ARTIST OF THE WEEK | Nancy Krahn of St. Charles/Algonquin

Jewelry artist Nancy Krahn focuses on detail, quality, form and function in her one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. As opposed to jewelry casting, the way a lot of jewelry is made, to be able to duplicate the pieces, she uses a process called hand fabricating, a technique she likens to carpentry. “I am actually building pieces with sterling silver and gold sheets, and adding precious, semi-precious and ornamental gemstones,” says Nancy.

Ever since majoring in the Fine Arts program at University of Wisconsin, Nancy has been self-employed creating and selling her jewelry her entire adult life. Teaching her techniques at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles sparks a part of her that she didn’t know she was missing. “I didn’t know how much I would love it,” says Nancy. “Watching my students light-up when they have learned a technique and seeing their smiles when they’ve completed a project is so rewarding.”

Nancy describes her designs as lyrical, an influence from her father, a classical musician and a nod to Art Nouveau and Art Deco, a tribute to her Grandmother. The flowery and organic lines reflect her feminine side. Staying true to her own vision, Nancy has developed a style that is recognizably her own. “I love it when someone recognizes a ‘Nancy piece’ on someone else.”

To view and purchase Nancy’s jewelry, visit www.NancyKrahnJewelryDesign.com . If you are interested in taking her jewelry classes, visit www.FineLine.org .

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