Baltimore by Hand: Featured crafter: Juliet Ames (and a Halloween giveaway) - A blog about the indie craft community in Baltimore

As a kid, Juliet Ames never imagined that she would one day break plates for a living. In 2006, after experimenting with mosaics and pendants, Juliet opened The Broken Plate Pendant Company. Now, as a full-time independent jeweler, Juliet’s necklaces, rings and belt buckles have appeared in numerous magazines and are sold in shops around the country. One piece recently made its way onto the Rachel Ray Show.

Juliet’s plates are from thrift stores, antique shops and department stores. They are “lovingly broken” with a hammer and tile snips into pieces that are then selected by color, shape and design.

Each piece is special and one of a kind. And speaking of special, Juliet is occasionally commissioned to transform sentimental pieces – like a broken family dish – into “wearable heirlooms.” What a brilliant idea! I’m now hoping that I accidentally break something at Thanksgiving dinner this year. …

Lucky for us, Juliet has agreed to participate in this week’s Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway. That’s right. You can enter to win her Pumpkin Necklace (bottom center) by being the first to post the answer to the following question: Which famous technique does Juliet use when soldering her pendants? Visit the profile page of her Etsy shop for clues. Winners will be announced on Monday. Good luck!