Inside the Artist Studio with Stacey Lee Webber

Philadephia jewelry designer, Stacey Lee Webber, creates her pieces from pennies and small coins—making art from what could easily be overlooked and discarded. The same can be said for her incredible studio and living space. Situated within the former Globe Dye Works factory–a space she calls home, work, and the location of her wedding–her space is one of the most uncommon I’ve ever visited. Aside from having been saved from scrapping and recycled, the factory is home to many other designers and just oozes creativity. Stacey’s studio also serves as storage for her creative friends’ projects that won’t fit anywhere else.

After I was done drooling over the space, I got to know one of our artists in a deeper way. Behind the beautiful necklaces and cufflinks on our site is a process of sawing, filing, and tiny metal splinters, creating the kind of dichotomy that makes handmade pieces like hers so special. When I see a coin, I see an opportunity for a Tootsie Pop. When Stacey sees a coin, she sees art–just another reason why it’s so fun to try to get inside the mind of our designers.

Take a stroll around Stacey’s creative space and get to know this Uncommon Artist.

What are your most essential tools?
Jeweler’s saw, ring clamp, files.

Where do you find inspiration within this space?
The factory walls, doors, and textures.

Where does down time fit into a day in the studio?
Down time… what’s that?

What was the toughest lesson you learned as a young designer starting a business?
Don’t say yes to everything!

What advice would you offer the you of 5 years ago?
Stay positive, it’s a long road ahead.

How do you set goals for yourself?
Because I teach, goals are generally broken down into fall, spring, and summer semesters.

How and when do you decide to celebrate a victory?
I usually celebrate when I sell a big piece of artwork with a great meal and a relaxing night of friends and drinks.

What quote keeps you motivated?
Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hussle. -Abraham Lincoln

What are some new skills you are trying to acquire to perfect your craft?
I am always looking at new techniques in technological advances–3D modeling, laser cutting. I haven’t used or learned these skills yet, but know that I will need them in the near future.

How do you recharge your creativity?
Go to NYC- see exhibits, go to artist studios, and have friends that are making things and are active artists.

Where does collaboration come into play with your craft?
Generally, collaboration doesn’t come to play very often. I make most all of my work, although I currently have a collaboration series with artist , a ceramicist, where I making metal lids and he is making jars.