I love handmade goods because they are special. I think that if everythingyou buy, whether its home wares, clothing, or accessories, has a special and unique touch, you will love everything you acquire for a very long time. Some people think that classic means a simple or neutral aesthetic, but to me, classic means something that you will love forever and is uniquely you; and I hope that Fig & Faun provides that for people.
Megan
Random Facts About You?I am obsessed with geodes, gnomes, and forest animals
I love to cook Ina Garten's recipes and am currently working my way through on of her cookbooks
I used to volunteer at a wildlife hospital feeding baby birds, squirrels, and fox kits
I studied abroad in India and South Africa in college
What got you started crafting?
I took a silver smithing class in college while studying at University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. We learned everything, from how to make silver wire from scratch, to making chain, and soldering pendants. After I returned home, my sister taught me the basics of making jewelry in an afternoon and I was hooked! I have always been artistic, and began college as a Fine Art major, but painting, drawing with charcoal, and pastels was always very time consuming, messy, and demanded a lot of space. I was relieved to find that making jewelry was a great way to express myself, work with gorgeous minerals and metals, and relatively clean and easy to do in my small apartment in downtown berkeley. Also, I could never find the jewelry I wanted for a reasonable price -- glittery, earthy, simple, and well-made always seemed to carry a hefty price tag and I had a feeling I could make a superior product that was more budget-friendly to consumers.
What is your source of inspiration?
My source of inspiration is definitley the natural world. The gemstones I use inspire my work, and I usually pick the stones before I know how I am going to use them. I like clean lines, and delicate detail, so those are also themes that I try to carry through in all of my pieces.
What have you made recently?
I recently made the Harvest Cuff, which is basically a gem-lover's fantasy piece of jewelry! It is a huge slab of purple and pink agate flanked by four completely sparkly agate drusy stones in the various shades of the central pendant. There are also citrine stones on each side just to expand the focus. All the gemes are inlaid by a gold beaded border. This cuff was something I dreamed of for a long time and finally realized I had a cohesive group stones and hardware to actually create it.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I sell my jewelry online primarily. I also go to street festivals, and have been working with many local boutiques. Most of my product is marketed by word of mouth, which has worked great so far.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
This style was inspired by my affection for an artsy, colorful, earthy aesthetic. I try to think of the woman who would wear my pieces as a hiking, writing, art-making goddess, and while each piece might be different, they all reflect my love of woodlands and magic. I tend to find that if I find and buy supplies that I truly love, I do not have to do much planning. Everything just falls into place once I see all the gorgeous supplies I have to work with. I do try to incorporate bold and delicate pieces in each color scheme/look, just to add more options for my customers.
Find Me
LocationBerkeley, CA
Email Address
Megan
Personal Website
http://figandfaun.blogspot.com
Store Website
http://figandfaun.com
