Nature's beauty shines in unique jewelry collection

Nature’s beauty shines in unique jewelry collection

By Tyler Frantz

            Everyone has a mother to thank for our presence on this Earth. They’ve carried us, cared for us and given us love beyond measure. Being a mom is often a thankless job, but they deserve worlds of credit- at least I know mine does.

            That’s why each Mother’s Day, we honor these incredible women who’ve helped shape our lives by saying thank you. A small token of appreciation- perhaps a lovely piece of jewelry- can be a terrific way to show Mom we care, though finding the perfect gift isn’t always easy.

            If a special woman in your life loves the outdoors and appreciates nature’s beauty, then the stunning and unique jewelry collection by La Bella Huntress Designs has the right piece for you.  

            La Bella Huntress Designs is a small jewelry company locally owned and operated by Tammy Krammes. With the help of her husband Bradley, Tammy handcrafts each individual piece, creating a completely unique work of art for her customers to cherish.

            “I have always had a love of creating, and about 13 years ago, while vacationing at our hunting cabin in Sullivan County, I was browsing through a used bookstore and stumbled upon my first jewelry-making book,” Krammes said. “I started creating jewelry from wire and found my passion.”

            Through the years of producing her own creations and learning new techniques, Krammes fell in love with crafting unique jewelry, so she decided to make a business of it. Coming up with a name proved troublesome at first, but her family’s fondness of the outdoors helped her settle on “La Bella Huntress Designs.”

            Tammy and Bradley teach a Hunter’s Safety Course together, and along with their two kids, they enjoy hunting, camping and taking walks in the woods. Their love of nature serves as a primary source of inspiration for Tammy’s jewelry.

            “Learning the art of wire wrapping ultimately led me to design my nature-inspired pieces. I try to avoid duplicating my work, as I feel jewelry should be one-of-a-kind, so each customer has a special piece just for them.”

            “Specializing in wire wrapping was the first part of the business, so I was always looking for unique items to wrap. I have wrapped stones, petrified wood- you name it, and I bet I can wrap it. I am always looking for different pieces of nature to incorporate into my jewelry,” Krammes said.

            “My husband began attending gem shows with me and we started using his eye to find amazing pieces too. Through attending these shows and different vendor events with me, he started generating creative ideas of his own,” Krammes explained.

            “Together, we developed the "Antler Collection, ” featuring pieces carved and crafted from cast deer antlers. Bradley carves and cuts the antlers into beautiful beads and pendants, and once sealed, I create my jewelry. Shed hunting to find unique antlers for this beautiful collection has become a favorite pastime for us,” she said.

            Krammes wraps antler tine sections and coined-out slices of the antler’s pedicle base for necklaces, and she has even made a few wine bottle stoppers from smaller sheds the couple found. It is certainly an attractive and fascinating use of a buck’s discarded headgear.

           

            Continuing with Krammes’s love of the outdoors, she also launched a “Gem Tree” collection. These consist of small trees made from woven wire and various gems such as amethyst, quartz, aventurine and many others. The trees are mounted on a base of quartz or polished stone and are truly remarkable works of art.

            “Nature can be breathtaking,” Krammes said, “So I have tried to emulate that natural splendor and capture its unique beauty through my jewelry.”

            “I think people enjoy my products because I keep my price range low and put a lot of passion into my work. Unlike manufactured assembly lines, I put my own blood, sweat and tears into every piece and take the time to make each individual item a precious and unique creation.”

            Krammes’s jewelry typically runs from $5-$45, with most pieces falling within the $13-$25 price range. You can view a sampling of her creations by visiting her business page at www.facebook.com/labellahuntressdesigns, or reach out to her by email at labellahuntressdesigns@yahoo.com.

            If you’re looking to spoil Mom this Mother’s Day, consider treating her to a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry from La Bella Huntress Designs. Nothing can rival the true beauty of nature… except for you Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!  

For more great writing, photography and video work by outdoors freelancer, Tyler Frantz, visit www.naturalpursuitoutdoors.com. Also, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

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