Wire offers artist flexible way to stand out in jewelry

photo Artist Dawn Skowronnek creates jewelry using wire and repurposed pieces of hardware, such as nuts.

• What: Handmade wire jewelry

• Company: Charmed by Dawn

• Email: dawn@charmedbydawn.com

• Website: www.facebook.com/charmedbydawnjewelry

• Telephone: 994-7680

• Owners: Dawn Skowronnek

• What's special: Jewelry designer Dawn Skowronnek said working with a relatively unexplored medium like wire offers flexibility and makes her pieces stand out. "I go to a lot of the markets, and I don't see anything that closely resemble mine. If you're looking for something to wear that no one else is wearing, I'm the person to seek out."

• The origin story: About 10 years ago, Skowronnek was a member of a new mothers group in California. A group member gave another a handmade bracelet as a gift. Taken by the beauty of the piece, Skowronnek decided to enroll in a beading class to learn basic jewelry making skills, eventually emphasizing a solder-free, cold-connection construction. Her first customers were members of her group, and she later expanded to the general public.

• How long does it take to make: One to several days, depending on the intricacy of the design.

• Where it's sold: Skowronnek has a few pieces in Plum Nelly (330 Frazier Ave, Suite B). She also accepts custom orders by email.

• What it costs: $25-$250, depending on components and construction time.

• Future expansions planned: An event planner and fundraiser by trade, jewelry has recently been on the back burner, Skowronnek said, but she intends to produce more pieces in time for Christmas. In the future, she said she hopes to increase her presence in local galleries and utilize social networking to drum up interest in her pieces.

• Lessons of the trade: "Mistakes can be your friend. Some of the best pieces I made started with different intentions," Skowronnek said. "Perfection is not important. I like the organic feel to my jewelry. I think that's part of the appeal. Also, if you're faced with a challenge, you can be even more creative."

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