Round 2 of my SSS artist’s collaborations has me SO excited. Our napkins were in need of a little jewelry, so I reached out to Christine of Young Frankk for a little help to get them all dolled up for the holidays. You may recognize the x motif as I’ve worn a bracelet by her that is similar to the design, here and there on the blog. Inspired by her cuff, we set out to create these napkin rings… I drew out the shape and she created a prototype, we chatted, I gave her some tweaks, she proposed ideas, and we continued on like that until they were complete. Working alongside another artist in collaboration is a fulfilling project and has given my creative juices a big boost.

Each napkin ring is handcrafted by Christine. They are gold dipped brass and sold in sets of four… perfect to glam up your table or gift to your favorite host/hostess. Find them here!

Now a bit more on Christine…

Young Frankk is a jewelry line established in 2012, by artist turned jewelry designer and maker, Christine Young. Her work incorporates her drawing experience by translating the line work onto metal and by drawing inspiration from designs that are simple and minimal yet bold and graphic. Each piece is fabricated by hand by the designer, creating one of a kind and unique pieces in her studio in Richmond, Virginia.

Christine on her creative journey…
My background is in visual art, I attended Parsons the New School for Design and received a BFA in Illustration. After graduating, I took a break from drawing and painting but I still needed a new and fresh creative outlet that I haven’t explored yet, which is what led me to jewelry making. I started off small and slow, just experimenting, but then quickly got immersed in the craft by teaching myself new techniques and skills.

Christine on her aesthetic…
I feel that my aesthetic is constantly evolving while keeping true to its minimal yet unique designs. I am motivated to create pieces that speak to me and hopefully to others as well while straying away from obvious trends. I am inspired by anything and everything, whether it’s photography, fashion, graphic design or nature. I find aspects that catch my eye or that I find to be interesting and I incorporate it into my own work. The aesthetic I strive for is simple, understated yet unique and special.