Weaving patterns in color is Kennedy’s passion

Contributed photo
DISPLAYED — Cathy Kennedy shows off her collection of hand-crafted jewelry based upon her colors to pattern designs during a summer craft fair in Houlton. Kennedy sells jewelry under her business name of “Forget-Me-Knots.” She offers necklaces, earrings and bracelets. For more information, contact Kennedy at 757-8929 or e-mail ckennedy@pivot.net.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Cathy Kennedy never intended to be a jewelry maker, but circumstances has led her into a business that she loves.
    While stationed in the U.S. Navy, Kennedy’s father brought her raw stones from overseas. Since they were a cherished gift, she began looking for a way to preserve them.
    “I had taken the stones to a few jewelers to see if I could have them cut or polished,” explained Kennedy. “But, I was told they were really too small to do much with.”
    That’s when Kennedy had a revelation.
    “I had nearly given up trying to find a use for the stones when I came across a book that had pictures of chain-mail necklaces,” she said.
    As she thumbed through the book, one design drew her attention.
    “Not only did it catch my eye, but inspired me to start creating,” she said. “Once I started creating, I couldn’t stop. I knew right away that this was what I love doing.”
    Kennedy discovered her knack and created her first piece of jewelry in early July of this year. She uses existing jewelry designs to complete the pieces.
    “As I made each new piece and showed them to friends and family, I was amazed at the positive reception the pieces received,” she said. “I knew I would need a name for them.”
    Since the whole idea started from the memory of her father and the stones he gave her, Kennedy came up with an appropriate name, “Forget-Me-Knots.”
    The necklace pieces are formed by using rings bent and connected together into a delicate chain.
    “I have earrings to match each necklace and I’ve made a few bracelets, as well,” Kennedy added. “In fact, I love bracelets, so I am having a great time experimenting with different bracelet designs.”
    Each Forget-Me-Knot piece is uniquely different. Kennedy begins by choosing a color, which defines the piece even within the same style.
    “The right colors are essential to creating successful designs,” she explained. “The color is what really sets the designs apart.”
    For example, a “Melanie” with blue rings can be entirely reinvented with a touch of green, Kennedy noted.
    “I have customers who come back asking for a particular style, but with different color combinations to match different outfits.”
    Kennedy has now put her mark on more than 200 pieces and is very adept at her craftsmanship.
    “It usually takes longer to get each piece ready to put together than it actually takes to make it,” she said. “I have to choose the color combinations then either open or close the rings depending on the style. It usually takes just over an hour to make each piece. But, that can vary depending on the style or if it is a special order.”
    Each article of jewelry is handcrafted by Kennedy.
    “This is a labor of love,” said Kennedy. “Each piece is made with as much attention and care as the next, no shortcuts, no production line. Each person wearing these pieces is as unique and special as the jewelry they wear.”
    Since this is relatively new endeavor for Kennedy, she has only shown her work at craft fairs.
    “Now that the pieces have caught on, I plan to continue attending craft fairs,” she said.
    But in the near future, Kennedy will also be unveiling her new Etsy shop where all styles and colors will be available.
    “I expect to have it up and running in a few weeks,” she said. “I could not be more excited.”
    Even though this is handcrafted jewelry, each piece is reasonably priced at $10 each.
    “It’s easy to remember and I don’t have to do any math,” she smiled. “In addition, this is a price point that is affordable for most everyone. In fact, I get customers all the time who buy for gift-giving and then pick up a piece or two for themselves.”
    Kennedy develops new pieces based upon customer feedback and good old-fashioned trial and error.
    “I have located some patterns that help guide the design process, but each one is unique,” Kennedy added. “I have always enjoyed the creative process. Once I realized what it was I enjoyed creating — unique jewelry — everything fell into place. I love what I do and I am humbled that so many people enjoy my work. My customers make it so much fun and so rewarding.”
    With a new enterprise in the near future, Kennedy is simply appreciating her knack for her specialty.
    “I simply love creating, and turning that love into a business has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done,” she said. “Jewelry is a personal thing — each person has their own unique style and taste. When someone chooses a Forget-Me-Knots piece, the joy of creating for me is complete. There is no greater reason to keep going and no larger compliment than that. I love what I do.”