In the summer of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to study at the Penland School of Craft under two legendary metalsmiths, Matthieu Chiminee and Tim McCreight. I knew this experience would be special, learning the art of stamping, metal weaving, and even knife making from two of the men who literally wrote the textbooks. But, to my surprise, the true inspiration extended beyond technique—it connected me to a broader vision for the power of craft in global communities.

Introducing the Toolbox Initiative: Tools for Global Artisans

One evening, Tim and Matthieu introduced us to an organization very close to their hearts: the Toolbox Initiative. The Toolbox Initiative provides essential tools to West African jewelry artisans who, with extremely limited resources, including lack of access to electricity, create intricate, masterful designs. As an American maker surrounded by tools, indeed I probably have hundreds of tools, I found it humbling to see what these artisans accomplish with so few resources. Their creativity is a testament to human ingenuity, and this experience has made me cherish the privilege of my own tools and equipment.

Jewelry with a Deeper Purpose

This season, I’m launching a limited-edition Peace Sign necklace in support of the Toolbox Initiative. Inspired by a client’s heirloom jewelry rework project, this hand carved pendant embodies simplicity and boldness—two qualities that have always inspired me and set the foundation for all of my work.

Carving designs like this takes a tremendous amount of time, and heirloom redesign customers have the option of securing carved designs as truly one of a kind for them, or allowing me to retain the design in my line. This client was happy for me to keep the pendant in my line, and I’m so glad she was because I had become rather fond of it. It was so minimal, but it was bold and graphic, it called to mind a nostalgia I hadn’t realized I was looking for in my jewelry. I wore my own version of the pendant for awhile while Jerrica and I strategized a way to release it into a campaign to benefit the Toolbox Initiative.

More Than Tools: A Pathway to Opportunity

In addition to providing essential tools, the Toolbox Initiative has expanded into education, supporting men, women, and children through community-led programs. During the pandemic, a Niger-based jeweler began teaching metalworking to local kids, funded by the Toolbox Initiative. Since then, the program has grown, with teachers offering French and arithmetic lessons to children in remote villages. In Agadez, a seamstress teaches young women traditional sewing techniques, empowering them with skills and economic opportunity.

These grassroots programs are a testament to the power of community and craft. Every Peace Sign necklace sold will directly support these efforts, providing tools, resources, and educational and economic opportunities to artisans and families in West Africa. Join me in celebrating the resilience and creativity that connect us all, across continents and cultures.

When I approached Tim and Matthieu about this project, they summed it up perfectly -

“what the world needs now is a lot more peace.”