Rush Brook Studio

Danielle Whalen

Jewelry

Wire-wrapped pendants,  gemstone bead rings, mini-pendant earrings,
gemstone bead stud earrings, beaded bracelets and Dangle gemstone earrings.

I hand wire-wrap each piece using only wire (no heat or glue) and high-grade crystals, gemstones, or other materials. I source my stones from local small businesses and professional lapidary artists, and I also search for items at antique shops, vintage fairs, and online that I may upcycle and use in my work (such as antique shell cameos and vintage coral/pearls). I use sterling silver, 14k gold-fill, and copper in my work, all sourced in the USA and not plated. I have a style, but no two pieces are exactly alike. I let the material that I am wrapping dictate the final product. My work offered is listed below, all made in any of the three metals depending on what looks beautiful with what I am creating. I love letting the beauty of Nature shine through in each piece, and finding unique and interesting stones that are conversation pieces!

I am a born and raised Rhode Islander from Scituate, RI. I named my business after "Rush Brook," a brook that runs through the backyard of my childhood home and connects to the state's reservoir. I attended and graduated from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and lived in NYC for many years, working in the magazine publishing industry. I decided to move back to my home state of Rhode Island in 2019 to pursue my dream of designing jewelry and beginning a small business. As I was taking in-person classes at RISD, Covid broke out and I had to figure out how to design jewelry at home without any studio materials. It was then I discovered wire-wrapping, and I completely fell in love with the medium! With literal time on my hands, I taught myself the craft and Rush Brook Studio was officially born in February of 2021. Since then, I have had people from all over the country (and, indeed, the world) purchase my work on Etsy or my website, and I have been exhibiting my work at art markets and festivals throughout Rhode Island. I have also expanded to sell my work in two artist co-operative shops: Made in Warren in Warren, RI, and Hotpoint Emporium in Bristol, RI, where I serve on the Board of Directors and the Display Committee. My goal for 2024 is to expand my shows into more New England states. Meeting customers at my shows is the most rewarding part of my business and I work very hard to promote every event I take part in via my growing social media platforms, at other in-person events, and on my website and newsletter. I am constantly developing new designs and ideas and growing my craft skills!