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BLOG | Found Natural Goods Pastime Blog

Here's what we do* in our pastime, off the clock. 

*Make, create, see, love, discover, admire, adventure, and dream. 

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Photo by Jessica Heigh

Photo by Jessica Heigh

The Make(Her) No. 1: Emily Gibbons, Jewelry Designer

Jacqueline Smith January 26, 2019

At Found, we are supported with handmade inventory by over fifty people every month. So to better understand who these people are, we’re spotlighting one artist each month. We want to know what’s behind the art, the artist, the designs and mainly, the woman. As 98% of our Found makers are women, we’re shining a light on what’s made her in a new blog series.


First up, Emily Gibbons (EG) ––jewelry designer, painter, mom, and generally driven woman–– was interviewed by Found Natural Goods Founder, Jacqueline Smith (JS) for over an hour with coffee in hand under the unusually warm winter sunshine at Looney Bean's riverfront garden next door to our brick-and-mortar on Brooks Street downtown Bend, Oregon. 

JS: I’m choosing you first [Emily] because you’re my friend and I’m not totally clear on my questions.

EG: [laughs] Well, I’ll try my best!

JS: Ok, so was there a moment when you knew you wanted to make jewelry?

EG: Yeah. I had just finished school, and I was a painting major in college and I was really dedicated to it. But when I moved into an apartment with Colby, I didn’t have space for painting and it was kind of toxic ––I worked in oil paint–– to have in my home space. But, I had this like, this need to make something. I saw a magazine article about making your own simple necklaces, and I was instantly curious, and eventually went to a bead store and it was like, oh my gosh, yes. I got some wire, pliers, and a wire cutting tool and I started dabbling around and playing with it. It was so exciting to be there in this space with all the beads and color. I was excited to wear something that I actually made. At that time, I was teaching yoga and I started getting a lot of comments on the jewelry I was wearing. And then, about 6 months into it, a friend of mine who was also a jeweler was opening up her own store. She asked me to sell some of my pieces on consignment, and gave me a few professional tips about materials and presentation.

JS: Wait, wait, wait –– let’s backtrack –– when was this and where in the world are we?

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

EG: Good question. It was probably, wow about 10 years ago now in Austin, Texas. I’d just put painting on the back burner. Those first initial pieces were really organic, wire-wrapped, gemstone and kind of crude but they actually sold.

JS: And those first pieces, were they similar to what you’re making now?

EG: Kind of. In some ways, yes, but in other ways, no. I’ve simplified what I do. These were all one-of-a-kind pieces with more focus on intricate wire wrapping and bigger, more organic shapes. 

JS: What drove you to learn metalsmithing?

EG: Honestly I got a little tired of the limits that I had with just wire wrapping, and I got a little sick of doing the same thing over and over. It was half accessibility and half finding my own style and technique, branching out of my comfort zone and working through a challenge. I have never taken a jewelry class so my techniques and styles have evolved in a pretty organic and unique way. I think that has helped me keep an individual look to my work. I also don't use any heat in my studio, no soldering or casting, so I have this challenge that I like... I try to do things with the limits I have set in place, and work within that challenge to create something new. It’s fun right now, but in the future, I might be ready to branch out into more traditional techniques while still holding on to my own style and look. My main motivation that’s driven me has been my own taste and what I want to wear. Trying to blend it to where it was still noticeably my style but more simplistic and refined.

JS: Especially in a saturated and competitive market.

EG: Oh yes.

JS: One thing you mentioned was your first trip to the bead store. Tell me about that.

EG: For me what made it so exciting, coming from a painting background, is it’s another form of a pallet and I love gemstones that have texture, the way they reflect light. In my studio space, I don’t organize or compartmentalize the stones and metals. They’re all laid out on the table and it’s messy and usually, I don’t have a plan when I’m making something new. I just pick some stones that draw my attention, and then start to play with metals and wire to create a new and exciting piece or collection. I may have an idea, but today metal has more of an influence on me and I love to accent it with beads. Once I started getting more into hand-cutting, hammering, texturizing and shaping the metal it became more fun and interesting to me than beadwork. But I still love working with gemstones... adding in what could now be called expertise in that field of wire wrapping and weaving the stones into and around metals.  

JS: Oh, wow I love that. It’s so counterintuitive to what I perceived your process being. So, at one point you mentioned having this need to create. Can you elaborate on that feeling? Is it inside of you?

EG: You know, I think everybody has their own things that drive them, and I can just remember ever since being a child ––and my sister’s the same way, she’s also an artist–– we were really encouraged by our mom, also an artist, to make and create things. I get into a zone, I feel happy, relaxed, excited, and driven when I sit down in my space. The excitement of making something beautiful out of raw materials just doesn’t get old for me. I still love painting, making little sculptures, drawing...but for me, making jewelry is a combination of all of that. I guess today that’s where I find a really large amount of meaning in my life. It’s creating and having that process evolve into something functional.

“I guess today that’s where I find a really large amount of meaning in my life. It’s creating and having that process evolve into something functional.”

JS: Ah, the creative process.

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

EG: And you know now, having a family, it’s not as much as a desire to grow and expand the business but it’s the one thing that’s for me that I want to hold on to as I raise my boy, soon to be two boys. Because everything else is for other people. I’ve got to be able to hold onto it for myself and push for creativity and exploration. I think that if I can manage to keep this part of myself, I will be happier and more purpose-driven in raising children. It’s truly impossible to ever find real balance, but we can strive for it, right? 

JS: Yes. So true. Ok, ok, ok –– let’s jump back to the main thought this blog series was born of; what’s made you as an artist?

EG: It’s such a generic answer but it’s true. It's having that inherent drive to create, and being inspired nature. But nature is everything. You know, you’re looking at a piece of bark on a tree, how the light reflects off of it and you want to make something that sparks the same feeling of taking in that beauty all around us... that looks organic and has that natural light play, even though it begins as a rigid, hard piece of metal. My work is reflected in nature because everything is kind of organic, and unplanned and not perfect––and I’m a pretty messy, unplanned person.

JS: But that’s what’s so beautiful about you!

EG: If I didn’t have the responsibilities that adult life and family brings, I’d probably be more of a wandering soul. One of the biggest challenges that I’ve faced with being in jewelry ––which is similar to fashion–– are the seasonal demands and competition behind that concept. Coming out with an entirely new collection every couple of months, I’ve learned, now that I’m more established and settled in my own comfort level, I can play with different ideas and styles seasonally and hold on to the staples from each line. I have found what works for me is a less rigid timeline or deadlines. I love working with smaller and independent boutiques where I am able to customize collections and collaborate with my retail partners like you for those unique spaces and their clientele. So you won’t see all the same pieces at every shop I sell my work in. In some ways, that forces me to keep this business small, but for right now that works perfectly with the other obligations I have in my life. 

JS: Sweet. Um, lastly, what’s your tip for someone curious about taking the leap from a hobby to launching a small business from their passion (be it jewelry or another creative expression)?

EG: I spent a lot of time in my twenties not having a clear vision of what I wanted to do. Today I know it’s really helpful to spend time thinking, writing, and putting out real clear objectives on what you do want and the goals you have. Then put a real force behind that and without the distractions of other pursuits and side-jobs that you don’t want to be your career, that is not quick money, but that is fulfilling. Give it everything. It took everything I had to get this going from a hobby to a legitimate business. I gave up a lot of my life and financial security to work towards this goal. I have to give my husband credit for that... a few years ago he said to me pretty point blank: stop daydreaming and really go for it, or get a real job that you can rely on. I was terrified of having an office job and just as scared of continuing to work in the service industry. I loved teaching yoga but it didn’t fulfill me in the same way that creating my own artistic business would, so basically, bite the bullet. 

Discover Emily’s handiwork on her site here ––Emily Gibbons Jewelry–– or come into Found Natural Goods for a full display of her work in-person. Now, the real question, which Found artist is next?

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

Photo by Caitlin Gallavan

Infounder musings, lifestyle, oregon gifts Tagsartist interview, jewelry designer interview, oregon artist, oregon artist interview, oregon jeweler, oregon jewelry designer
  • BLOG | Found Natural Goods Pastime Blog
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Found Natural Goods PASTIME BLOG

Here's what we do* in our Pastime, off the clock. 

*make, create, see, love, discover, admire, adventure, and dream.


  • February 2019
    • Feb 15, 2019 The Make(Her) No. 2: Morgan Miller, Painter & Midwife Feb 15, 2019
  • January 2019
    • Jan 30, 2019 Why We No Longer Offer White Sage Jan 30, 2019
    • Jan 26, 2019 The Make(Her) No. 1: Emily Gibbons, Jewelry Designer Jan 26, 2019
    • Jan 24, 2019 Re-Post of URB Apothecary's Awesome Dry Brushing Blog Jan 24, 2019
    • Jan 20, 2019 First Friday February at Found with Feather Divine Jan 20, 2019
    • Jan 19, 2019 How To Meditate, by Ethel Studio - Handmade Meditation Cushions Jan 19, 2019
    • Jan 14, 2019 An Evening Empowering Self-Love Rituals Jan 14, 2019
    • Jan 11, 2019 Introducing, Jacqueline Smith - Found Natural Goods' Founder Jan 11, 2019
    • Jan 9, 2019 Found Newsletter No. 1, JAN 2019 Jan 9, 2019
    • Jan 4, 2019 First Friday at Found with James Phillips Jan 4, 2019
    • Jan 3, 2019 Endless Love for Craigslist Mirrors Jan 3, 2019
  • December 2018
    • Dec 20, 2018 Welcoming, JPAIGE&Co. Leathersmith Dec 20, 2018
    • Dec 13, 2018 What are Second-Life® Objects? Dec 13, 2018
    • Dec 13, 2018 Botanical Sprinkles -- Organic, Edible Floral Garnish Dec 13, 2018
  • November 2018
    • Nov 20, 2018 Holiday Shopping Bullet Points Nov 20, 2018
    • Nov 14, 2018 We're on TV! Nov 14, 2018
    • Nov 12, 2018 Outtakes, CYR Photographic Nov 12, 2018
    • Nov 11, 2018 POP-UP at 3rd Annual INTO the WOODS 2018 Holiday Market Nov 11, 2018
    • Nov 8, 2018 Marité Acosta Ceramics at Found Natural Goods Nov 8, 2018
  • October 2018
    • Oct 31, 2018 Analogue Tintypes Portraiture Pop-Up at Found Oct 31, 2018
  • September 2018
    • Sep 30, 2018 Self-Care Sunday at Found with Amulette Studios Sep 30, 2018
  • August 2018
    • Aug 31, 2018 We Got the Cover with These Creatives Aug 31, 2018
  • July 2018
    • Jul 26, 2018 A Grand Opening for Found Natural Goods' Brick-and-Mortar Jul 26, 2018
    • Jul 20, 2018 The Lady on Our Wall Jul 20, 2018
  • April 2018
    • Apr 27, 2018 Planning grand things - and an accompanying soundtrack Apr 27, 2018
    • Apr 26, 2018 Welcoming Poppy & Someday to our organic lineup Apr 26, 2018
    • Apr 3, 2018 We've Sharpened Our Product Photography - Gallivan Creative - Bend, Oregon Photo Studio Apr 3, 2018
  • March 2018
    • Mar 8, 2018 Make Mindful, Luxurious Easter Baskets Mar 8, 2018
  • February 2018
    • Feb 15, 2018 "Eco-Home Goods" Means Organic, Whole Foods Too Feb 15, 2018
  • January 2018
    • Jan 29, 2018 The Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Jan 29, 2018
    • Jan 24, 2018 Beautiful Desk Details Jan 24, 2018
    • Jan 22, 2018 WINTER EDIT Jan 22, 2018
    • Jan 19, 2018 EXTENDED WEEKEND SALE! January 19 through January 22, 2018 Jan 19, 2018
    • Jan 17, 2018 Found en México Jan 17, 2018
    • Jan 17, 2018 HAND STAMPED SOLID BRASS KEY TAGS Jan 17, 2018
  • December 2017
    • Dec 5, 2017 INTO the WOODS, Holiday Market 2017 Dec 5, 2017
  • October 2017
    • Oct 6, 2017 Eco Home Essentials For Cozy Fall Evenings Oct 6, 2017
    • Oct 3, 2017 This Weeks' Best Seller: Organic Fire Starter Oct 3, 2017
    • Oct 2, 2017 The Poetry of Material Things Oct 2, 2017
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    • Sep 29, 2017 Found Fruit Sep 29, 2017
    • Sep 22, 2017 Photo Series: From Above Sep 22, 2017
    • Sep 21, 2017 Emily Gibbons Jewelry, Oregon Badlands Photoshoot Sep 21, 2017
    • Sep 18, 2017 Chef's Table Inspiration vs. Search Engine Optimization Sep 18, 2017
    • Sep 15, 2017 How We Found Hygge Sep 15, 2017
    • Sep 13, 2017 Dress Your Cast Iron Skillets In Leather Sep 13, 2017
  • July 2017
    • Jul 24, 2017 Live Like Designers Design; Refine Your Days Jul 24, 2017
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    • Jun 22, 2017 "Makeup" Replacement - Ditch Your Routine! Jun 22, 2017
    • Jun 13, 2017 Garden Hose Water Breaks | Summer at FNG Jun 13, 2017
  • May 2017
    • May 23, 2017 Méxican Wool Drink Sails May 23, 2017
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    • May 1, 2017 Goods by Jennifer Jeremias of Nashville, TN May 1, 2017
    • May 1, 2017 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Pop Up | LIBERTY THEATER downtown Bend, Ore. May 1, 2017
  • April 2017
    • Apr 20, 2017 F*NG SELF (care) Apr 20, 2017
    • Apr 10, 2017 Oregrown Collaboration: Custom Brass Medallions Apr 10, 2017
    • Apr 4, 2017 Københaven Details Apr 4, 2017
  • March 2017
    • Mar 6, 2017 Scrap Metal Succulent Sculptures Mar 6, 2017
  • February 2017
    • Feb 27, 2017 Century-Old Ponderosa Pine Fire Starter Feb 27, 2017
    • Feb 13, 2017 The Lovely Loloma Lodge, McKenzie Bridge, Ore. Feb 13, 2017
    • Feb 10, 2017 Custom Personalized Jewelry Feb 10, 2017
  • January 2017
    • Jan 24, 2017 Time on the Baja California Sur, México Jan 24, 2017
  • November 2016
    • Nov 28, 2016 FNG at Into The Woods, Holiday Market Nov 28, 2016
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    • Oct 26, 2016 INTO THE WOODS: A HOLIDAY MARKET Oct 26, 2016
    • Oct 17, 2016 Goods by MANUOSH of NYC Oct 17, 2016
    • Oct 15, 2016 Up Your Stacking Game Oct 15, 2016
    • Oct 11, 2016 One-Of-A-Kind Vintage Beeswax Candle Lights Oct 11, 2016
    • Oct 10, 2016 *NEW* Autumn Spice Blend Candle Lights Oct 10, 2016
    • Oct 8, 2016 Found Natural Goods Medicine Bag | A Lifetime Token Oct 8, 2016
    • Oct 8, 2016 Core Values of Found Natural Goods Oct 8, 2016
    • Oct 4, 2016 Sneak Peek: Layered Polaroid Portraiture Exhibition Oct 4, 2016
  • September 2016
    • Sep 27, 2016 Goods by Runa Klock Sep 27, 2016
    • Sep 27, 2016 Goods by Karl Zahn Sep 27, 2016
    • Sep 27, 2016 Goods by J PAIGE & CO Sep 27, 2016
    • Sep 20, 2016 South Sister Mountain, Film Photography via 15-Year Old Disposable Camera Sep 20, 2016
    • Sep 15, 2016 Custom Medallions for J PAIGE & CO at LULULEMON Sep 15, 2016
  • August 2016
    • Aug 30, 2016 Smudge it: Desert Sage Smudge Sticks Aug 30, 2016
    • Aug 30, 2016 Photography by Natalie Puls Aug 30, 2016
    • Aug 29, 2016 Precious as Perfume Aug 29, 2016
    • Aug 16, 2016 *NEW* Mantra Coins! Aug 16, 2016
  • July 2016
    • Jul 20, 2016 High Desert Handful Jul 20, 2016
    • Jul 11, 2016 Oversized Beeswax + Coconut Oil + Lavender Bud Candle Lights Jul 11, 2016
    • Jul 2, 2016 unordinary Landscapes OF THE PNW: 35MM FILM PHOTOGRAPHY Jul 2, 2016
  • June 2016
    • Jun 29, 2016 Modeling Outdoors Jun 29, 2016
    • Jun 23, 2016 A Costco Approach to Life Jun 23, 2016
    • Jun 1, 2016 Sauces That Make Life Better Jun 1, 2016
  • May 2016
    • May 25, 2016 Incorporating Life Hacks From Pro-Athletes May 25, 2016
    • May 9, 2016 Two Ways to Declutter into Mindfulness May 9, 2016
  • April 2016
    • Apr 11, 2016 What Bend Oregon Smells Like Apr 11, 2016
    • Apr 1, 2016 Priceless Heirlooms: Print Plates Apr 1, 2016
  • March 2016
    • Mar 29, 2016 Photo Series: Natural Gradients Mar 29, 2016
    • Mar 23, 2016 Kauai, Hawaii Tokens Mar 23, 2016
    • Mar 22, 2016 Perks of International Travels Mar 22, 2016
    • Mar 22, 2016 Kodachrome Memories Mar 22, 2016
    • Mar 11, 2016 Adorn Your Keys, Brass Mantra Coins Mar 11, 2016
    • Mar 10, 2016 Photo Series: Horizon Lines Mar 10, 2016
    • Mar 8, 2016 Views Along The Way Mar 8, 2016
  • February 2016
    • Feb 23, 2016 Matsumoto, Japan Treasures Feb 23, 2016
    • Feb 1, 2016 We <3 Trees Feb 1, 2016
  • December 2015
    • Dec 15, 2015 CEDARWOOD BEESWAX + LAVENDER OIL CANDLE LIGHT Dec 15, 2015
  • March 2015
    • Mar 11, 2015 Reason Enough to Have The iPhone 6 Mar 11, 2015
  • January 2015
    • Jan 22, 2015 Bend, Ore. makes NYT 52 Places to Go in 2015 List Jan 22, 2015
    • Jan 18, 2015 Wallowa Waters Jan 18, 2015
    • Jan 12, 2015 Found Natural Goods, Online Shop en Route! Jan 12, 2015
  • December 2014
    • Dec 28, 2014 Another Non-Graffiti Graffiti Dec 28, 2014
    • Dec 24, 2014 Happy Christmas Dec 24, 2014
    • Dec 14, 2014 Icelandic Hieroglyphics Dec 14, 2014
    • Dec 8, 2014 Day At The Spa Dec 8, 2014
  • November 2014
    • Nov 5, 2014 SHOP Nov 5, 2014
    • Nov 4, 2014 Photography on JUJU App Nov 4, 2014
    • Nov 3, 2014 Photo Series: Non-Graffiti Graffiti Nov 3, 2014
    • Nov 3, 2014 Photo Series: Looking Up MPLS Nov 3, 2014
  • October 2014
    • Oct 31, 2014 Lights Oct 31, 2014
    • Oct 30, 2014 Dowling Studio, Guthrie Theatre "Yellow Room" Oct 30, 2014
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A sustainable store. Eco home goods, handmade jewelry, and organic body care.

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