Valley designer creates unique jewelry pieces that shine
AUSTINTOWN
Nancy Williams, co-owner of Artwork to Wear, Nancy by Design, welcomes new challenges in the jewelry world in her new location in Austintown.
“There is always something to create,” she said.
Williams moved her creating venue from Cortland to Austintown about a month ago.
She said she is grateful for the move and the new customers it would bring. Before moving, she wasn’t able to take walk-ins.
Both Williams and customer Walter Carbin agreed there is no other shop like Artwork to Wear, 5523 Mahoning Ave., in the area.
“These lines shine on their own, and I want them to do something,” Williams said. “I just believe in them.”
For Carbin’s 60th wedding anniversary, two years ago, he tasked Williams with the challenge of making something special for his wife, Lorene.
“I wanted to get something for her that was unique, something one-of-a-kind that would be special for her,” he said. “Nancy made just the right thing for Lorene. She was quiet and a very pretty lady and it matched her so perfectly. ... I don’t know of anyone else who could’ve started from scratch and made that lovely broche except Nancy.”
The piece, he described, was a 2-inch-by-2-inch silver broche with a blue gemstone.
Carbin said he would’ve had to go as far as Cleveland to get the same quality jewelry if he hadn’t found the local shop.
Now, he said, one of his daughters has the broche to remember her mother by.
Reed Williams, a friend and Artwork to Wear co-owner, enjoys seeing customers see the completed projects.
“You meet a lot of really great people, and we bring them [their ideas] in and make them unique,” he said. “To actually bring it to fruition is really rewarding.”
Artwork to Wear also handles profits uniquely, donating at least 10 percent of all profits to local charities, churches or shelters.
“We are hoping to support however we can,” Reed Williams said. “We just feel giving back to the community is very important.”
Artwork to Wear also gives back by taking in unworn jewelry and turning it into something a customer would wear.
“We definitely try to do everything and accommodate everyone,” Reed Williams said. “We give it a good college try.”
Most projects are achievable because of Nancy Williams’ years of experience with waxing and casting – her father was a dentist.
“It’s just my passion,” she said. “With thought and with talent, everything is possible.”
For information about Artwork to Wear, visit http://awtw2016.wix.com/artwork-to-wear.