An interview with Mother of Metal

1. **What inspired you to start Mother of Metal, and how did you come up with the idea of incorporating eco-friendly materials into your jewelry?**

Being raised on a small New Brunswick farm where we had little has shaped how I see the world, and connected me to Mother Earth at my core. We didn’t have the money to buy new things. We had hand-me-downs and often made the things we needed, like hats & mittens. We recycled out of necessity long before it became mainstream. We repaired broken things. We re-used milk bags to freeze the apples in, pickled using old bottles and paraffin wax. It’s in my DNA! As a frugal adult, it just made sense to continue keeping things out of the landfills for as long as I could. 

I have always been able to look at “junk” and see ways to make something useful or beautiful again. One of the nicest things I overheard my father say about me was: “She sure can make something out of nothing,” after seeing the get-up I made for my appaloosa for a Christmas parade in the ’80's! 

But the actual catalyst was removing about 75 feet of old 220 wiring from my house. So much copper wire and I could not see it going to the landfill! So I stripped it (with my jackknife) and started wrapping some of my beach picked treasures, just for fun. Being a completely self-taught wire artist, the next thing I knew, Mother of Metal was born! It started as a hobby. A way to satisfy my need to create and de-stress. Eventually, it became my lifeline, a way to sustain myself and get away from “corporate Canada” and all the unhealthy baggage that goes with that.  I needed a way to feed my soul as well as my body that was more in step with who I was. 

2. **How do you decide which materials to repurpose or up-cycle for your pieces?**

I have to go back to that 220 copper wiring that found me. I remembered the old-timers who wore the copper bracelets to help with arthritis, and I began researching copper and its benefits. I knew this was meant to be! The universe presented me with this gift, and I had to share the health and magical benefits of this underappreciated metal. It was a natural leap to make jewelry with gemstones & copper. 

I also use reclaimed leather in a lot of my work. Give me an outdated leather jacket to deconstruct and cut into small strips for braiding and I’m a happy gal! 

People have brought me many strange things to turn into talismans for them. Everything from grandpa’s sweater buttons, bear claws & teeth, spent bullets, and seashells. 

3. **Your tagline is "Jewellery with a RE-purpose!" What does this mean to you, and how do you see it resonating with your customers?**

When I began this little venture, my daughter & I tossed about many ideas on how to sum up my purpose…. who I was and how to express that. It was she who came up with “Mother of Metal” playing off mother of pearl, but that was far too fancy. We settled on MoM, and then my tag-line came to me one morning over coffee.  My customers would ask about it, and when they do, I can explain that there is something repurposed, reused, recycled or up-cycled in everything that I make. More often than not, there is a joyous reaction that adds intrinsic value to my art. It’s catchy, and they tell 2 friends, and they tell 2 friends….and so it goes.

4. **What role do gemstones and crystals play in your designs, and how do you select the ones you use?**

Mostly, they select me. I have been collecting “diamonds” from the side of the road since I was 2 feet tall. Mother Earth provides us with so many beautiful gifts, but rocks and crystals are absolutely amazing to me.  There is such beauty & history in each one! I have always been connected to the magic of gemstones so it was just a natural thing for me to use these perfect gifts as I grew my knowledge and my business. 

5. **How do you think your jewelry connects with the values and beliefs of your audience, such as those who are holistic, eco-conscious, or involved in spiritual practices like witchcraft or yoga?**

I am a deeply spiritual person and a child of the Great Mother. Many of my customers share that connection in one form or another, but I believe it all revolves around love and respect. Respect for the Earth, Respect for the Divine, Respect for individuals, Respect for connection, Respect for self. These are the “red threads” that tie us together and are valued throughout these communities. I put a little piece of my heart and soul into every piece I create. 

6. **How do you believe wearing jewelry that is consciously crafted can influence or enhance the wearer’s life or energy?**

What you put in, you get out. Creating with intention has been a cornerstone for me. When I am creating, I focus on the stone or crystal and listen to its message. My pieces are talismans. Reminders of a special day, a special person, a specific approach to mindfulness or a secret message. When someone is drawn to a piece, I believe it is for a reason. They may not know what that is, but it is there. We all need a little magic in our lives!

7. **What advice would you give to other creators or small business owners who want to make their practices more sustainable and eco-friendly?**

When first starting out, it may not be cost-effective. Bite the bullet! The more we demand it, the cheaper it will get. 

8. **Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Mother of Metal, both in terms of design and sustainability?**

This art form is thousands of years old and has evolved a lot in the past 20 years. It has been very fulfilling for me to be a part of the community that appreciates both the history and the magic we are surrounded by. I don’t dream of being a millionaire or hiring a big team of helpers. If I am able to continue supporting myself, keep things out of the landfills where I can, and keep creating, I consider myself successful!