Eight years ago, I used my first butterfly wing by chance. Someone had given me a wing that they found on the beach and I kept it in my studio for inspiration. One day I chose to incorporate it into one of my sculptural castings. I didn’t realize then that it would change the direction of my life and create a full-time jewelry business that I love.
Working primarily with butterfly wings, leaves and feathers, I create pieces that highlight each element's natural beauty while expressing my love of color. I design jewelry around nature, preserving it with hand cut glass and casting materials. I am able to take something that might only have a fleeting moment in time, and turn it into lasting one of a kind jewelry.
Butterflies are often symbolic to those who wear or collect them, evoking renewal, transformation, change, or special memories. I love that there is something that pulls people closer to look at the striking colors and patterns of natural history.
PopkoShop jewelry reuses safely sourced, real butterfly wings that were originally raised for conservation or public education in live Butterfly Conservatories, natural gardens or farms. Raising butterflies for conservation increases the longevity of each species. All butterflies used are naturally expired and of safe origins. Some butterflies live for a short 2-6 weeks, some (like monarchs) can live up to 6-9 months if not actively breeding.
It’s important to know that the butterflies I use are from safe sources, as butterflies have a fragile existence.
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I love what I do! I live in Western Massachusetts and work full time making jewelry. Im the hands and the heart of the business, I am the photographer, shipping department, customer service, graphic designer, social media and craft show coordinator. I design and create everything you see. I'm also the youngest of 5 sisters, and we all share the creative & entrepreneurial spirit. They keep me fueled for the handmakers fires!
I earned a Fine Arts Sculpture Degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2000. When the steel, plaster, cement and welding supplies wouldn’t fit in my space, my work got smaller...and smaller...until I found something that made me tick - adorning people with natural jewels.
I sell my work online, at several boutiques across the US, and Northeast craft shows.
On my days off...wait, I have a toddler, those are rare! I had a daughter at the end of 2014 and my life and business have changed, and it's a hilarious juggling act, and it was a total turnaround and Im still getting my bearings with running my full time business. Now that shes a wee toddler, Im spending more time in the studio at the artist mills and balancing this circus, and its been great. I do get out to take hikes, help my dad with his latest art installations, or cheer on my multi-sport loving better half.
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In 2012, I was selected as a Bear Fest Artist for the City of Easthampton, MA. This was my second time working with the Easthampton City Arts
to adorn a fiberglass bear with my mosaic work for a public art project. In 2009 I decorated my first ‘baby’ bear, which raised over $5,000.00 at auction- for the City Arts, local arts programs, and schools (total raised was over $60,000!). See the 2009 photo progress here.
Most recently, I decorated a large bear with a colored mirror mosaic, which was located on the lawn of the Easthampton Savings Bank, the largest sponsor of the event. Luminous was sold at auction in September for over $4,000. I am proud to say that my bears raised the most bids at both auctions! The 2012 Luminous Bear photos are here.
What do I actually do? The FAQ page tells it like it is:)
MEET YOUR MAKER
interview by Sarah Platanitis: How did you get your start? How did your business go from an idea to what it is today? What inspires you to create?
If you just can't get enough of me, read the full interview HERE!
Working primarily with butterfly wings, leaves and feathers, I create pieces that highlight each element's natural beauty while expressing my love of color. I design jewelry around nature, preserving it with hand cut glass and casting materials. I am able to take something that might only have a fleeting moment in time, and turn it into lasting one of a kind jewelry.
Butterflies are often symbolic to those who wear or collect them, evoking renewal, transformation, change, or special memories. I love that there is something that pulls people closer to look at the striking colors and patterns of natural history.
PopkoShop jewelry reuses safely sourced, real butterfly wings that were originally raised for conservation or public education in live Butterfly Conservatories, natural gardens or farms. Raising butterflies for conservation increases the longevity of each species. All butterflies used are naturally expired and of safe origins. Some butterflies live for a short 2-6 weeks, some (like monarchs) can live up to 6-9 months if not actively breeding.
It’s important to know that the butterflies I use are from safe sources, as butterflies have a fragile existence.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I love what I do! I live in Western Massachusetts and work full time making jewelry. Im the hands and the heart of the business, I am the photographer, shipping department, customer service, graphic designer, social media and craft show coordinator. I design and create everything you see. I'm also the youngest of 5 sisters, and we all share the creative & entrepreneurial spirit. They keep me fueled for the handmakers fires!
I earned a Fine Arts Sculpture Degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2000. When the steel, plaster, cement and welding supplies wouldn’t fit in my space, my work got smaller...and smaller...until I found something that made me tick - adorning people with natural jewels.
I sell my work online, at several boutiques across the US, and Northeast craft shows.
On my days off...wait, I have a toddler, those are rare! I had a daughter at the end of 2014 and my life and business have changed, and it's a hilarious juggling act, and it was a total turnaround and Im still getting my bearings with running my full time business. Now that shes a wee toddler, Im spending more time in the studio at the artist mills and balancing this circus, and its been great. I do get out to take hikes, help my dad with his latest art installations, or cheer on my multi-sport loving better half.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In 2012, I was selected as a Bear Fest Artist for the City of Easthampton, MA. This was my second time working with the Easthampton City Arts
to adorn a fiberglass bear with my mosaic work for a public art project. In 2009 I decorated my first ‘baby’ bear, which raised over $5,000.00 at auction- for the City Arts, local arts programs, and schools (total raised was over $60,000!). See the 2009 photo progress here.
Most recently, I decorated a large bear with a colored mirror mosaic, which was located on the lawn of the Easthampton Savings Bank, the largest sponsor of the event. Luminous was sold at auction in September for over $4,000. I am proud to say that my bears raised the most bids at both auctions! The 2012 Luminous Bear photos are here.
What do I actually do? The FAQ page tells it like it is:)
MEET YOUR MAKER
interview by Sarah Platanitis: How did you get your start? How did your business go from an idea to what it is today? What inspires you to create?
If you just can't get enough of me, read the full interview HERE!
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