For over 25 years CJ Tennant has expressed her jewellery making hobby with the world. It was in 2009 when she ultimately decided to turn her hobby into a career.
“I got started because I have always liked making things and I have always loved fashion and style,” said the Winnipeg-based entrepreneur.
She reminisced dressing up in her grandmother’s vintage clothes when she was younger. “I just loved the quality and sparkle of it all,” she said.
Tennant owns and operates a gemstone jewellery shop, CJ Tennant Jewellery Design and recently attended the WAVE Interlake Artist’s Studio Tour.
The WAVE is a biannual makers market that has featured over 80 artists in the last 20 years.
Tennant has now participated in 26 WAVE tours and discovered the tour when she came to visit her ancestors in Winnipeg Beach.
“There are all kinds of arts and artisans,” said Tennant. She explained that you will be able to find every art medium in the tour.
The WAVE is an artist led initiative meaning that all aspects of the tour are organized by the participating artists. “You have an opportunity to learn about all other aspects and perspectives such as marketing or ads,” Tennant explained.
Tennant is a self-taught jewellery maker who was inspired by her aunt. “My aunt showed me the basics and from there I am mostly self-taught through trial and error.”
She expressed that, “Sometimes you don’t know the right way and end up with a more original design. I am always trying to play with colour and shape trying to create something that is new.”
Tennant using shimmering gemstones, freshwater pearls and sterling silver chains to make her jewellery. She uses these materials as they are affordable, a good quality and can easily hold up to everyday wear-and-tear.
“We are all busy. It should last and be something we love.”
Tennant describes her work as fresh modern designs with a touch of vintage inspiration.
She uses a cold-joining technique to mold her jewellery. This includes using wire chains and plyers to build the frame for her pearls and gems. Tennant added in that sometimes she has an idea in her head of what to create, and others she may ponder for a while.
“It is not uncommon that I will have gemstones for a number of years before I use them,” explained Tennant.
Finding the perfect gemstone can be a challenge. Tennant gets her gems from gem markets, wholesalers and from a friend who collects gems from all over the world. “I like unusual stones with unique cuts and colours. Like stone that have lines and stripes in them,” said Tennant. She continued to explain that the more unique a stone is, the more natural gem you have.
Express Photo by Jo-Anne Procter
Tennant selects her gems very carefully as she wants to make sure you are buying the most perfect piece of jewellery.
You can find CJ Tennant Jewellery Design creations at maker’s markets, in the Winnipeg Art Gallery Giftshop and online. She prefers to sell her work in-person so she can engage with her customers. “I like to see people interact with my work and try it on.”
One of her favourite memories of owning CJ Tennant Jewellery Design was from her early days participating in the WAVE tour.
“There was a young woman who I never met before who had her young baby with her. She kept pausing to try on pieces. I realized this was the first time she truly took for herself. She was being her own self and was not making a mom-based choice,” described Tennant. When she approached the woman afterwards, she explained that she never truly had a moment to look or feel pretty. “When they are trying on the jewellery, you can see it makes them feel that they look good. It is a thing that happens in their shoulders as they settle differently.”
Tennant hopes to change people’s attitudes about their day. “It is important how people present themselves and feel comfortable. It’s a better day all around.”
In order for you to feel your best, Tennant offers free chain length adjustments and repairs for her goods. Within reason, as long as Tennant made the jewellery she will fix it. “Hopefully you will be pulling it out of your jewellery box in 10 years and will love it,” Tennant expressed. She also will try her best to create a custom design for you, but asks you to settle on a general shape, colour or design that you are attracted to.
When creating her designs, Tennant enjoys developing a persona for her jewellery collections. “I make my collections around a personality, sort of like a fictional character.”
She wonders who would where the piece of jewellery and then she writes their story on her website. “It is a lot of what drives how I am feeling. Am I feeling French girl vibes? Are you trying to channel your inner punk?” asked Tennant.
She creates the story because she wants to have a way to refer to her creations.
