Discover: Raucous Jewelry
“My jewelry is a bit edgy and slightly industrial (as am I).”
- Judy Christensen, Raucous Jewelry
Tell us about yourself! What’s your background and what do you do?
After working in health care for many years, I now travel in a motorhome with a friend and two dogs as we search for adventure and great art fairs along the way... Designing and creating jewelry takes up most of my time, but I also look forward to customer interactions at the art fairs, seeing how people live in different regions, finding a new good whiskey, and being surrounded with peace. Most of our 2020 will be in Colorado - with a bit of time in California, Arizona, and Minnesota as well.
“Working with wire has been a very therapeutic skill - I am oh, so grateful for it.”
How did you learn your craft? Tell us about your first finished product.
When my dad was sidelined by a serious illness in the early 90's, he and I figured out this craft. He had been a science teacher and shared his knowledge of metals and stones. We first made a pair of earrings- including our own sterling silver headpin and ear wires... The rest is history and my dad lives on through Raucous Jewelry.
Where does the name of your business come from?
My jewelry is a bit edgy and slightly industrial (as am I). It is all handmade and my partner referenced my jewelry as raucous....the name fit and stuck!
How long does it take to make your product and what’s involved in the process?
I make all of my own sterling silver ear wires - which I have done for over 26 years so those don't take long. Working with wire has been a very therapeutic skill - I am oh, so grateful for it. The process of making fine silver and copper incorporates multiple steps and happens over a few days for each batch. We travel with kilns and have retrofitted our motorhome to accommodate a rolling studio.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I am intentional with my creations so have stories for most. I am happy to share what led to the individual pieces so please stop by for the stories! A few of the customer favorites are "it all comes together in the end" and "we don't all have to be the same to hang together".
What’s your favorite product that you’ve created?
I made a wedding ring for my nephew (after being the officiant at his wedding). That holds a very special spot in my heart and soul.
What question do you get asked the most at pop-up markets?
“Do you really make all of this? Is it really sterling silver? How do you make it so affordable?”
What’s something unique about you that most people don’t know (or wouldn’t guess)?
Probably the level of intention I have in traveling through this world. And how very fortunate I am to have the kind support that surrounds me.
What’s your favorite beverage to sip on?
Only one? I am a Diet Coke fan. Whiskey and Tequila too.
What’s up next for Raucous Jewelry?
Adventure. Maybe some hand fabricated brass. And a website that sells.
Do you make jewelry specific to areas that you spend time in?
Yes! Region/city specific jewelry is fun to create - let me know if you have a specific idea I can help bring to life.
