INSTANT IMPACT
November 18, 2015
The Times misidentifies Whitney in ballot
November 18, 2015
Local shoppers are set to get a special visit Saturday from popular jewelry designer Loren Barham, the lady behind Loren Hope Designs, a vibrantly-colored collection of earrings, necklaces and items that fill boutiques locally and across the country.
Barham’s business began when she found herself living overseas while her husband, Aaron, served in the U.S. Air Force stationed at England’s Lakenheath Air Force Base. Channeling her childhood loves of nature and art, she began dabbling in jewelry making, quickly discovering that the hobby could earn her a stable income.
“My mom noticed I had a talent for drawing when I was three,” Barham said. “She nurtured my creativity from a very young age and always encouraged me to draw, take pictures and would point out how beautiful the natural world was.
“I grew up in the woods and was always outside,” the jewelry-maker said. “I would pick flowers, put plant specimens under my microscope and examine rocks I dug up. I was fascinated with forms and became enamored with art and nature.”
Following classes in metal-smithing, Barham was smitten.
“I ended up making jewelry with my tools from school and had a lightbulb moment that I could sell my designs so that I could make an income while being creative,” she added.
What began as a way to earn a few extra dollars 10 years ago has since blossomed into a full-blown business. Barham’s pieces are sold at 150 national retailers.
Upon returning to America, the designer and her husband put down roots in Narragansett, Rhode Island, a spot that fittingly cranks out nearly 80 percent of the country’s costume jewelry and the obvious backdrop for Barham’s endeavor.
Each piece of jewelry is fashioned by hand by artisans at a restored mill with gems plucked from just about anywhere. Barham said she draws inspiration from all things vintage, particularly items from the 1930s through the 1970s, and infuses the aesthetic of those older pieces into her work.
Although the timeframe differs depending on the complexity, Barham said an item may take up to 10 hours to create, with six to eight people working on it.
Thibodaux resident Tiffany Lefort Derocher said she is excited to finally meet one of her favorite designers. Barham is set to visit Queeny’s Boutique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Derocher said she intends to add several more items to her already impressive 81-piece Loren Hope collection.
“I love Loren’s work because it combines classic styles with sparkly, fun and colorful elements that I can style with any outfit I own,” Derocher said. “I also love that she handcrafts everything in the United States. I am proud to wear her pieces because she is so passionate about her designs and craftsmanship.” •
