At Sticks & Stones I get the pleasure of working with some amazing species of wood. One of the most unique isn’t a species at all. Wood burl is a rare and stunning form of wood that is coveted by artisans and collectors alike. For those who are unfamiliar, wood burl is a growth on a tree that causes a unique and irregular pattern in the wood grain. The result is a swirling, mesmerizing pattern that is completely unique to each piece of wood. Burl wood can be found on a variety of tree species, including oak, maple, and redwood....
As an artist who specializes in creating handmade wooden jewelry, I have always been drawn to natural materials like elk antler. These materials add unique textures, patterns, and colors to my pieces that simply can't be replicated with man-made materials. One of my favorite materials to work with is elk antler. Elk antler is the fastest-growing mammal tissue and the only tissue that regenerates completely every year. Each year, elk grow new antlers, which are covered in a soft, velvety skin. Once the antlers have hardened, the elk will rub the velvet off on trees, leaving the antlers bare. Elk...
Are you looking for one-of-a-kind jewelry that stands out among others but still retains an air of elegance and sophistication? Pieces made from abalone shells are what you're looking for, combining a vivid color palette with a gorgeous sheen. What’s more, abalone shells are a natural material, ethically sourced from sustainable farms. In other words, you can wear exquisite jewelry while remaining environmentally conscious! What Is Abalone? Bill Gracey | CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Abalones are marine snails that usually inhabit colder coastal waters of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the West Coast of North America, and Japan. These mollusks cling...
People often ask me, “Benjamin, how do I figure out what my ring size is? I’d love to order one of your amazing, sustainable rings, but I’m afraid it might be the wrong size when it arrives.” And I completely understand the feeling. After all, there’s nothing worse than buying a ring for yourself (or your loved one) only for it to barely fit or slide right off. Obviously, the best thing you can do is to visit a jewelry store and have the shopkeeper measure your finger. But there are ring manufacturers that don’t have brick-and-mortar stores, or simply...
Season 5 of Yellowstone premiers November 13th on Paramount. As such, I thought it would be timely to address the influence of Native American and cowboy cultures on style and current fashion trends and how Sticks & Stones jewelry fits in. Academy Award-winner Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther, 2018) was chosen as the show's costume designer for Season 1. Carter set out to deliver western wear/ranch wear "with a modern twist." Viewers see drool worthy custom jackets and hats. Carter even reproduced a discontinued style of Ralph Lauren jeans for John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. High-end designer pieces are...
Rings come in many different shapes, colors, and styles, making them perfect accessories to show off your personal taste. You can get simple gold or silver ones, rings with gemstones, or even more unique ones made of wood, bones, and other natural materials. Whatever you choose, they’re sure to complement your look perfectly. But what if you want to wear several rings at once? Could you wear them all on the same finger, or is it better not to go overboard? Of course, the choice is yours, but I suggest you give it a try. If you style them properly,...
