ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Heather Duby-Tharpe

by Valerie


The Artisan Group is proud to announce today’s Artist Spotlight Feature is Heather Duby-Tharpe of Fonté Noir Jewelry!

_________________________________________

FONTÉ NOIR JEWELRY

We caught up with Heather and asked her a few questions about her funky etched jewelry line, and her experiences so far working with TAG. Here’s what she said:

Tell us a little bit about your shoppe. 

Well all good stories start with “It all started when…” for me, it started when I was 10. My Dad, crazy crazy crazy man decided it would be a good idea to take me to the bead store in town for my birthday. Now by “in town” I mean 20 miles from home, the closest place to buy even just a gallon of milk. From then on I was hooked and he would tease me relentlessly, every time we went to buy beads about how much money I would spend on such an itty bitty bag of beads.

Each time I would visit the bead store, the owner would teach me a new technique, to broaden my skill set. Fast forward a few years. I was making jewelry for art galleries when living in Michigan when I discovered Etsy. At the time I was creating beaded works, assembling, stringing, and basic wire wrapping.

When I returned home to California about four and a half years ago, I would work full-time and come home and create to decompress. My very supportive cheerleader family and friends encouraged me to branch out on my own to build my businesses. About a year and a half ago my Dad passed away and with what he left for us, we invested some in my jewelry. With that, my entire style, and inspiration changed. Working with metal, vintage components and steampunk gear has brought me a whole new joy in each piece I create.

Fonté Noir Jewelry now includes metal working from etching, to fusing, to forging. Vintage assemblage pieces, think Grandma’s jewelry with a fresh new twist and steampunk jewelry and accessories made from vintage watches and clock parts. I even had the privilege to work with the steampunk band “Bad Wolf” to accessorize some of the actresses featured throughout their music video. I work primarily with copper, brass and fine silver metals to create heirloom quality artisan jewelry. It truly is an honor to create jewelry and accessories that people feel worthy of wearing, cherishing and gifting to their loved ones.


What is your favorite product from your shoppe and why? 
I think my favorite product is my “Away We Fly” cuff. Oddly enough it is also one of my most labor intensive pieces. I etch the piece with the quote and bird and then hand paint salt water on the bird and seal it in a container to speed up the verdigris patina process. I love it because each and every one is different. The chemical reactions to the metal and each other always surprise me. It has inspired a whole new Quotes Line that will be unveiled soon.
When you’re not etching, fusing, and forging such cool jewelry, what are your hobbies? 

I don’t really have much time for any hobbies, as I have also been a florist for 17 years so that takes up a good majority of my time when not designing jewelry. Though in my little bit of down time, I love to spend time with my two gorgeous daughters who are 11 and 5 and of course spending time with my hubby. I enjoy going to performances of my handsome husband with his band too, as he is a southern rock/country singer songwriter.


What do you like best about The Artisan Group? 

The Artisan Group has been such a blessing. I have met some of the most incredible artisans and entrepreneurs. The knowledge base of the entire group is just amazing. I have learned so much from being involved in such a dynamic group of people. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging, whether you are coming with great news or are discouraged with something. Being a member here has brought some amazing friends that have enriched my life and may have not met otherwise. I am also thankful I have with me some wonderful friends I have known from Etsy that are also members who encouraged me to apply, Thank you Sweets, you know who you are!

Heather recently participated as a display participant in a luxury celebrity gift lounge on September 21-22, 2012 at The W Hotel in Hollywood California, in honor of the The 2012 Primetime Emmys Nominees and Presenters.

Comments

  3. Rachel says

    I love your cuffs, Heather! You’ve been very fun to get to know, and in person as well as online. Its so great to see new members who give just as much as they gain from the group.

  6. ginny says

    Hey Sweet Heather! Congrats on the awesome feature!
    I’m wearing some pretty Heather-made etched copper earrings right now :D!

Back to Top