Featured Artist. Ann Tatum of Duct Tape and Denim on Etsy

In this latest installment of our Featured Artists, I’m really happy to share with you the designs of Ann Tatum of Duct Tape and Denim on Etsy. Ann is a jewelry designer, mixed media artist and recycler extraordinaire. You may have seen her work published in Somerset Life, Green Craft, Somerset Holidays and Celebrations, Somerset Studio Gallery and Somerset Memories.

Ann’s work first came to my attention when I caught sight of her vintage measuring tape bracelets and these surely are one of her signature designs.

Other signature designs include her skeleton key necklaces and charms, several of which feature embellishments from Bumbershoot Supplies.

Most of Ann’s pieces are limited or one-of-a-kind, using , as she says, “old, vintage, or even antique pieces of jewelry that I buy from local estate sales, garage sales, or even online”. 

In addition to the measuring tapes, many of Ann’s designs reflect an appreciation of traditionally female pursuits and pasttimes, such as sewing, and include buttons, lace, and even vintage thimbles.

It’s not just jewelry you will find at Duct Tape and Denim.  Ann’s shop also includes an ever-changing selection of vintage-inspired art and collages as well as vintage supplies.

In addition to selling in her Etsy shop, Ann also has space at Room With a Past, a warehouse shop open 4 days each month.  If you find yourself in Walnut Creek, CA at the right time, this would be a great place to visit and see Ann’s work in person. She’s also just prepared a custom order of measuring tape bracelets for Red Barn Boutique in Stillwater, OK so you will her designs there too.

If you decide to order from Ann’s shop be prepared for her recycling esthetic to infuse the package that arrives in your mail box.  She says: “I also recycle as much packaging material as I can so you may receive your item in a padded envelope or box that has already been used several times. I often protect my package with recycled bubble wrap, cereal boxes, or Sunday's funnies. You never know what you'll get!” This woman walks the talk!

To learn more about Ann and her designs, I hope you will enjoy a visit to her Etsy shop, Duct Tape and Denim, and also you can visit her at her blog, Keeping Up With the Tatums.