Today I'd like to introduce you to Valerie Tyler of Miscellanea, I found her shop the other day and I find her work absolutely amazing. So full of texture and different metal tones, which I love! I got to chat online with her a bit and learn a bit more about her and her collections. I also handpicked a few of her pieces to showcase here to give you a feel for what she creates. Gorgeous right?! {You should see her other collection... amazing. More on that below!}
So Valerie, when did you start designing or how long have you been creating jewelry?
"I took a jewelry course in college for a fun elective. It wasn't until well after I finished grad school that I decided to pursue jewelry design as more than a hobby. I went full time with my jewelry design last year and now it's my primary business"
So Valerie, when did you start designing or how long have you been creating jewelry?
"I took a jewelry course in college for a fun elective. It wasn't until well after I finished grad school that I decided to pursue jewelry design as more than a hobby. I went full time with my jewelry design last year and now it's my primary business"
What inspires you and your work?
"My home is South of Cleveland, right next to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, so I am inspired by both the cities industrial, rustbelt history as well as nature. You'll find influences of both in my work. In addition, I like modern style and simplicity so you'll find many of my pieces are minimalist or geometric in design."
"My home is South of Cleveland, right next to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, so I am inspired by both the cities industrial, rustbelt history as well as nature. You'll find influences of both in my work. In addition, I like modern style and simplicity so you'll find many of my pieces are minimalist or geometric in design."
Tell me about your collection, what might I not know at a glance browsing through your shop?
"I actually have two distinct lines of jewelry. My eponymous line features my higher end sterling silver jewelry which I also exhibit at art shows. Everything in that line is completely handmade. Even my textures are all entirely hand-forged with various tools versus using a rolling mill. My Miscellanea line allows me to explore current design trends and I'll frequently use vintage materials and raw gemstones."
"I actually have two distinct lines of jewelry. My eponymous line features my higher end sterling silver jewelry which I also exhibit at art shows. Everything in that line is completely handmade. Even my textures are all entirely hand-forged with various tools versus using a rolling mill. My Miscellanea line allows me to explore current design trends and I'll frequently use vintage materials and raw gemstones."
What are your personal favorite materials and colors to work with?
"Many of my pieces use recycled or repurposed sterling silver in the efforts to be eco-friendly. I also love uniquely shaped and raw, natural gemstones so I will frequently hunt down unique gems."
"Many of my pieces use recycled or repurposed sterling silver in the efforts to be eco-friendly. I also love uniquely shaped and raw, natural gemstones so I will frequently hunt down unique gems."
What do you do when you're not designing stunning accessories?
"I'm actually a mother to be, so right now there is some major nursery preparation underway. As part of that journey I've also branched out using all the social media and marketing skills I've developed from running my own business (as well as a background in management) to create a blog called Motherhood in Progress where I could share both journalism, photography and social marketing related to motherhood.
Since going full time with my jewelry I have had a piece featured in US weekly, won my first art show award (a judges selection award at the Cain Park Arts Festival) and will get to sit on the jury of an upcoming art show. It's been busy, but exciting."
"I'm actually a mother to be, so right now there is some major nursery preparation underway. As part of that journey I've also branched out using all the social media and marketing skills I've developed from running my own business (as well as a background in management) to create a blog called Motherhood in Progress where I could share both journalism, photography and social marketing related to motherhood.
Since going full time with my jewelry I have had a piece featured in US weekly, won my first art show award (a judges selection award at the Cain Park Arts Festival) and will get to sit on the jury of an upcoming art show. It's been busy, but exciting."
If you want to see more of Valerie's beautiful work, make sure you visit her shops below. Yes, she has two as she mentioned above. And I promise you, you don't want to miss that other shop... even more absolutely stunning work.!
www.miscellaneabyvalerie.etsy.com
www.valerietylerdesigns.com
Oh and here's a special treat from Valerie - see something you like? Use code POLKADOT for 10% off her Etsy shop!
www.miscellaneabyvalerie.etsy.com
www.valerietylerdesigns.com
Oh and here's a special treat from Valerie - see something you like? Use code POLKADOT for 10% off her Etsy shop!