Investing in Growth

Annie Johnston

One thing I love about the process of creating handmade jewelry, is that it is a constant exercise in refinement. On a macro level, we see a beautiful finished piece of jewelry, but the refinement truly begins on a micro level, building the piece tiny step by tiny step. It’s these slow and microscopic decisions, adjustments, and refinements that create the foundation of a beautiful piece. 

This concept is applicable to ourselves as well. We invest in the tiny foundations of our being that allow us to show up in our lives as the most vibrant versions of ourselves. Resting, engaging in a favorite hobby, spending time with loved ones etc. they all fill our cups so that we can move forward each day. This year, in the interest of investing in some of my own micro foundations (aka my skills as a jeweler), I’ve decided to attend a three month jewelry program in Tennessee.  

This program is something I’ve wanted to do for years and an intense deep-dive into the technical foundations of making jewelry. Advanced stone setting techniques, jewelry repair, and gold and platinum fabrication are just some of the highlights, but overall the program teaches a well-rounded approach to making jewelry with a strong emphasis on technique and craftsmanship.

All of the material is taught by folks who have worked in the industry for decades. They teach with incredibly meticulous attention to detail, and lots of genuine warmth and encouragement. It is honestly a really special place.

Up until now I’ve developed my skillset by teaching myself through trial and error, adding in various short-term classes structured around a specific technique when compelled. I look at this process like an unintentional proof of concept, and the natural foundations on which I‘ve built my practice. I’m proud of this path and see it as a confirmation of my passion for the art form, and my resiliency to stay with it when things get hard. With this backbone, I know that learning these advanced skills will allow me to improve the craftsmanship behind my work, and to execute more intricate designs in the future. 

As of now we're at the half-way point, and the experience so far has been simultaneously humbling and challenging. Humbling because I’m relearning everything I think I’ve known, and challenging… well, for the same reason. But also, these skills are definitely tough at first and that can feel a bit disheartening at times, especially being used to the familiarity of techniques I've known and practiced for a while now.

I’m realizing that we don’t often have these kinds of experiences as adults, and that can make us feel really vulnerable and even cause a bit of a momentary existential crisis. I'm learning that making the choice to put ourselves in an uncomfortable situations can be a catalyst for real and life-changing growth.

One of my favorite parts about designing and making jewelry is the beautiful, lasting connections that often spring from the process. Jewelry is a vehicle for storytelling and I am so grateful to be able to share this part of my creative journey with you.  My hope is that it inspires you to invest in a part of you that you've been wanting to nurture, building stories of your own. In the meantime, I look forward to sharing more about where all of this goes from here! 



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