FACTURA DESIGNARE: An Interview with Silk Bone Jewels

THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: Her name is Natalie Clapp, and her company is Silk Bone; a mid-level jewelry vendor targeting females across the United States. The shop is about to celebrate its one year anniversary and it's already established a strong fan base. How did this company rocket to success? The answer is simple: Intuition, hard work, and a great aesthetic. Before starting Silk Bone, Clapp was a full time illustrator; a pen and paper her weapon of choice. Though Clapp still sells her illustrations through Silk Bone her focus is directed towards fashioning personalized, one-off jewelry designs.

With a selection of made-to-order sterling stacker rings, Clapp can dedicate her time to hand picking and crafting oversized, surrealist gems and pendants. Her latest addition to the shop, a septum ring accented with opal stone, is just another indicator of the great pieces to come to the Silk Bone store front. With price point's that work into any budget, Clapp is quickly winning the hearts of girls from the east to the west coast.

We were honored to have her answer a few questions for The Good Spell Book to learn more about this budding artist's design process.

GSB: We love the variation of minimalist, layering pieces and oversized, chunky rings. Where do you draw inspiration from when making your pieces?

NATALIE: I love the look of beat up and dark jewelry but also love the elaborate and ornate aesthetic of navajo and victorian jewelry. I try to bring inspiration from vintage native american silversmithing and the victorian era. I try to imagine old gypsies and circus fortune tellers wearing my jewels when I dream up new pieces.

GSB: In your shop we see lots of labradorite and turquoise. Is there any significance to the stones that you incorporate into your work?

NATALIE: Most of my jewels have protective properties which is how the stones come to use. I love the protective aspects and stories behind each stone that I use.

GSB: You are based in Charleston, South Carolina. What are your favorite magical spots to visit that help you to relax or feel inspired?

NATALIE: I love Johns Island and the Angel Oak tree. It’s so beautiful there, and seeing nature survive in the most beautiful way through the years is inspiring. Also being amidst some of the old architecture brings a sense of mystery to the imagination.

GSB: Since your pieces are primarily one-of-a-kind and your site is consistently updated- it would be safe to assume you don't design in collections. When do you find time to create such beautiful pieces of your line?

NATALIE: I try to create something every day. I am constantly working 7 days a week and usually forget to take breaks. I wish I could do collections, but I get too excited and too distracted with different ideas to have the same theme for so many pieces.

GSB: When working on custom pieces, how do you collaborate to create the perfect item for your fans?

NATALIE: I really try to get the client to be as much in the piece as I can. I ask a lot of preliminary questions, and try to get a solid feel for the piece commissioned. I usually do about 4 drawn mockups from which the client can choose and redesign if desired. If it’s an especially intricate piece, I take pictures of the progress so they are involved in the process.

GSB: You've only had your Silk Bone web store open for about a year. What has been your favorite part about opening your own jewelry boutique?

NATALIE: I love creating something that connects with the viewer. Usually a piece will speak to a customer and that in itself is so rewarding. I love when a bit of my soul and work can influence another so greatly.

GSB: What's a typical work day look like for you when you are creating jewelry for Silk Bone?

NATALIE: Usually I wake up and grab some coffee, answer some emails, turn on some loud music and just get to work. I try to start and finish at least one piece per day. By the end of the night I”ll pack up orders and have them ready to send out.

GSB: What's next for you? Any plans to expand on your store?

NATALIE: I’m planning to work on some collaboration photoshoots with some locals, and set up a few craft shows. I’m always scheming up something!

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