First Fridays: Heirloom Originals

It’s First Friday again. (How on earth is it December already?) As the holidays approach, and gift-giving time draws near, I’m featuring artist and friend Jennifer Hays. Jen and I worked together years ago in a small ad agency. She’s now a Senior Art Director in New York, but on the side, she, like most designers, pursues another art form. For her, it’s hand-made jewelry under the label Heirloom Originals.

Jen’s pieces are like nothing I’ve seen before. They are a mix of old antique chain, chandelier pieces, vintage scarves, rare findings, and salvaged leather. She hunts down the individual elements, takes them apart, twists, gathers and clips them together to create brand new creations with antiqued yet sturdy chains, clasps and hooks. Each necklace or bracelet is unique–no two are alike because parts are simply found–sometimes in bundles, but sometimes alone and neglected and waiting for her to come along to scoop them up. The collection is constantly updated with newly discovered textures, colors and materials.

With Jen’s creative eye, each finished piece is art directed and lovingly photographed by her as well. Close-ups show knots and details. Glass lies on wood to show structure. Necklaces strung on a vintage mannequin give a sense of length and wearability–showing Jen’s practical side.

If it’s a one-of-a-kind gift your looking for, made by the delicate hands of thoughtful American designer, using repurposed materials, look no further than Jen Hays. Her pieces are limited, so shop early.
Her Heirloom Originals are on Etsy and on Facebook.
(If you’re curious, you can also check out Jen’s day job creative projects at WorkAndThings.)