Alison Blair Studio Features Organically Designed Custom Jewelry

Long-time favorite Alison Stern, of Alison Blair Studio, will return to the Firefly Handmade Summer Market on August 28-29. Alison’s background in metalsmithing brings a unique quality to each of her designs. Her jewelry is delicately crafted and designed to be lived in. Silver, gold, gemstones, and leather combined, present unexpected and lovely designs. 

What inspired you to start Alison Blair Studio?
I grew up under the watch of large, mysterious abstract canvases painted in rich colors and alluring combinations like aubergine and golden flax. The smell of oil paint and the tacky feel of the drying palette piqued my senses. These are the nostalgic touch points of my childhood. My father was a fine artist and our cedar-paneled basement was where he created his art. Burlap paint-stained cloths thrown over card tables, a dark-wood easel, and makeshift repurposed finds furnished this space that I now recall so fondly.

It took many years – 30-some – for the creativity he passed on to me, to manifest in what is now my alter ego: Alison Blair Studio Metal Works.  My father’s mantra: “Simplicity is the key to beauty” guides my hand as I etch, saw, solder, and form metal into unique and lovely jewelry designs and accessories. 

 Do you do any custom work?
I do a lot of custom work. Because I make each piece myself, really all of my work is custom. But I love getting input from customers and creating a piece that is exactly what they want. Often a customer will ask me for a custom ring or necklace, then ask me to actually design what I have in mind. This is such a compliment to me, that they trust my process to bring them a unique piece.

What has been the biggest challenge of starting and sustaining your business?
As a small business owner, maintaining all aspects of business is nearly impossible. Social media is so important these days, and keeping up with Instagram, updating your website, maintaining your books, and creating new pieces is a lot of work. My biggest challenge though is getting my damned taxes done!

Are you self-taught? Did you go to art school? Continuing studies?
I'm mostly self-taught. I took a handful of metalsmith classes with a teacher who ended up becoming a wonderful friend. But mostly I work in my studio, checking in on YouTube if there are techniques I don't know how to do.

What’s the best advice you ever received?
"Follow your heart, not the trends."

​​Visit and shop with Alison Blair Studio at Firefly Handmade Summer Market, August 28 & 29, on Historic South Gaylord Street, Washington Park, Denver.