Diane Thornton – DKTDesigns Jewelry
dktjewelry.com
ArtRoom Collective Studio #7
We sat down with Diane Thornton of DKTDesigns Jewelry to talk about her 23-year journey as a jewelry artist, her love of nature and movement, and how local stones and lifelong curiosity shape her beaded and wire-wrapped designs.
What kind of art do you create?
I make beaded and wire wrapped jewelry, as well as stamped charms and pendants.
Can you share your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue this path?
I’ve always loved jewelry. When I was little, I loved going through my mom’s, or my grandmother’s jewelry box, trying things on and begging (unsuccessfully) to wear the pieces to school. When I was old enough to buy my own jewelry, I would often wear so many bracelets that my mom called me a Christmas tree!
Fast forward to about 23 years ago, I took a beading class at Beads and Beyond with fellow ArtRoom artist Julia Anderson and I was hooked! I took a few more classes there and in Albuquerque, and I continue to learn new techniques when and where I can. I love creating something beautiful with my hands, and it’s always so exciting to sell my jewelry!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in New Jersey
What inspires you?
Being out in nature inspires me. I often come up with design ideas when I’m out riding my bike or hiking on our local trails. I like to gather stones from our trails and elsewhere to make into jewelry.
How long have you been producing art?
I’ve been making jewelry for about 23 years.
What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
I love to mountain bike and I enjoy coaching women and girls in mountain biking.
Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should look out for?
I don’t have anything on my radar currently, but I’d like to do some more work with metal clay and resin.
When is your favorite time of day to create and why?
Afternoons seem to be my most productive time, especially if I’ve had a good ride in the morning.
Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
I majored in Russian in college and spent a semester in the (then) Soviet Union studying. It was so very different from the US and I came back with a deeper understanding of the Russian people, as well as a deeper appreciation for our freedoms in the US.
Favorite piece you've created?
The first photo at the top of the page is a piece that was made with a stone from Silver Peak in the La Platas. My friend found the stone and tumbled it. I love the shape of the stone and how the wire wrap came out. This piece has sold, but I’m working on some more wire wrapped local stones for pendants.
What's something not many people know about you?
I don’t think a lot of people know that I studied Russian and traveled there when I was in college.
I also spent 10 years racing mountain bikes!
What are you selling in your studio right now?
I have some new stretch triple wrap bracelets. The fun thing about these is that they can be worn as a necklace as well. I hand stamp the charms on many of them, and I’m happy to customize them for customers. Also, I have lots of new earrings and necklaces!
Anything else you'd like to add…..
I love to do custom orders! I had a challenging one this past December, and I’m proud of how it helped me expand my skills!