Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Pattie, the owner and maker behind Intentional Allay Designs, a small handmade jewelry business based in western Wisconsin. I create jewelry using natural stones, including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and one-of-a-kind pendants. Many of my pieces have an intention behind them, whether it's strength, confidence, comfort, or something else we all need from time to time. I love making jewelry that's beautiful, meaningful, and affordable.
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
I wanted a name that reflected why I make jewelry in the first place. "Intentional" represents the thought behind my pieces, and "allay" means to ease, soothe, or lessen something. Creating has always been a way for me to unwind, and I hope my jewelry can bring a little comfort or positivity to someone else, too. My philosophy is pretty simple: speak your truth, know your worth, and spread positivity.
How did you get started in your art / business?
I started by making intentional gifts for people I love, researching different stones and choosing ones associated with comfort, confidence, empowerment, or whatever that person might have been going through. My professional life has included law enforcement, death investigation, and professional regulation, so I've spent a lot of time seeing some of the darker parts of life. Making jewelry became a way for me to work through some of that darkness and create something positive. Over time, people started reaching out for custom pieces connected to grief, suicide, gun violence, mental health struggles, and other difficult experiences. I never really planned to start a jewelry business, but I'm grateful it's become a way to connect with so many people.
Is this a full-time business for you?
Nope! I have a full-time career in public service that I care deeply about, and jewelry making is something I do in my free time. I'm fortunate that I don't depend on my jewelry sales to make a living, which allows me to keep my prices more accessible. I have a tremendous amount of respect for artists who do rely on their work for their livelihood, because there's so much time, skill, and dedication involved. For me, it's something I genuinely love doing, and getting to share it with others is a bonus.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
Hands down, it's the people I've met. I've had customers share some really personal stories about why a particular piece speaks to them, whether they're celebrating something wonderful or working through something difficult. Sometimes they'll come back to tell me what a piece has meant to them, and those conversations stay with me. It's pretty special knowing that something I made has become part of someone else's story.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
I've always been a creative person, although I've never been entirely comfortable calling myself an artist. I think of myself more as someone who just really enjoys making pretty things! I'm also an investigator by trade, so learning how stones formed millions of years ago and how people have used and valued them throughout history has been fascinating. What started as a creative outlet has taught me so much about the earth, the people who came before us, and how we look for meaning and connection in our own lives. It's given me a whole new appreciation for what nature provides.
What motivates you to create?
More than anything, I want to make something meaningful for someone and put a little more positivity into the world. We don't always talk about the difficult things in life, whether it's grief, trauma, mental health struggles, or simply not feeling like we're enough. My intentional bracelets are a way to acknowledge those experiences, remind people they're not alone, and help remove some of the shame surrounding what they're going through. If something I make helps someone feel seen, understood, or a little less isolated, that's what matters most to me.
What are some inspirations for your work?
The stones themselves, nature, and the experiences we all go through are huge inspirations for me. I'm also inspired by other artists, especially wire wrappers whose work makes me wonder how in the world they do what they do! One of the first local wire-wrapping artists I saw was Tommy Bartlett of Ultima Artifacts, and his wire weaving and metalsmithing skills are incredible. I also follow some amazingly talented wire wrappers on Instagram whose work pushes me to keep learning and trying new things. I have a long way to go before I can do some of what they do, but that's part of the fun!
What sets your designs apart from others?
Keeping my jewelry intentionally affordable is important to me. Since I create as a way to unwind from my full-time career, I have the privilege of keeping my prices accessible without sacrificing quality. I handpick every stone I wrap, sourcing many from Anastasia in Saint Paul (Facebook group S.S. Cabs for Less US) and Taylor's Falls Bead Store. My Lake Superior agates come from Larry, a longtime collector who finds and polishes stones right here in the St. Croix River Valley. I also rarely duplicate designs, so each piece is a little different, just like the stones themselves.
What is your favorite item that you sell?
Oh, that's a hard one! I love my pendants, especially when someone picks one up and gets excited about the exact same detail in the stone that caught my eye when I chose it. I also have a special place in my heart for my intentional bracelets that carry some of the heavier emotions, especially those created around grief, trauma, and finding strength through difficult experiences. And then there are my ridiculously big statement earrings, which definitely aren't for everyone, but I love when they find the right person! I rarely duplicate my designs, so it's fun knowing that someone is walking away with something truly their own.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
People really seem to love the intention cards that come with my bracelets. I research the history and traditional meanings associated with different stones, then create combinations around intentions like courage, self-worth, grief, or whatever someone might need a little extra support with. Each bracelet comes with a card explaining the stones, their symbolism, and the intention behind the combination. Customers also love discovering stones they've never heard of, and I can get pretty excited talking about them! It's fun watching someone fall in love with a stone for the same reasons I did.
Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
Yes! I'm planning some coordinating jewelry sets using different natural stones, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind pieces. I'll also be bringing more sterling silver jewelry than I typically do. I've been hesitant to use a lot of sterling because of its cost and my desire to keep my jewelry affordable, but some stones just look so beautiful with silver that I can't resist. I'm excited to have a few more options for people looking for something special this holiday season.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
I've been having fun experimenting with more beaded necklaces and one-of-a-kind pendants, mixing stones, textures, and metals to see what works together. I've also brought back my bookmarks, which combine natural stones with fun little charms. I made a few previously, sold out, and then somehow never got around to making more! I usually have several projects going at once because I keep finding stones I want to do something with.
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
I'll have a wide variety of handmade natural stone jewelry, including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and one-of-a-kind pendants. Some pieces are simple and great for everyday wear, while others are a little bolder, with beautiful natural patterns and colors. I'll also have intentional bracelets with their accompanying cards, Lake Superior agates, and some sterling silver pieces. There's a pretty wide range of styles and prices, so hopefully something for everyone!
You can find Intentional Allay Designs here: · Website: www.intentionalallay.com
· Facebook: Intentional Allay Designs
· Instagram: @intentional_allay
· TikTok: @intentional_allay
I love sharing what I'm working on, from new jewelry designs to behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process. I also share a lot about natural stones through my Meet the Stones series, where I explore their geological history, traditional meanings, and unique characteristics. Follow along to see what's new and where I'll be next!
