A Jeweler’s Journey of Craftsmanship and Creativity

For nearly three decades, Kara Raymond has been captivating audiences with her intricate jewelry designs that blend timeless artistry with modern flair. A resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Kara handcrafts each piece using Mokume Gane, a 17th-century Japanese metalworking technique that fuses and forges metals into mesmerizing woodgrain-like patterns. Her work embodies both the patience of an ancient craft and the spontaneity of a contemporary artist, making her a cherished exhibitor at Rose Squared Art Shows.

Originally from Sonoma County, California, Kara’s artistic journey didn’t begin in a traditional way. Despite enjoying a high school jewelry-making class, her early career followed a different path – first as a science major at Carnegie Mellon, and then Tufts as an Occupational Therapist. But at age 38, she found her true calling, rediscovering her love for creating.

“I’ve always had my hand in something creative,” Kara reflects. “There’s something about the quiet of being in the studio and being able to focus.”

Kara’s move to the East Coast happened serendipitously, spurred by family connections and a growing reputation on the craft show circuit. She’s been a fixture at art shows along both coasts for over 25 years, and her passion for the craft remains as strong as ever.

Kara fell in love with Mokume Gane early in her artistic journey during a course at the Mendocino Art Center. This intricate process involves stacking and fusing layers of metal alloys, then forging, annealing, and carving them to create unique patterns. “It takes six to eight hours to create a single small sheet of Mokume Gane,” Kara explains. “There’s no solder involved—the metals are all fused. It can be exhausting and time-consuming, but I’ve learned how to love it.”

Kara’s work stands out not only for its craftsmanship but also for her approach to design. She often allows the materials to guide her, creating pieces that are contemporary, classic, and always wearable.

A gardener and avid explorer, Kara draws inspiration from the colors, textures, and forms she encounters in nature. “There’s a fineness to things in nature—the shapes, the colors. I feel the same way about making jewelry,” she shares.

Her process is intuitive and spontaneous. Rather than sketching detailed plans, she lets her materials and mood lead the way. “I’m more of an in-the-moment designer,” Kara says. “I don’t make the same thing over and over again. I really dislike doing that.”

Transitioning from a previous business into a creative career required courage and determination, but Kara approached every challenge with resilience. Even during economic downturns, she adapted, creating more affordable pieces to sustain her livelihood. “I orient around what I can do to make working as an artist thrive versus letting myself get stuck,” she says. “I’ve been able to make a living creatively, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”

Moments of connection with her clients provide some of her greatest rewards. Kara recalls the first pair of custom earrings she ever made, and especially her client’s reaction. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this pretty the way I do now wearing these earrings,” the woman said after putting them on.

As Kara looks to 2025 and beyond, she’s excited to experiment with new materials, including stones sourced from Indonesia. These ventures promise to expand her repertoire while staying true to her love of color, texture, and craftsmanship.

For those starting their own creative journeys, Kara offers several pearls of wisdom. “Find things that you have a passion for doing,” she says. “Be willing to be flexible. Try new things.”

Learning the business side of being an artist is also important, and it pays to seek assistance from an account or bookkeeper. “If you want to do it for a living, you have to learn how to manage money,” explains Kara.

Above all, Kara’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of creating.

Kara is a frequent exhibitor at Rose Squared Art Shows. Look for her in 2025 at Rittenhouse Square (May 9-11) and Anderson Park (September 20-21). Experience her stunning creations in person to see how each piece tells a story of artistry, dedication, and timeless beauty.