Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Armstrong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started at age 12 oil painting, taking lessons from my grannie Pon and my cousin. I was IN LOVE! A part of my soul had been exposed. Years of sketching, art classes in high school and college, and a constant need to create were how it all began.
In 2011, I broke my ankle pretty severely and was unable to work. I had to have “something” to do while I was down. I looked into making candles and had started painting again. My mom, Gail, asked the question, “have you ever made jewelry?” I responded quickly with “NO, thanks.” Once your mother suggests a spark of a notion, you tend to dwell on it. Well, at least I do.
I was able to return to work and slowly dabbled in “building” jewelry. A term a lady who knowledgeably informed me that that was what I was doing. Meaning, I took pieces and parts and crafted them together. I then found hand stamping – Shortly after that, I found the art of etching. Etching is traditionally the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design. I was hooked! I found I could draw whatever I wanted and make it my own. Then combining with leathers I created my own brand. This is where I found Me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Is anything ever a smooth road? No. I worked bartending for several years while creating jewelry. I would take $100 a week, and slowly piece together my arsenal of supplies and tools. Creating on my time off, and just hoping someone would find interest in my art.
I was constantly being pushed aside from the fine art world or by other crafters. My style was somewhere between the I was frustrated. I felt mediocre. I was stagnating in getting my work out there for people to fall in love with or appreciate what I was making.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Fast forward to year number eight in starting Hunny Hush. I have found my world! That is exactly what it is. My world. My art. I now specialize in etched, hand-crafted wearable art. Eclectic and rustic are the words I use to explain my jewelry. My biggest muse is nature. The outdoors and color. I am always outside searching my flower garden or wooded backdrop for another slice of inspiration.
I use so many different techniques in making. Mosaic pieces, which are tiny tiles made in Morocco and tiled into small bezels to form a pattern, then grouting and sealing. Much like tiling your bathroom floor, yet on a much, much smaller scale. In 2017, I had a patent-pending project using the mosaic and adding human or pet ashes to the pieces. The patent was finally pushed off the table in 2019, but I do still continue to create these unique pieces for those who wish to carry their dear departed with them.
I wanted to possibly start metalsmithing. Just enamored with the work and detail of the craftsmanship that it involves. I found a suitable substance for my rustic flare, PMC – Precious metal clay. An actual clay that can be molded and formed just as you would a cup yet after fired turns to pure silver. There are many avenues that can be created using this clay and method.
During 2020, I had stumbled upon enameling. The process of powdered glass to copper then torch firing. What a rush that was! I was again excited to find a new medium to work with and to incorporate this with my etched pieces, or to stand alone.
I have been a self-taught artist through this path. Reading books and watching videos to teach me each craft. Then combine them all to create my style, my brand. I have had ladies approach me over the years still wearing pieces I created in the beginning. I have a list of custom work that is always in the making. I am ‘always’ thrilled to create a one of a kind. A memory. For someone to gift to another. Those are the best parts of my job. Yes, this is my job! It is an honor that I get chosen to create. Create a piece of wearable art that has a larger meaning that even I can fathom for someone to give.
My work is finally out there. I have been shared and shipped to as far as France, Czech, Canada, and almost all 50 states. (and these are the ones I only know about). I have been chosen to create for popular musicians such as Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood. Also including pieces for Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town and her daughters. Again, I am honored and humbled to just create!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
The most surprising about me… my self-confidence. I am a big doubter when it comes to me. I have struggled with this façade about myself for most of my life.
Pricing:
- $10-$50
- custom pricing
Contact Info:
- Email: hunnyhushh@outlook.com
- Website: https://hunnyhush.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunny_hush/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hunnyhushjewelry
Image Credits
Heather Lynch Photography
