KSkilesStudio

Nature Inspired Hand Forged Jewelry and Home Decor

Traverse City, Michigan On Etsy since 2006

1,164 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars

Top shop for gifts.

Buyers bought gifts from this shop and gave them 5-star reviews!

KSkilesStudio

Nature Inspired Hand Forged Jewelry and Home Decor

Traverse City, Michigan | 1,164 Sales

5 out of 5 stars

Shop owner

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Announcement    One of a kind jewelry and metalwork that brings the magic of nature into your home and life.

Announcement

Last updated on Feb 8, 2018

One of a kind jewelry and metalwork that brings the magic of nature into your home and life.

Items

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1164 Sales
2944 Admirers
 

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Kirsten Ross

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Kirsten Ross

Reviews

Average item review
5 out of 5 stars
(487)
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quality 37 shipping 91 customer service 56

About KSkilesStudio

Sales 1,164
On Etsy since 2006
  • A chased and repoussed silver peacock feather
  • some of my forged steel leaf work
  • a bronze railing, inspired by marsh flora, in a private residence
  • a detail of a fireplace screen in a private residence
  • silver chased and repoussed man-in-the-moon pendant

Lover of Beautiful Objects -from anthropology to blacksmithing to jewelry

When I was a senior in college, as an anthropology major, I took a jewelry class on a whim, as an elective. I thought it would be easy. Boy oh boy was I wrong. I got completely hooked on it! I graduated with honors in anthropology, with a firm appreciation for the link between culture, process, and object. I stayed in the area and kept taking jewelry and metalsmithing courses non-degree until I developed a strong enough portfolio for graduate school. I also took workshops in blacksmithing during this time.

I went to San Diego for grad school and received my MFA in jewelry and metalsmithing in 1996. I moved to Wisconsin and started my career as an independent artist. Circumstances allowed me to focus on blacksmithing and forging. Friends referred me to architects and interior designers, bringing me enough work to keep me busy. During this time I heard about this little handmade online venue called Etsy. I opened my shop in February of 2006, calling it "knitsteel", reflecting my appreciation for both fiber arts and blacksmithing. I was busy with commission work, but listed and sold many of my experimental and fun jewelry pieces, as well as many decorative steel leaf wall pieces and sculptures.

After many years of large, time consuming, demanding ironwork, several kids, and a move further south, I decided to scale back in size and started working in jewelry again. Small scale work lets me work faster and more spontaneously. I want to work with more spiritual and narrative themes, so I'm taking some time to develop these lines through drawing and journaling. You'll keep seeing these pieces show up in my shop, slowly, as I continue to grow as an artist and metalsmith.

Shop members

  • Kirsten Skiles

    Owner, Maker, Designer

    I'm a busy metalsmith, lazy gardener, and active mom. I spent many years working as a blacksmith but now spend my time as a jeweler. I make jewelry that I would love to wear myself.

  • Stella Fiorini

    Maker

    Stella is my daughter, a talented painter and fresh adult. She enjoys painting in watercolor and acrylic and has a passion for space aliens and quirky birds. All of her earnings support her college education.

Shop policies

More information

Last updated on Aug 8, 2018
Frequently asked questions
Wholesale availability

I sell wholesale to qualified USA brick and mortar businesses. Please contact me for minimum orders and availability.

I will work on consignment to qualified USA brick and mortar businesses with artist references. Please contact me with inquiries.

Intended Audience

This metalwork is intended for adults. All jewelry and metalwork may contain small pieces which are not appropriate for children, may be a choking hazard or may have other unintended effects.

Allergies

Metal alloys may contain metals that certain individuals are sensitive or allergic to. If you have a question about the composition of any metal alloy that I use, please contact me for details.