Blog
Coffee with Laura Swinand
11 . 01 . 2016
The One of a Kind team hit the road again and this time we ended up at Laura Swinand's studio and showroom in Evanston. What a treat to see where she creates her delicate modern jewelry line--Laura Tanner Jewelry. And we got a preview of some of the goodies she will be bringing to the show in December. Her designs feature high quality chains, gemstones and precious metals at quite reasonable prices. One of a Kind shoppers will not be disappointed!
Laura told us that she started making jewelry as a child with her artist mother. Her first creations were paper bead necklaces! She then had some success in her teens selling what she called "funky enamel jewelry" through local boutiques. Over the years the passion never died and after an art history education, having a family, and a career as a museum educator, Laura returned to jewelry making about 10 years ago.
When inspiration strikes, Laura begins the creation process with a drawing. Then she spreads out possible materials all over her workbench making as she says "a big mess". She works and reworks the piece until she gets to the design she wants. Next she'll spend a few days wearing the newly created piece to make sure it's comfortable and functional.
Jewelry displays in Laura's showroom area are paired with abstract paintings by her mother, Joan Tanner. Her mother has been a beautiful role model to Laura and she's still going strong at 80.
