Conversations with Krista Lavonas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Lavonas. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My first foray into jewelry making was at a bead store in Bloomington, Indiana in high school. I continued beading on and off and made a brief journey into precious metal clay construction over the next 10 years while I was enrolled in college, then medical school, and residency. I sold my beaded jewelry for a few years while I was living and practicing pediatrics in Charlotte, NC. 

The day I picked up a torch, I was hooked on metalsmithing. Finally, being able to get the metal to do what I wanted (most of the time) and make what was is my head was so satisfying. I am sure that my long-suffering husband Eric did not realize that purchasing a metalsmithing class as a Mother’s Day gift after we moved to Denver would require kitting out a studio in our home, but he has been gracious about it. I continued to take classes off and on for several years while I was working full time in an office pediatric practice, and played around in my home studio when I had time. 

When I stepped back from full-time pediatric practice a couple of years ago (I am still in the office once a week), it seemed the right time to try to sell my work, as I finally had the time to really dive in, and Krista Lavonas Designs was born. 

I have worked in a safety net clinic since moving to Denver 14 years ago and realize that these places cannot do their jobs without the support of non-profit organizations in the community that partner with them to offer services to their patients. It is important to me that I continue to serve the community in my jewelry work. I remit five percent of my sales quarterly to a non-profit that serves families in the Denver metro area, usually one my patients have had experience with. Currently, I am donating to The Gathering Place, a day shelter for women, transgender individuals, and their children. The list of services they provide is long—you can find out at tgpdenver.org. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I finally decided to jump in and open my business, it was December 2020. Little did I know that our friend COVID was on the way. I had anticipated participating in some markets that upcoming summer, but of course, everything was cancelled. I continued my business online and was fortunate to find the Sister’s Art Guild, an online women’s art guild—they have been a great support. They held their inaugural online holiday market in 2021; it was really a boon to my business at the time.

Now that live shows are open, I am applying to them, and learning that I still have a lot to learn, especially about photography and booth layout. But it’s a chance to invest in a new skillset that will benefit my business in the long run. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a metalsmith; I wouldn’t call myself a jeweler. I work primarily in sterling silver and mixed metal fabrication. I take a lot of inspiration from things that I see when I travel–rock formations, flora and fauna. I enjoy using techniques such as etching, roll printing, and keum boo to explore the contrast of texture in metal with colored gemstones. I am always looking for a new way to texture metal. Each piece I make is hand fabricated and therefore unique; even when I have tried to make a series of items, no two are ever exactly the same. It’s what comes with the human touch, I guess.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like that we have 4 seasons in Denver. Sometimes they’re all in one day, but what is life without a little adventure? I love the Rocky Mountains; my kids have grown up in their hiking boots and on Nordic skis and snowshoes. We live within a day’s drive of some of the most amazing places on earth! Our National Parks Annual Pass is heavily used.

I enjoy the open attitude of most people I meet in Denver. I feel like it’s a place where ideas can flourish. People here are willing to teach and encourage you.

I could live without Denver area traffic. My 2 kids don’t drive yet, and I spend my evenings driving the taxi to swim and other activities. Can we have better public transportation, please?!

Pricing:

• $60-500

Contact Info:

• Email: Kristalavonasdesigns@gmail.com
• Website: https://kristalavonasdesigns.com
• Instagram: @kristalavonasdesigns
• Facebook: Krista.Lavonas.Designs