Those of you that shop at Horseshoe most likely know Molly Debiak's jewelry. She is one of our all time favorite designers who creates stunning, delicate pieces that are striking but also so easy to wear. She took time to answer our questions about her how she started creating jewelry, her jewelry making process, and what inspires her. Read on to learn more about Molly and stop by Horseshoe this Friday, February 9th from 4:00 to 8:00 to meet Molly and shop her beautiful new jewelry at our a trunk show!
A model wearing some of Molly's pieces. Photo Credit: mollydebiak.com
Can you tell us a little about how you started creating jewelry? How did you become interested in it?
I began making jewelry at a young age. Growing up, my dad was very interested in Native American cultures, and we would spend weekends attending pow wows where we would buy beads to make earrings and necklaces on looms. I love that my dad was the first person in my life to teach me how to make jewelry!
How long have you been designing?
I guess I would say that I have been designing my whole life. Looking back, almost every form of play in my childhood centered around some form of art. I was always interested in drawing, and I would spend hours drawing outfits on mannequins and cross-sections of houses complete with very detailed furnishings. Drawing was how I imagined different realities that could exist. Obviously designing has evolved greatly for me over the years, but I still find functional art to be what interests me most.
A sampling of Molly's different rings stacked together. Photo Credit: Molly Debiak
What is your process when creating your pieces?
I don’t have a big process when it comes to creating my pieces. Ideas will pop into my head out of nowhere – like, fully formed, literal pieces of jewelry that I want to make. I don’t spend much time sketching other than to quickly jot down something that I don’t want to forget. I go straight to carving the wax that will become the piece. It’s wild.
What inspires your designs?
My two major influences are nature and ancient relics of the Byzantine Era and Ancient Egypt.
Two of Molly's bracelets. Photo Credit: Molly Debiak
How would you describe your line’s aesthetic?
Organic and textural.
Do you have an all-time favorite piece that you’ve made?
I really love my Side Solitaire and my new Pasture Amulet. That necklace feels like it’s been living in my creative brain with me my whole life.
The Pasture Amulet. All of us Horseshoe Gals want one! Photo Credit: Molly Debiak
What pieces of jewelry do you think every woman should have in her closet?
I think every woman should have a set of no-fuss, classic, comfortable jewelry that she can put on and forget about when it comes to showering, sleeping, etc. Pieces that will polish any outfit. If not a set, then at least one item that she absolutely loves. I personally feel half-ready if I forget to put earrings into my pierced ears.
What is your favorite way to style your pieces?
I like to go statement in one area. If I am wearing a great stack of rings, then I like to take it simple with earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. If I am wearing loud earrings, I take it simple with rings, necklaces, and bracelets, etc.
Three of Molly's rings worn as a stack. Photo Credit: Molly Debiak
Are you currently designing new pieces, and do you have a favorite?
I am! I am deep in the process of making more pieces for my Pasture Collection! I’m excited for everything I have imagined, but I’m really pleased with the Pasture Amulet, which will be ready in just a few days!
More of Molly's Pasture Amulets. Photo Credit: Molly Debiak