Almost a decade ago now, I was changing out my guitar strings hastily on my way somewhere. I reached for the trash bin and thought…no I swear I can do something creative with these instead of throwing them away. I quickly decided to make them into a necklace and I wore it out that day to see if I could pull it off.

It was unrefined and I’m pretty sure it ruined my clothing (because I didn’t seal the ends, I didn’t know how at the time). But, I got so many compliments on it that a friend suggested I should try making rings or a bracelet. I did both and got an overwhelming response. I started selling at small markets and fairs in Santa Barbara, California. And suddenly, I had a small following for this rare, but specific, kind of jewelry. 

I considered ramping up my production, and really trying to do a lot more of these. But I when I tried to do that, I didn’t feel could keep integrity in the quality and uniqueness of each individualized piece. I decided to keep this what it is to me: wearable art, music that lives on in an up-cycled string. Boutique, custom jewelry. 

Each piece takes me hours to make. Particularly the bracelets, can take me up to 20 hours to craft. In our world of instant things, it’s important to remember that hand making a piece of this nature, is different than a machine making standard jewelry pieces for mass production. I hand breathe these pieces. Guitar wire is extremely difficult to work with and they take the time they take. My priority is that each piece speaks. 

I love using guitar string because I’m a musician and a guitar player, but particularly, I love that each string wears a little differently as a player digs in. Think of all the feelings that go into a person’s practice and playing. Heartbreak, tears, happiness and joy. All those things living right there in that one little string. Maybe it’s strange to say, but I think the fact the strings have been played gives each piece something extra that it wouldn’t have if they were new strings. Character, grit, energy… 

Take a look in my shop for what’s new and for sale, or send me a private message! I only make about 20 pieces a year, so when they go quickly when I post them but I usually have something I just haven’t posted yet available.