Meet Our Artist of the Month: Christine Watkins

At Twisted Turtle Studio, we are thrilled to introduce our Artist of the Month, Christine Watkins, whose journey into the world of jewelry making began 15 years ago as a creative endeavor shared with her teenage daughters. What started as a simple pastime has since blossomed into a thriving business and an ever-evolving craft that captures the beauty of nature in each piece.

Christine's early works were focused on strung bead necklaces, bracelets, and simple dangle earrings. However, her style and technique have undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, she primarily works with copper, meticulously crafting pieces that reflect the natural world around her. From trees to mountains, rivers to the sun, her extensive collection of metal stamps allows her to embed these natural elements into her jewelry, bringing a touch of the outdoors to every piece. With over 20 different tree stamps alone, Christine’s work is a true celebration of the natural world. 

A few years ago, Christine discovered her love for turquoise, and it has since become a central element in many of her creations. The combination of copper and turquoise is a hallmark of her work, offering a rustic yet vibrant aesthetic that is both timeless and contemporary. Alongside copper and turquoise, Christine incorporates leather, gemstones, handcrafted beads, and natural items into her jewelry, resulting in pieces that are as unique as they are beautiful.

Christine is a self-taught artist who takes pride in her craft. She saws out many of her designs using up-cycled copper flashing from a contractor friend, adding an eco-friendly aspect to her work. While she continues to hone her soldering skills, her dedication to learning and perfecting her craft is evident in every piece she creates.

Today, Christine’s jewelry is available through a variety of outlets, including craft fairs, art festivals, online trunk shows, her own website, and select wholesale partners. Despite her initial hesitation about venturing into wholesale, she has built a successful network of shops that carry her jewelry, providing a reliable source of income for her growing business.

We are proud to feature Christine Watkins as our Artist of the Month. Her passion for nature, dedication to her craft, and evolving artistry make her a perfect fit for Twisted Turtle Studio. Be sure to check out her stunning collection, and stay tuned for more from this talented artist!

#####

Follow Down to Earth Jewelry on Facebook and Instagram