Julie Booras is a talented jewelry designer from Massachusetts with a specialty. When Julie told me that she creates jewelry from recycled sources, I was instantly intrigued. Am I the only one who didn’t know silver could be made from recycled items we use everyday? Julie prides herself on using 100% recycled silver (which comes from a variety of sources such as X-rays, film stock, CT films and some electronics)! Wow! But what drew me to Julie’s line the most was the simple beauty in each charm and that fact that each is customized to create a unique piece unlike any other. I recently had a chance to talk with Julie and learn more about her process and her inspiration. This is some of what she had to say:

About her inspiration:

“…I knew I wanted to make meaningful pieces. But, I also wanted them to be stylish enough that you would want to wear them everyday. I love many of the artists that Sundance Catalog carries and I often look there for inspiration. But, design is just something I am constantly thinking about. Oddly enough, I get my best ideas while I’m in the shower.”

About her process:

“I really love almost everything about it. A day that I get to spend working in my studio is always a great day. I love working with metal and with my hands. The material I work with to create my charms and rings is amazing. The recycled silver particles are mixed with a binder. The result is called Precious Metal Clay. (You can do this with gold and bronze too and soon copper will be available). When you start forming your piece you are literally working with a lump. Once you’ve created your piece, you fire it in a kiln. All the binder burns off and you’re left with Pure Silver. Pretty cool, huh?

“I’m also a gemstone fanatic. I love finding great gemstone briolettes. It is not an easy task! It takes a lot of hunting and developing relationships with really good vendors.”

About her new career:

“I didn’t really decide. It just happened. One day a few years back, I stumbled across an article about Precious Metal Clays and that was it. I never stopped and never looked back.

“The sense of accomplishment of launching my own jewelry line has been great. My goal was to create a business doing something I love that gives me the freedom to make my own hours and be home for my family. That is a huge check mark on my life’s ‘to do’ list.”

About her business:

“I recently launched on the Internet and since then business has really taken off. I think getting reviews on relevant blogs is really one of the best ways to reach your customers and make great connections. (relevant being the key word) I get other blogs and websites wanting to cover my work after reading about me on one of the blogs they follow. It snowballs. Poppytalk Handmade is another great place to showcase your work. Currently, I only sell in one boutique - sylvieandbruno.com.”

About her life:

“When I’m not working, I’m just hanging out with family and friends. I work a lot so when I’m not working I am mostly spending time with my family. I have a great husband, a four and five-year old and two yellow labs. They keep me pretty busy!”

You can also read more about Julie’s products on a recent review at Cool Mom Picks and of course, on her website.

I asked Julie to keep us posted on new developments with Heart and Stone Jewelry. There is much more to come!