Susan Elnora Wins the 2012 Halstead Grant

Silver Jewelry Artist Susan Elnora Wins the 2012 Halstead Grant

Susan Elnora is the winner of this year’s Halstead Grant. This is the 7th annual grant competition for new jewelry entrepreneurs sponsored by Halstead Bead, Inc.

Minneapolis jewelry designer Susan Elnora Frerichs is the winner of the 7th annual Halstead Grant for new silver jewelry entrepreneurs. Frerichs, under the studio name Susan Elnora, will receive $6,000 in start-up cash and jewelry supplies to build her business.

“I’m thrilled! I am so incredibly honored and excited to have been selected,” commented Frerichs.

The Susan Elnora collection of urban rustic silver jewelry includes designs inspired by American settings, flora and fauna. Notable pieces use linear perspective in layered landscape necklaces featuring scenery, telephone poles and railroad tracks. Designs often feature hand fabricated moving parts or detachable enhancements. The line is anchored by artistic statement pieces but also includes many options for everyday wear.

“Susan Elnora jewelry boasts a level of originality rarely encountered in a trade that spans many ages in history,” said Hilary Scott, a grant judge.

 Frerichs was introduced to metalsmithing as an undergraduate in Studio Art at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Following the advice of her employer and mentor, renowned mokume gane artist George Sawyer, she then attended Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. After four years of apprenticing with master goldsmith Stephen Vincent in Minneapolis, Frerichs launched her own studio. Her exploration of a fading American mythology is a continuing source of inspiration.

Susan Elnora designs can be found at quality jewelry galleries across the country as well as online at Artful Home and ARTprojectA. Retail prices for sterling silver jewelry items range from $75 to $1800.

The Halstead Grant is awarded to a new silver jewelry artist each summer. The program provides business development funds, supplies and exposure to up and coming designers in the industry. Candidates must submit a portfolio as well as a lengthy application packet including details on business planning and strategy. The grant is sponsored by silver jewelry supply wholesaler Halstead Bead, Inc.

Susan Elnora joins a roster of talented Halstead Grant recipients with successful careers in independent jewelry design. For more information on the grant program including past winners, eligibility requirements and application details visit The Halstead Grant website.

The Halstead Grant 2012 Complete Results:

Winner

Susan Elnora                            Minneapolis, MN        

Top 5 Finalists

Caitie Sellers Metalsmith           Asheville, NC

Jamison Rae Jewelry                 Boise, ID

Jenny Reeves                            San Francisco, CA

Sorensen Silver Fine Art           Red Hook, NY

Top 10 Finalists

Catherine Grisez Jewelry           Seattle, WA

J W Metal Arts                         San Diego, CA

JPHii Design                             Tonawanda, NY

Rosemary Misfud Jewelry         Grand Rapids, MI

Zoa Chimerum Jewelry             Astoria, NY

Halstead Business Development Grant:  The health of the jewelry industry depends on the continuous flow of new talent and design creativity. It is critical that new artists also hone their business skills in order to effectively manage their small businesses. Halstead Bead awards a business grant to a new jewelry designer in the bridge segment each summer. The grant awards $6,000 in start-up capital and merchandise to a new design company. If you are starting a new jewelry design business, please checkout our application and eligibility details.

Halstead Bead Grant Winner Annouced!

Cowboy’s Sweetheart Jewelry Wins National Award & Business Grant

Cowboy’s Sweetheart is the 2010 winner of the 5th annual grant competition sponsored by Halstead Bead, Inc. The Jewelry Design Business Development Grant is awarded to a new jewelry entrepreneur each year.

Western jewelry designer Amy Fortunato of Cowboy’s Sweetheart rounded up top honors in the 2010 Jewelry Design Business Development Grant competition. Her prize package includes $6,000 in start-up cash and jewelry supplies. The annual award is sponsored by jewelry supply wholesaler Halstead Bead, Inc.

The grant is awarded to a new jeweler in the bridge or art jewelry segment each year in recognition of design skill and business acumen. Candidates must submit lengthy applications including portfolios of original jewelry and details of their business plans.

“Amy’s work beautifully blends western inspired silversmithing with contemporary design elements. Her line is both fashionable and affordable,” said one competition judge,Hilary Halstead Scott, “her witty branding and accessible price points are perfect for an accessory start-up in the current economy.”

Fortunato received her jewelry training as part of a Fine Arts degree from the University of Connecticut. Her career has included graphic design and jewelry production for other companies prior to launching Cowboy’s Sweetheart. Fortunato describes the genesis of her company as her answer to the call “Go West, young lady, go West!” After moving to Colorado she began her love affair with the region’s natural surroundings, history and people.

“I attempt to celebrate a little bit of the American West each time I turn out a new piece.” she stated. “I am thrilled to receive this recognition and the opportunity to grow my business.”

Cowboy’s Sweetheart joins a distinguished list of past Grant winners in the industry. Her jewelry collections are available online at www.Cowboys-Sweetheart.com. A complete list of past grant recipients and finalists as well as competition details are on the Jewelry Design Business Development Grant website at www.HalsteadBead.com/grant.