For years, jewelry has been part of the culture, heritage … even the currency of people all over the world. Most people buy their jewelry or receive their grandmother’s wedding ring, but some FHS students are making their own history by making their own jewelry. Junior Cody O’Connor has been making macramé necklaces since eighth grade and still makes them to sell to people or to give away. O’Connor learned the skill from a friend, but he had to earn respect for the art before he was taught. “It was a very special thing, an art,” said O’Connor. “Now everyone knows how and it takes away from the specialness of it.” For junior Ramsey Kropp, jewelry is a family tradition. His mother taught him how to make jewelry and in his spare time, he makes jewelry as gifts and designs horse bridles. “Some people sketch, I do jewelry,” said Kropp. “You can sit back and hack at metal.” Buying beads and making necklaces costs less than buying necklaces, but they take up a lot more time. For beaders of FHS, the rewards are worth the time put into the project. The historical value of the beads is what attracted junior Shawn Pettersen to making necklaces. “It’s like you’re carrying part of the past with you,” said Pettersen. “When they’re old, you wonder where the beads have been and who’s had them before.” “My dad taught me how to make a ring out of 50-cent piece,” said junior Jason Moss. “It’s (jewelry) a way to express myself. Junior Anne Bianchi was pleasantly rewarded last August at the county fair when she submitted a necklace in the open class beading competition and received first place. “I always have a different necklace to wear,” said Bianchi. “They make really good gifts too.” “It’s relaxing and keeps my hands busy,” said junior Jennifer Huntsman. “If I make my own jewelry, I know no one else will have it. It’s just me.” Sophomore Henry Kahil has continued his family tradition of knife making by applying artisitic skills to the jewelry he makes. “I’ve made seven rings so far. They’re cool to look at,” said Kahil. “It’s also kind of a self-goal thing.” |
