Maker of the Week - Jen Ashley Jewelry
I’m Jennifer Rading and I own and operate Jen Ashley Jewelry. Designing jewelry has been my passion for over 20 years. My love for creating jewelry began when I made my Dad a necklace to wear on stage. My Dad, Brian Rading, was the original bassist for the Five Man Electrical Band and had the most eclectic jewelry collection. I wanted to make something special for his birthday, and so my first necklace was created. It was a proud moment to see my Dad wear something I designed for him on stage - I have the pictures to prove it lol. At that moment, I realized that jewelry tells two stories, one about the wearer and one about the designer. That revelation led me to where I am today and continues to inspire me and my designs. Since then, I have created thousands of pieces of jewelry, dozens of jewelry collections and worked with many different materials, including stainless steel. I prefer stainless steel as it embodies what my jewelry stands for; durability, beauty, and strength. It is also sustainable and 100% recyclable.
When I think of the True North Pin Up community, I think of empowered women standing for body positivity and full self-expression. I see the beauty in women represented in all colors, shapes, and sizes. I love that! My most precious jewelry collection (Strength Bracelet) was created for that reason; to enable women to feel strong and powerful wearing it.
When the opportunity to be featured in True North Pin Up magazine appeared, I was so inspired that I designed a jewelry line called the “Pin Up Power” Collection. Here are a few pieces from the new collection.
I designed the Strength Bracelet over 10 years ago incorporating stainless steel and leather (many colors to choose from). My Strength Bracelet tells the world that you bend, you do not break. It is a declaration of “I AM STRENGTH” and whatever you have been through, has made you stronger. After a near-death experience, it was important to me that the bracelet gave a deeper meaning, since it was designed to be strong. I also include an inspirational note that says “Tell the world about the person wearing this bracelet. Tell them I bend, I don’t break”. What makes this bracelet a special Pin Up piece is the addition of special charms specifically chosen to go with this bracelet. Strength bracelets
Even though I already make a wide range of earrings, when I saw bowtie earrings made from bowtie’s and charms, I had to add them to the collection. The patterns and colors (many colors to choose from) truly embody the sweet charm of the women from that era. Confident, cute, and stylish, these earrings can be worn with any pin up girl fashion. Plus, they are so much fun to make; I love them!
The Pin Up style wouldn’t be the same without a small but defining necklace. I chose to include a delicate stainless steel chain with a cute bowtie pendant (many colors to choose from). The beauty of this necklace is in its simplicity and uniqueness and its ability to be worn with anything. I love these too! lol
Over the years, I have made countless pieces of jewelry, designed collections inspired by people, nature, or just moments in time. My mixed media collection, inspired by my Dad, includes bass guitar strings in the jewelry, While my signature angel wing bracelet, is inspired by collaboration and creativity and involves the wearer in the creative process. By choosing birthstones or favorite colors of loved ones, or yourself, you truly have a personalized, meaningful piece of jewelry that you helped design.
I am thrilled about my Pin Up Power collection, inspired by all you beautiful women who embody the strength of the True North Pin Up.
I welcome you to visit me on Facebook and Instagram to see more of my jewelry, as well as my website (which is still in the development stage, but soon to be open).
Come say hello to me at my storefront at the indoor year-round, Bountiful Farmers Market in Edmonton, Alberta.
www.facebook.com/jenashleyjewelry
jenashley_jewelry/Instagram
