Deer skull ring

Tiny deer skull ring in antiqued sterling silver

Cicada wing ring

Hand fabricated sterling silver

Flying crows necklaces

Tiny flying crow necklaces

Oxidized and bright sterling silver

Flying crows bracelet

Sterling silver

Crow skull necklace

Sterling silver and oxidized sterling silver. Hand fabricated.

Mixed metals unicorn skulls

Sterling silver, oxidized sterling, and 18k gold

Raven emblem necklace

 Antiqued oxidized sterling silver

Fence bracelet

Oxidized sterling silver, 18k yellow gold gate clasp

Tiny skull necklaces

Sterling silver single skull necklace; sterling silver single skull with oxidized chain; 14k rose gold 5-skull necklace with sterling chain

Tiny buffalo skull with crown

Sterling silver skull, 18k yellow gold crown, on oxidized silver 18-20" chain

Skeletal raven necklace

Oxidized sterling silver

Tiny ram carcass necklace

Sterling silver

That Girl Who Reads Books

I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely writer and art enthusiast, Charlie Broderick, at the Uptown Art Fair last month. We began a correspondence about art, books, and inspiration. Her latest blog post features my work and one of my favorite authors, Joseph Campbell. Check it out here at her blog, thatgirlwhoreadsbooks.com. Thanks, Charlie!

Exciting news!!!

Silver Jewelry Artist Susan Elnora Wins the 2012 Halstead Grant

Susan Elnora is the winner of this year’s Halstead Grant. This is the 7th annual grant competition for new jewelry entrepreneurs sponsored by Halstead Bead, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN – Minneapolis jewelry designer Susan Elnora Frerichs is the winner of the 7th annual Halstead Grant for new silver jewelry entrepreneurs. Frerichs, under the studio name Susan Elnora, will receive $6,000 in start-up cash and jewelry supplies to build her business.

“I’m thrilled! I am so incredibly honored and excited to have been selected,” commented Frerichs.

The Susan Elnora collection of urban rustic silver jewelry includes designs inspired by American settings, flora and fauna. Notable pieces use linear perspective in layered landscape necklaces featuring scenery, telephone poles and railroad tracks. Other designs feature hand fabricated moving parts or detachable design enhancements. The line is anchored by artistic statement pieces but also includes many options for everyday wear.

“Susan Elnora jewelry boasts a level of originality rarely encountered in a trade that spans many ages in history,” said Hilary Scott, a grant judge.

Frerichs was introduced to metalsmithing as an undergraduate in Studio Art at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Following the advice of her employer and mentor, renowned mokume gane artist George Sawyer, she then attended Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. After four years of apprenticing with master goldsmith Stephen Vincent in Minneapolis, Susan launched her own studio. Her exploration of a fading American mythology is a continuing source of inspiration.

Susan Elnora designs can be found at quality jewelry galleries across the country as well as online at Artful Home and ARTprojectA. Retail prices for sterling silver jewelry items range from $75 to $1800.

The Halstead Grant is awarded to a new silver jewelry artist each summer. The program provides business development funds, supplies and exposure to up and coming designers in the industry. Candidates must submit a portfolio as well as a lengthy application packet including details on business planning and strategy. The grant is sponsored by silver jewelry supply wholesaler Halstead Bead, Inc.

Susan Elnora joins a roster of talented Halstead Grant recipients with successful careers in independent jewelry design. For more information on the grant program including past winners, eligibility requirements and application details visit The Halstead Grant website. 

Raven branch earrings

Sterling silver

Hidden window raven necklace

Oxidized sterling silver

Wing opens to reveal a window with a 14k pink gold skull inside

Barn necklace

Oxidized sterling silver

A chain can be strung through the cow carcass as well. Her head moves... er, hangs.

Now at i like you in NE Mpls

You can now find my work at one of my favorite shops in Minneapolis, i like you! Filled with wonderful things by local artists and craftspeople, and owned/operated by such sweet and lovely ladies -- it is always a treat to visit.

New online gallery

I am excited to have been selected as a collaborating artist with ARTprojectA, a curated selection of affordable contemporary art! This beautiful and easy-to-navigate website has just launched, and I encourage everyone to check it out:

www.artprojecta.com

"At ARTprojectA our goal is simple: to present you with a dynamic selection of outstanding art at affordable prices, and of excellent value. We use our experience, resources and curating knowledge as a screening filter in our search for art. We’ve done our homework so that you don’t have to."

Studio sale!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Studio 435 will be having a sale for February's First Thursday in the NE Arts District! All silver jewelry in my collection will be 20% off. Betty Jager and Britta Kauppilla will also be offering this discount, as well as Emily Johnson down the hall in #436. We are also excited to welcome our new studio mate, Katie Sisum, who will be giving 10% off her lovely stained glass boxes.

The sale will be one night only -- February 2nd, from 5 to 9 p.m. Chocolate and refreshments will be provided. Hope to see you there!