First and foremost, Joanne Heaviland is a photographer. As a world traveler (she once worked for United Airlines), she took up photography as a hobby. Whether it be scenery or wildlife, Joanne finds her inspiration when looking at mountains, lakes, and other nature pieces in the Pacific Northwest. She finds photography (a hobby she taught herself) to be a great way to express herself. Although wonderful with the camera, A-Line was most interested in Heaviland’s new hobby: jewelry making. A resident of Sandpoint, Idaho (but a Californian at heart), Joanne explains to us how she got involved with the vintage jewelry business:

Heaviland's soldered, vintage jewelry

1. How did you get involved with jewelry making?

While living in Sandpoint, Idaho, which is a wonderful artists’ community, I decided to take some art classes from the artists in the area. I met an artist who made antique typewriter key necklaces and soldered jewelry. I wanted to somehow incorporate my photography with soldered jewelry. I have incorporated the soldered jewelry by using my own photography in the pieces. I also use old family photos of my grandmother, mother, and other people, which give it a very vintage look.

2. What is your favorite piece to make and why?

My favorite is when I take a portrait of a child and do a custom piece for a client with their child’s photo between the soldered glass pieces. It makes for a very special gift and memento.

3. What sort of jewelry do you make?

I make both antique typewriter key initial necklaces and soldered jewelry. I also do some beading work but, right now, I’m not currently selling it.

4. How did you get the idea?

I saw it done by anothe artist and loved it! She was very wonderful in helping me learn the craft. It was nice, too, because I didn’t feel threatened working with such a talented artist!

5. You make jewelry specifically for people. Does that get difficult because people have such different tastes?

No, it’s really the best part! You can make a beautiful custom piece with whatever photograph they would like. It makes for such a special gift.

6. Where do you find the typewriter keys? How do you choose which ones you want to use?

I find them on the Internet, but if I had the tools I could buy old typewriters and cut them off. It’s easiest to buy them online and then do some grinding when I receive them. I have to grind them down so that they are flat and fit into the base.

7. How is it having your own company in this economy?

Honestly, if you price them correctly they sell. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to expand into jewelry with my photography. Many of my canvas photos sell for as much as $325, so, to me, a $25-45 piece of jewelry is affordable in this economy!

8. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you personally own?

I recently purchased a piece from a local artist, Sue Ballard, the founder of Zoko, a really gorgeous coin necklace. She does incredible beaded jewelry with freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones, and coins. I love handmade jewelry the best!

This jewelry holder is the perfect place to hold all of the pieces!

9. Where do you get the inspiration for your pieces?

I get my inspiration through my photography. When I am making the vintage pieces, I ask my mom for old photos and try to figure out which ones will best suit this different type of jewelry.

10. What are other hobbies that you enjoy, in addition to making jewelry?

I obviously enjoy photography. I also love hot yoga, running, paddle-boarding, kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, and having coffee with my friends!

Interested in one of Joanne Heaviland’s pieces? Email her at johavy@hotmail.com.