SpinDaily - In the Spotlight: Kelly Alvarez Mace

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In the Spotlight: Kelly Alvarez Mace

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Kelly Mace

Jewelry Designer

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Kelly Alvarez Mace and I am a proud mom and a jewelry designer. I am inspired by nature and my designs reflect that love of the outdoors and our natural resources.

2. When is the first time you new you wanted to be a jewelry designer?

I created a sterling silver pendant while at Carleton College and I loved that feeling of creating something original with my mind and my hands.

3. What inspires you?

My designs are inspired by the gorgeous natural surrounding that California offers me. I am also inspired by my kids and that amazing feeling of taking the time to look at the little things; the bug in the grass, the way a dew drop magnifies the leaf below it, or chasing a lizard across the driveway!

4. Where do you surf online?

Where don't I go?! I love SpinDaily (we love Kelly too! watch our video) and Stylehive to stay on top of trends, interesting new designers and fellow artisans. I enjoy Etsy. I pledged to buy handmade at buyhandmade.org! I do have a *secret* weakness for Youtube! I love the original ideas that people have, and the multiplicity of personal expressions. I really find that inspiring and exciting!

5. Do you have a favorite material?

I truly love working with gemstones, the color variety is exciting and so often those tones and hues are what truly speak to me. I love working with garnets, the color range is amazing. I also love Tourmalines, again for the versatility of color. One material I truly love is Silk Bead Cord. For me, with the handknotting that I do in most of my necklace designs, it is truly the foundation of the creation.

6. What's next?

I have been collaborating with lampwork artists on some of my Ocean Treasure designs. I would love to learn lampwork and greatly admire that medium. I would love to add that skill, and others to my designs. I have also been working on other accessory ideas, and hope to launch new product lines as well. So, one day K. A. Mace Jewelry will evolve into K. A. Mace Designs!