Today we’d like to introduce you to Janine Schafer.
Hi Janine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our jewelry-making journey started with my mom and business partner Joanne Brunetti retiring to Florida. She and her friend tried to supplement their income by selling beaded jewelry at craft fairs. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out in Florida, but when she came home to me, she had the beginnings of the supplies we would need to get started. After much pushing and prodding on my mom’s part and resistance on mine, we started going to events and craft fairs to see what was out there. We took a wire wrapping class at a local bead store. I loved the art we created but was apprehensive of the lucrative opportunity in front of us. We went to different events, including a Día de Los Muertos celebration at a local cemetery. After meeting some wonderful vendors there, I was inspired.
The first thing I started creating was beautiful, beaded spiders. For Christmas that year, I made spiders for my best girlfriends that matched their personalities and let them pick. After such great responses from them, it gave me the courage to try and make more. My mom and I decided we wanted to be a vendor at the next Día de Los Muertos celebration. Since I am skull-obsessed, I started wire wrapping stones and making wire-woven jewelry that incorporated skulls. We came up with our name because I didn’t want it to be too dark to limit myself to only “dark events”. But I also have a whimsical side combines both and Whimsyskull was born. Before our first event, I showed the things I was making to one of my besties and she absolutely loved the stuff I made. She helped us create our logo, photograph products, and set up social media.
After our first successful event, our business began. Since then, I have progressed in making unique jewelry. We have learned a great amount about semi-precious stones and have developed a passion for stones. I hand-pick every stone that inspires me and love to embrace the differences and natural beauty. I also enjoy repurposing things to make jewelry you don’t see every day. I use guitar strings to create earrings and bracelets; and spent bullet shells for earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks. I am currently expanding my skillset into metal/silversmithing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
We have encountered our share of struggles, as all small businesses do. We started our business in Colorado but decided to move to the Houston area to be closer to family. That is a challenge in and of itself. We had started gaining traction and a following in Colorado and moving was like starting from scratch. In addition, we faced the challenges of the covid pandemic which is precisely when we made the decision to move. We are still at a disadvantage as we are trying to learn a new city and restart our business here. We have been so fortunate to meet some great people and now feel a part of the community of other small businesses.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love to create the different…stones and fossils are a passion of mine and with my love of skulls I incorporate them both together. Each piece is one of a kind. Even if I recreate that design it will always be different. The wire wrapping that I prefer is a simple classic design to highlight the stone’s natural beauty. I have recently started a line of jewelry using bones and stones to create statement pieces embracing the beauty of nature.
I make jewelry that I would want to wear. The spent bullet shell collection is a great simple, classic, everyday item. The wire-wrapped stones and fossils are great dress-up pieces. The bone and stones are high fashion, edgy, statement pieces sure to spark conversation. In addition, I do traditional wire wrapping, beaded/aroma therapy bracelets, boot jewelry, cardigan/sweater clips and any other whimsical things that catch my attention.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We are currently showcasing our wear at markets in The Woodlands, Conroe, Tomball, and Houston.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @whimsyskull
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhimsySkull/
- Other: tiktok.com/@whimsyskull
