Who: Christy Lea Payne, Denver
Medium: sterling silver, semi- precious stones, leather
Her story: Christy Lea Payne, 37, is a jewelry designer with a distinctly organic style. To most people a wishbone is just a wishbone, but to Payne, a wishbone is the inspiration for a new design. Her wishbone charm, called “Sunday Dinner,” is a now a 14-karat gold conversation piece.
The Denver designer grew up in Oklahoma City and lived in Santa Fe before moving to Colorado in 2000. She always knew she wanted to work with her hands and was drawn to art classes throughout school. But it wasn’t until her college years that she became interested in jewelry making, pottery and welding.
Now her rustic jewelry creations can be found in boutiques across the United States and British Columbia. “I really like the fact that all the pieces are made by hand in the United States of America,” she says. “They’re all handcrafted and I’ve touched them at some point along the way.”
As ideas pop into her head, she makes a sketch or takes notes. She then fashions one piece from beginning to end and it becomes either a one-of-a-kind piece or a production piece. Six assistants help her fill catalog orders.
Actress Hilary Swank spotted one of Payne’s jewelry designs and wanted to buy it on the spot from a stylist on the “Freedom Writers” movie set. Instead Payne met with the actress on the Paramount Studios lot. Swank bought several turquoise necklaces and leather cuff bracelets, and placed an order for a custom design. Payne always is elated to come across her designs being worn. “It’s gratifying, exciting and amazing to see someone with one of my necklaces.”
Philosophy: Payne prefers to create pieces with an old, well-worn and broken-in look. She doesn’t like things that look new or pristine and almost everything she does is distressed in some way. She favors imperfections, “because so few things in life are perfect.” Her jewelry is meant to be worn, and scratches only enhance its appeal.
Cost: $20 to $800
Where you can find her work: Payne’s CLP label is sold in the Denver area at the Artisan Center, Belly and Kismet; in Boulder at Chelsea. Her work also is featured in The Golden Bear and Sundance catalogs.
– Jodi Torpey, Special to The Denver Post
