Feature Friday Q&A with Lisa from Sunday Owl

When you live someplace as cool, casual and hip as Hawaii, it's kind of hard not to fall in love with the natural beauty that surrounds you.  Let alone to be inspired by its flaws and nuances!  Once you meet today's Feature Friday artist, you'll look at gemstones in a whole new light as well.

The artist behind Sunday Owl, Lisa, favors simple designs featuring gemstones with character set in thick, lush recycled yellow gold.  Lisa's eco-friendly designs and practices are reflected in her amazing geometric designs and use of "imperfect" gemstones.  Afterall, perfection is boring!

Once you see these boho-chic pieces, I know that you're going to fall in love with Sunday Owl as well!  So enjoy this week's Feature Friday Q&A with the always indie, always hip Lisa from Sunday Owl!

1.  What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?

I love sculptures, especially those made of metal.  Jewelry reminds me of tiny art sculptures that go on your wanders with you. 

5 Big Loopy Circles - Organic 18k yellow gold ring.

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?

I don't really have a favorite.  I do love earthy pink sapphires, not perfect ones.  Stones that may have little imperfections are more interesting to me.

"Bug" - Berry pink rose cut sapphire ring set in 18k recycled yellow gold, $1,440.

3.  What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?

A lovely day of casting where all of my little gold sculptures are waiting for me at the bottom of the quench bucket.  Casting can be a bit unpredictable at times.  Once I pour the plaster into the mold, the adventure begins.  I am hoping it flows around the wax models as planned, but I must wait and see.  Next it goes into my kiln for many hours, I am now hoping that all is going well in that hot little box.  I then melt the gold and let go of the centrifugal casting arm which spins the metal into the mold.  Now it is time to quench the flask in water.  Lastly, I dig to the bottom of the bucket to find my little gold sculptures.  On a perfect day they are all there waiting for me.  On a not so good day they go back to the refinery and get turned into casting grain.

"Ava" - Icy pink Morganite earrings in 18k recycled yellow gold, pink drops.
I love this design!  Perfect for everyday wear!

4.  Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?

My first casting.  I was a bit scared of my large torch, now we get along just fine.

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

The earth.  I love living in the middle of nature. 

"Pie" - Nestled set of black, rose cut diamond rings. Connect the dots, $2,700.

6.  In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?

Rings...Since I was little I have always loved them. 

"Nascha" - Rustic wedding band in 18k recycled yellow gold. Moroccan loopy circles.

7.  When putting together an outfit, how do you feel about mixing metals, designs and even new with vintage pieces?

I love mixing everything.  I am an eclectic person. 

"Savannah" - Malaya Garnet ring in 18k yellow gold. Sweet and simple. So perfect for layering!

8.  Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look?  How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings? 

I love it.

"Bluebug" - Grey diamond, geometric engagement ring in recycled 18k yellow gold, $1,170.

9.  What advice would you give to budding jewelry designers? To budding fine jewelry collectors?

Be patient with yourself.  You will have good days and some bad ones too.  One of my art teachers told me that if something doesn't come out how you want it to, take a walk and come back to it later you will see it differently.  This works for me and sometimes I end up loving something I didn't like at all.  

I collect things that I love so I guess that's what I would suggest to others.

Ice Pink Morganite pendant in recycled 18k yellow gold.
My personal all-time favorite piece from Sunday Owl!  Dainty, yet not a pushover pendant at all!

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?

To visit 'The General Sherman Tree' in Sequoia National Park.

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