These lovely adornments are made by local artist Marcia Newquist, the owner and maker behind Creative Jewelry by Marcia. She designs each piece using a variety of mediums, intertwining metal, clay and beadwork to create stunning statement jewelry. Marcia's passion for her work leads her to try new methods and designs, and we love the end results!
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Marcia Newquist. I ventured into the world of making jewelry in 2006 and did my first Art Fair in 2008. In 2010, I made my business ‘Creative Jewelry by Marcia’ official as a way to expand my love of making jewelry. It is now my full-time business, since retiring from being a Programmer/Analyst in 2013. Many of my pendants and special pieces are designed and created using sheets of brass, copper and stainless steel; earthen clay, crystal clay; pieces of antique/vintage jewelry in combination with components, crystals and beads; wire wrapping stones; soldering with stained glass or on metal for designs.
What was your first memory of making something?
I laugh when I think of the first piece of jewelry I made. In the fall of 2006 I had surgery and was laid up for ten weeks. Every Sunday, my husband would take me to Ben Franklin so I could shop and just get out of the house. I saw some beads there and thought it would be fun to try and make some jewelry. My first piece of jewelry was an oblong brown bead that I put on a chain, I was so proud of that necklace.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
Customers tell me they like my jewelry because it is different from other jewelers. The other comment I get most often is; they like it because it is very unique. They also like the quality of my jewelry and that I stand behind it, if something does happen to break.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I work a lot with brass, copper and silver metals combining them. When working with the metals I cut, sand, texture, emboss for imprinting metals, heat emboss or patina for color, rivet, layer and/or solder the pieces. I love making asymmetrical necklaces. Each year I try to incorporate a new method into my jewelry collection.
What motivates you to create?
My motivation comes from within. I have always liked creating things and making jewelry allows me to do that using many different mediums. My favorite medium when designing and creating jewelry is working with metals. It is very therapeutic and relaxing for me to work in my bead studio. I can work on a piece for an entire day and not get frustrated if it doesn’t turn out because I just love doing it.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your business?
One of my favorite moments was remodeling my bead studio. I painted it a deep orange and found a rug that had big flowers that also has orange in the rug. My sister gave me two old smaller dressers that I use for some storage. I found an old wooden table for sale that I use for a work space and keep all my tools on so they are close by. I have an old wooden rocker, for my guest to sit in. It is special, because it is the first piece of furniture I purchased. All my wall hangings have a special meaning behind each piece. I love spending time in my bead studio surrounded by memories while making special pieces of jewelry for others.
Check out more of Marcia's gorgeous work online, and be sure to stop by her booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 3-5, 2017 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!