At just 19 years old, local artist Danielle Kathleen launched her own label, Danielle Kathleen Jewellery. One year on and Danielle is utilising skills learned through her Arts/Visual Arts degree at ANU, where she majors in metalsmithing, with focus in jewellery creation.
“Since beginning the course I’ve used a wide range of techniques, but the one I favoured in order to bring DK Jewellery alive is laser cutting, for the intricacy of the designs and ability of the laser,” Danielle said.
Acrylic, however, is not the only medium DK Jewellery employs. “We’ve used various metals, including copper, silver and aluminium, and in our newest range, to be released in September, we even have some wooden pieces.”
Danielle designs the images on paper first, before converting them to a series of computer files. These, once given specific code characteristics, are sent off to New Zealand for laser cutting.
“Of course, that’s the technical explanation. We also spend hours talking to our customers, getting a feel for the stories in their lives, and hearing what they have to say about the designs we produce. Sometimes they inspire us to new, crazy heights of design and sometimes we inspire them.”
Danielle is making a name for herself with her delicate acrylic designs selling fast at markets all around Canberra, including Handmade Markets and Fash ‘n’ Treasure at The Old Bus Depot.
“We’re launching the newest collections on September 11 at the Handmade Markets, Kamberra Wine Company, and hope we see you all there!”
