Designer Profile: Studio Tour Milkweed and Honey
Well hello and good Monday morning to you! I have a special treat for you today, a studio tour and interview with Sara & Tom of Milkweed and Honey. They create some spectacular handmade jewelry.
sara & tom
Milkweed and Honey
What is your preferred medium?
We like to work with whatever we can get our hands on, honestly.
Mixing metals within a piece is a huge favorite these days, and we
always love breaking down an old piece and using it to create several
more updated styles.
We like to work with whatever we can get our hands on, honestly.
Mixing metals within a piece is a huge favorite these days, and we
always love breaking down an old piece and using it to create several
more updated styles.
How did you get started?.
My mother is a fine artist and my father is a master carpenter, so
I
was surrounded by the creative process as far back as I can remember.
As an only child, I was supported in whatever I got myself into; like
making doll clothes or tracing the patterns on my wall paper. From
I
was surrounded by the creative process as far back as I can remember.
As an only child, I was supported in whatever I got myself into; like
making doll clothes or tracing the patterns on my wall paper. From
there, I went to art school and haven't looked back.
Tom's grandparents owned an antique shop when he was growing up and
his parents have been collectors his whole life, so he learned how to
repair and refinish things almost before he could walk. He's really
more involved in the 'how-do-we-do-this part' of M&H.
Studio Front Door
Who or what inspires you?
I'm a senior designer in New York's fashion district, so I'm bombarded
by all different types of fashion and design all day. It's hard not to
be inspired every now and then.
by all different types of fashion and design all day. It's hard not to
be inspired every now and then.
We also love going to antique flea markets to sort through the tables
scattered with possibilities. Some of our best ideas are found at the
bottom of a pile of rust.
Milkweed & Honey Window
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this medium?
I really try not to give advice. I'm still learning every day, so all
I can do is relate past experiences. I feel there is no wrong way to
do something, just a different way.
I really try not to give advice. I'm still learning every day, so all
I can do is relate past experiences. I feel there is no wrong way to
do something, just a different way.
Workspace
Does vintage play a role in your art or life? If so, how?
Vintage plays a huge role in our designs as well as our lives. What
doesn’t turn in to an M&H creation usually ends up somewhere in our
loft so we can enjoy it ourselves. Actually, we spend most of our
“down time” in thrift stores or fleas arguing over whether or not
loft so we can enjoy it ourselves. Actually, we spend most of our
“down time” in thrift stores or fleas arguing over whether or not
something is for us or the shop!
Screen
What is important for your customer to know about your work?
We love what we do and we hope that comes through in our work. Our
dream is to do this full-time, so that should say something about our
commitment to the craft. Like our motto says: “Every product we make
We love what we do and we hope that comes through in our work. Our
dream is to do this full-time, so that should say something about our
commitment to the craft. Like our motto says: “Every product we make
is filled with hard work and handmade love.”
Desk
Milkweed and Honey mascot, Wilson.
{ SHOP }
wow what a wonderful and inspirational blog post.merci so much for sharing !!!
What a lovely studio shot, the one with the stained glass window in it. I love their work, and of course, the mascot.
This is incredible, I love seeing people’s workshops (and dogs!) and this one is beautiful. Plus their jewelry is so pretty. Thanks!
What great jewelry…and their loft is wonderful…I think just being in the loft is inspirational!
This is fantastic. I’ve always loved the mixed, eclectic style look for a home. My nan used to have an old victorian semi-detached house which was full of nook and crannies. No two rooms were the same and each had odd storage, nik naks on the window sills, thick book shelfs, vases, pots and statuets everywhere.
I guess to others it may have looked a design mess, but it always gave me a feeling of warmth, homeliness and created the most amazing shadows and lighting effects.
You’ve done a great job!