Rock Star Jewelry |
Meet local designer, Martha Driver of Rock Star Jewelry,
our featured designer for July.
What kind of products do you create and where can people find them? I design jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and belts) using semi precious, precious stones, silver wire, 14k gold filled wire, and at times 18K vermeil findings. I sell in very few stores in Seattle and in the East Coast.
What inspired you to start doing what you do? I took a trip to Europe and came back with several strands of beautiful beads. I sketched out my designs and had a designer create them for me…after several pieces she suggested I learn how to wire myself. So I did. |
What's your background and have you always been creative? Are there other artistic endeavors you're involved in? I have always been surrounded by art; growing up in Los Angeles my mother exposed us to museums and music (symphony, ballet, musicals), so I grew up around the arts. I remember hanging out in an Art Studio near our home for years. I used to paint as a young girl instead of playing in the sandbox…and I have always enjoyed sketching growing up. I have also taken several art classes (oils, ink, pencil, watercolor, etc). Another endeavor I am involved in knitting, putting beautiful yarns together to create a great piece to wear. I also love to knit.
Where do you get your ideas for your designs? My ideas and colors come from looking at my surroundings and nature.
What type of equipment do you use? Do you make all of your pieces yourself? Pretty much use all jewelry equipment, all wiring tools. I also have learned how to work with metal and make rings, bracelets, and my own chain. I have taken several classes at Pratt and some local bead shops in the past several years.
How do you see expanding your line in the near future? Slow and sticking to quality.
Whose work do you admire? Anthony Nak, Stephen Dweck, and David Yurman
What advice would you offer new designers entering the market? Be true to yourself, have fun with it, and stick to what makes you happy when designing, and always remember to have fun.
What is your vision for your business and where would you like to be in five years? Continuing to create one of a kind pieces, and to have a strong connection with my customers which some of them have become my good friends.
Any other area of fashion you'd like to delve into? Yes, but I will keep that a secret right now.
What current trend would you like to see go away? Not any trends that stand out…I laugh when I see things come back in fashion, love watching trends come in and out…
If you could have one item, new or vintage, what would it be? A Chanel jacket, black on black. Just classic jacket that I can wear with a skirt, with a dress or with jeans and ROCK IT out with Rock Star Jewelry.
What item did you wear to shreds growing up? My high top converse and my jeans.
Anything else you would like to share? One thing I have recently enjoyed is being able to decorate Brooke & Monti's (The Ladies Room on MOViN 92.5) necks at 3 different fashion shows this year... I loved that they were brave and pretty much let me put whatever I wanted on their necks.
My favorite part of designing is participating in fashion shows and just going for it on my designs.
FUN
FACTS:
What's your favorite color?
Black, blue, and deep burgundy.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
I would buy my lottery home that I run by every other day…I would share my money with my mother, and donate money. I also would buy a big ranch (summer home), and get a cow, and 5 dogs.
Pet of choice?
I have always been surrounded by dogs, so I will need to stick with dogs. I do love cows.
What makes you laugh every time?
My dogs, Sophie and Samantha
What are you embarrassed to admit you can't live without?
My palmier every morning with my latte.
What do you listen to over and over again on your iPod?
Because I was surrounded by different cultures in LA, I love all types of music, opera, classical, jazz, rock n roll, jazz, punk rock, etc. SO I listen to a blend of music all the time…just love it. On Sunday mornings, I listen to 98.9 FM, from 7 to 10 AM, they play jazz music without vocals…my favorite day of the week to design jewelry. I turn on my father’s old radio and design the best jewelry each time.
Paper, plastic or re-useable shopping bag?
Paper and re-useable shopping bag
What's your favorite movie of all time?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Who/what are you currently obsessed with?
Not anyone or anything, pretty much obsessed with quality...
Favorite food?
Sushi
What was your favorite band growing up?
Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, The Cars,
If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would it be?
My father who passed away 10 yrs ago, I would love to have an opportunity to see him just one more time.
What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
Chips, I just love the crunch.
What is something most people don’t know?
I was not born alone, I have a twin brother. |
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