplying for the Halstead Grant taught me that I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. I’ll never forget my mom saying to me after finding out the amazing news, “your hard work and perseverance paid off.” It was the best feeling to let her statement sink in. I could not help but feel a sense of achievement and pride overcome me. It has been a really affirming journey and I am so grateful.
What was the most difficult grant application question for you? The most difficult grant application question for me was “Detail your sales goals for the next three years in both revenue dollars and piece quantities. Also, detail your anticipated business costs.� To be completely honest, numbers can be very intimidating, they tend to make me clam up and get really emotional. I have learned that it is okay to get help and delegate tasks like financial metrics to those who are good at them and hopefully I can learn a thing or two along the way.
How will the grant help you succeed? The grant application process has already propelled me forward in my career substantially by teaching me how to lay a proper foundation for my business. The business plans I submitted over the past three years have helped me hone in my goals, creating the perfect business strategy for me and my brand. I am excited to continue to see the results that come from this prestigious award.
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What do you imagine for the year ahead? I am imagining a very eventful year filled with travel and the unknown. I applied to a lot of new to me Fine Art Fairs this year that will hopefully have me traveling around quite a bit. One of my all-time favorite things is selling my art in person. I love when I meet someone who really connects with my work or my story, it is so rewarding.
LOT 28
Jocelyn DeSisto
2019 Top 5 Finalist
Lot28Design.com Lot28Design Lot28Design
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Jocelyn DeSisto is a social entrepreneur, technologist, and artist. DeSisto graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2017 with a BFA in Jewelry Design. She founded Lot28, a contemporary New York based design studio, in 2018. The identity of Lot28 was forged from the community, family, and environment that she was raised in. With the mission of creating lasting social change, DeSisto established Lot28 to unite people in taking positive environmental action through the lens of contemporary jewelry. Photoautotrophs Necklace Sterling silver & resin
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LOT 28
Organelle Ring Sterling silver & resin
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Superdrop Earrings Sterling silver & resin
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S. HOWELL STUDIOS
Stephanie Howell 2019 Top 5 Finalist
SHowellStudios.com SHowellStudios SHowellStudios SHowellStudios
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The intricate details of botanicals such as the floral whorls of lupine and the delicate veins of an aspen leaf inspire me to transform raw materials into wearable works of art. The lost wax casting process allows me to create carefully handcrafted silver fossils, preserving plants indefinitely. These exquisite textures form the foundation for my distinctive designs. Gold accents provide elegance while semi precious stones purposefully add color. Each piece of jewelry is carefully handcrafted with intention and exceptional attention to detail in hopes of making people feel unique, beautiful, mindful and connected. By featuring subtle beauty in my work, I aim to encourage people to take a closer look at the world around them. Bordered Leaf Necklace Sterling silver, 14kt rose gold, & labradorite
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S. HOWELL STUDIOS
Bordered Leaf Earrings Sterling silver, 14kt rose gold, apatite, & kyanite
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Leaf Cuff with Stones Sterling silver, 14kt rose gold, moonstone, London blue topaz, labradorite, & apatite
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SAMANTHA SLATER STUDIO
Samantha Slater 2019 Top 5 Finalist
SamanthaSlaterStudio.com SamanthaSlaterStudio SamanthaSlaterStudio SamanthaSlaterStudio
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Each piece of Samantha Slater Studio jewelry is designed and handcrafted using sterling silver, 14k gold-filled, and brass. Samantha’s jewelry features clean, minimalist geometric lines in which she combines metal with playful hammered textures and hand-painted finishes. The most prominent motif in her collection is a circle with a line running through it—to Samantha, the circle symbolizes movement, balance, and the cycle of life, while the line symbolizes the divide between our conscious and unconscious minds. Samantha draws inspiration from architecture and mid-century modern design, literature, and music. She is highly influenced by her background in art, dance, and choreography, as well as her childhood growing up in South Africa. She is exceptionally proud that her hands touch every piece of jewelry that leaves her studio. Samantha’s intention is to create pieces that make the wearer feel unique and beautiful and which have the craftsmanship to last a lifetime. Allos Earrings Sterling silver & brass
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SAMANTHA SLATER STUDIO
Oh Necklace Sterling silver & 14kt gold-filled
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Turrim Earrings Sterling silver & brass
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YOTÉ JEWELRY
Leah Prada Harrison 2019 Top 5 Finalist
YoteJewelry.com YoteJewelry Yote.Jewelry
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Jewelry is more than an accessory. It is one of the few art forms that becomes integrated into another person’s identity. For this reason I think it is very important to create pieces that are rooted in quality and integrity. Every time I sit down at the bench I envision where the piece of jewelry I am creating will end up. I envision it being passed down through families for many generations. I imagine the individual who wears it feeling confident and strong. Jewelry is also special because it requires the involvement of all four elements in order to create it. The materials themselves come from the Earth, Fire is what joins the materials, Water quenches, and Air has to properly flow in order to have a safe work space. The combined use of all elements furthers the harmonious nature that must be present to successfully create a piece of jewelry. I find so much value and power in this process. For me creating jewelry is far more than a creative expression. It is a meditative and spiritual process resulting in a product that I am very grateful to share with the individuals who purchase my work. Aphrodite Necklace Sterling silver & onyx
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YOTÉ JEWELRY
Isis hoops Sterling silver & onyx
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Duplicity Ring Sterling silver & oxyx
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CASSONDRA JUSTINE
Cassondra Justine
2019 Top 10 Finalist
CassondraJustine.com CassondraJustineJewelry CassondraJustine
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Cassondra Justine evolves around the empowerment of strong women. Women and crystals are both shaped through unbelievable pressures, both forming from chaos to create perfection. Each piece in this collection is inspired by women who have shaped my life as well as strong women around the world. Each 3D printed and cast sterling silver crystal is created and named with the intention of bringing courage, strength and resilience to the wearer on a daily basis. Large Strength Hoop 18kt gold-plated brass Large Courage Stack Ring Sterling Silver
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CHRISTINE BATES JEWELRY
Christine Bates 2019 Top 10 Finalist
ChristineBatesJewelry.com ChristineBatesJewelry ChristineBatesJewelry
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I believe that jewelry and adornment have value that goes far beyond the sum costs of materials and labor. They are an art form, and therefore a source of joy and self-expression. Wearables are unique in their ability to become part of everyday life for the collector. My work showcases visual elements that are usually found in two-dimensional media, such as drawing and painting. Contour lines, value gradients, and color washes are all featured in my collection. As an artist with roots in 2-D disciplines, this is a natural part of my design process, but it also underscores jewelry’s position in the art world as a whole. Watercolor Necklace Sterling silver, watercolor paper & pigment, & resin Stalactite Ring Sterling Silver
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COLLEEN ELIZABETH DESIGNS
Colleen Schwarz 2019 Top 10 Finalist
ColleenElizabethDesigns.com ColleenEDesigns Colleen.Elizabeth.Designs
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Combining my love for jewelry and nature, I create jewelry using repurposed materials such as recycled silver, scrap acrylic, flowers, fabric, and handmade paper. I compose messages within each piece, using the language of flowers, to speak to the wearer and their surroundings. Whether it may be emotions or things they want to cultivate in their life or remind them of a special someone, or an occasion. Orbital Ring Sterling silver & assorted gemstones Sundial Earrings Sterling silver
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GILLIAN TRASK JEWELRY
Gillian Trask 2019 Top 10 Finalist
GillianTrask.com GillianTraskJewelry Gillian_Trask_Jewelry Gillian_Trask
The process of fusion of metal walks this beautiful and intense line between the reticulated silver, and complete melted destruction. It is in the process of controlling the heat and walking that fine line that I create unusual forms and shapes that are organic in nature, and yet fiercely strong in feel. Often, the uniqueness of the piece lies where the metal melts and chooses its own path, which also speaks to the empowerment of the piece itself. Quorra Necklace Sterling silver & Anastasia topaz Quorra Cocktail Ring Sterling silver & Anastasia topaz
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LEO HANDCRAFTED GOODS
Bethany James 2018 Top 10 Finalist
LeoGoods.com LeoHandcraftedGoods LeoHandcraftedGoods
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This collection of jewelry is an investigation of the vulnerable, natural inconsistencies discovered when visualizing imperfections of materials. The reticulation process of sterling silver lends to human and material error. The simple designs push boundaries of balance, while keeping the focus on the imperfection of texture. When inspecting these reticulated and textured forms up close, the detailed imperfections start to surface. These works of wearable art are uniquely handcrafted in sterling silver, 14k gold, and precious gemstones. Ripple Fold Hoop Earrings Reticulated Silver, Oxidized Silver Illian Brooch Reticulated Silver, Oxidized Silver
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GUEST JUDGE
Liz Kantner Stay Gold
LizKantner.com Liz_Kantner
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Liz Kantner’s true passion is working with independent jewelry artists to help them thrive in the modern marketplace. While not an artist herself, Liz has the utmost appreciation for fine jewelry makers and loves to work one-onone with her clients to help them tell their authentic stories and achieve success. She particularly enjoys the opportunity to work with emerging designers who have unique vision and a contagious passion for the work they create. Before finding her way to the jewelry industry, Liz studied Marketing and Communications at Drexel University. Already blogging in her spare time, Liz’s post-graduation entrance into the world of professional marketing led Liz to discover the possibilities of combining her marketing education with her affinity for social media. A cross-country move led Liz to her first jewelry industry job: Digital Marketing Manager for legendary jeweler Todd Reed in Boulder, Colorado. During her years at Todd Reed, Liz fell in love with the jewelry industry. Liz left Todd Reed to launch Stay Gold in 2016. She moved to Asheville, NC, and started accepting jewelry brand clients and freelance work. She also has experience with tradeshows. Liz curated the New Designer Gallery for JA New York and the Designer Jewelry section of Premiere. She’s been featured in JCK Magazine, INSTORE Magazine, and National Jeweler.
2019 grant judging committee going over applications.
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GRANT TIMELINE Emma Elizabeth Jewelry
Emily Shaffer Studio
Top 5 Lot 28 S. Howell Studio Samantha Slater Studio Yoté Jewelry
Top 5 Emma Elizabeth Lemak, Inc. Stacy Rodgers Jewelry VLM Jewelry
Top 10 Cassondra Justine Christine Bates Jewelry Colleen Elizabeth Designs Gillian Trask Jewelry Leo Handcrafted Goods
Kristen Baird Top 5 Alexandra Scarlett Jewelry Emily Shaffer Studio Kelsey Grape Stacy Rodgers Jewelry
ENJI Studio Jewelry Top 10 Alexandra Lozier Lucia Pearl Jewelry Made Line Jewelry Co. Tenzabelle VLM Jewelry
Top 5 Kristen Baird Nikki Nation Jewelry Olivia Shih StudioSophiaSophia
Samantha Skelton Jewelry Design
Erica Bello Jewelry
Top 5 Bonde ENJI Studio Jewelry LettersToSarah Metalsmithing Seth Papac Jewelry Tenzabelle
Top 5 Amy Brandenburg Studio Duchess Leigh JPHii Design Seth Papac Jewelry
Top 10 Alexandra Lozier Lucia Pearl Jewelry Nicolette Absil Olivia Shih VIELA, Ltd
Sculpturings Top 5 Jewelry by Brett Nicolette Absil Jewelry JPHii Design Naomi McNeill Jewelry Duchess Leigh
Top 10 Alexandra Scarlett Jewelry Elana Jovero Jewelry Lou Jewels Sarah Zentz Jewelry Tin Haus
Top 10 Alexandra Scarlett Jewelry Bohemi LettersToSarah Metalsmithing Stacy Rodgers Jewelry Tara Hutch Fine Jewelry
Top 10 5 Oaks Studio JW Metal Arts kFroet Designs Sara Gallo Jewelry VAH Jewelry
Susan Elnora Top 10 Sara Gallo Jewelry Little Miss Pepper Designs Amber D Harrison Studio Symbology by Alice Scott
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Top 5 Jenny Reeves Sorensen Silver Fine Art Caitie Sellers Metalsmith Jamison Rae Jewelry
Top 10 Rosemary Mifsud Jewelry JW Metal Arts JPHii Design Catherine Grisez Jewelry Zoa Chimerum Jewelry
Layne Designs Top 5 Ellen Himic Filomena Demarco Jewelry Gogh Jewelry Design Kendra Renee Jewelry Design Lisa Robin Jewelry
Cowboy’s Sweetheart Top 10 Feherenbach Jewelry Julie Mauerer Sterling Echoes Wraptillion
Top 5 DMH Design Joana Miranda Studio Lisa Robin Jewelry Tiffany Kunz Design
Bridgland Studios
VOSTENAKstudios Top 5 Danielle Meshorer Erica Stankwytch Bailey Heather Guidero Jewelry Rock Love
Top 10 Carrier Pigeon Jewelry Enchainements Layne Designs LESS Wear Ever Custom Jewelry
Top 5 Black Mountain EC Design Fuzzishu
Top 10 Anna Balkan Jewelry EC Design Elixir9 Lisa Robin Jewelry Sophia Sun Jewelry
Top 10 Jules Kincaidesigns Magboo Val Damon
Belle Brooke Designs
Ananda Khalsa Jewelry
Top 5 Alyssa Norton Jewelry AranMade Elle LeSavette LMG & Co. Yen Jewelry
Top 5 Agrigento Just So! Only Lauren Zina Kao Exclusives
Top 10 Erin Gallagher Inc Molly Shattuck Thomas Terra Tesoro The Irish Jewelry Company
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Top 10 Carmen Rose Jil Joy O Designs Karen Peled Yen Jewelry
Special thanks to the 2019 Halstead Grant jury Guest Judge: Liz Kantner Suzie Halstead Hilary Halstead Scott Kelli Vanyek Greene
The 2020 Halstead Grant is calling for entries now. The deadline for submissions is August 1. Watch for next year’s winner and finalist announcement in September 2020. Thanks in advance to Sarah Rachel Brown for joining the jury as our guest judge.