Meet Janet Cozzens of JKC Creations

Janet Cozzens, JKC Creations, All Rights Reserved

I began collecting art as an author almost twenty years ago. The visual and literary arts communities often came together, and through the years, my spouse and I have been able to create quite a collection of beautiful artwork for our home. Years later, life has taken me to the jewelry arts, where I am lucky to be the administrator of Jewel School Friends -- a community of  diverse jewelry artisans and experts inspired by Jewel School and jewelry arts of all kinds. I get to meet so many amazing jewelry artists! And that means getting to enjoy and even purchase beautiful handcrafted jewelry.

Handcrafted jewelry Facebook pages and Etsy shops are amazing, constant inspirations.  There is nothing quite as special as spending a quiet afternoon shopping handcrafted jewelry and incredible hand-sewn purses and bags. It's truly wonderful to support independent artists, and the items purchased are so unique: every item has its own energy that reflects the artist. Handcrafted feels as special as it looks.

Handcrafted jewelry can be amazing inside and out. Even the packaging is unique and charming, making the objects d'art not just something purchased, but gifts! Jewelry artists can be as creative with their packaging as they are their work. From Bitchin Bags' wicked good skull tape and delightful sugar skulls exclaiming "made with love" enclosing perfectly sewn, top quality cotton & leather bags, to the the soft water color prints and natural fibers of Floridity's carefully packaged lotus clay focal beads, each handcrafted package is a present.

Handcrafted artisans not only create special packaging for time given art,  they also often take time to meet their customers, create custom orders, and become friends. The first time I saw the fine wire art of Wrapped Up In Magic and fell in love with several pieces, I not only discovered the most beautiful fairy cameo (that would later become a Valentines gift from my spouse) and the very best Tree of Life pendants anywhere, I discovered an artisan who cares about her customers as she does her art. I made a wonderful friend! And as blessed as I am in meeting, knowing, and befriending incredible jewelry artists, I would like to share my good fortune by introducing the jewelry artists I meet to the Jewel School community.

So please meet jewelry artist Janet Cozzens, and her gorgeous jewelry at  JKC Creations .  Janet is a talented wire artist, and as you explore her work you'll see why it is no surprise she is an  artist of the month for Wire-Sculpture (March 2012)! Her jewelry designs are a special confluence of sophisticated wire art and wire weaving that celebrate lovely gems --  all with a Victorian, romantic flair. Cozzens' says, "My jewelry is very much Victorian in style. This just seems to be what my hands are destined to create."  Indeed, Dale "Cougar" Armstrong writes of Cozzens' work, "how far she has come, learning and executing techniques to make her jewelry reflect ... the Victorian Era!"

Cozzens' Irish background also influences her style. Her strength and lovely spirit comes through her intricate work. Pieces like "Frosted Crystal Cabochon Bridal Tiara" and "Laguna Lace Pendant" are complex, beautiful designs. Cozzens shares her thoughts on these pieces at her Etsy store, JKC Creations Shop: "I believe that hard work is necessary to get you where you want to go in life and I carry this through in the designs that I create."

I'm certain that as you enjoy the work of Janet Cozzens, you will be intrigued with her wire arts style of Victorian romance. And like a good Irish blessing, her jewelry is sure to uplift and delight. May you be as inspired and moved by the immense richness of Cozzens' handcrafted jewelry as am I!