You can purchase Kaplan’s jewelery HERE.

Sophomore Maddie Kaplan meticulously slides the tiny turquoise bead onto a thin wire and wraps it around a leather band that is just long enough to tie snugly around one’s wrist. This hand-made bracelet, along with all of the jewelry she creates, not only portrays her sharp eye but also illustrates her ability to connect with her imagination.

Last summer, Kaplan drew inspiration from styles at the clothing store, Planet Blue. After creating her first piece of jewelry, Kaplan knew her long-term dream would soon become a reality. At the start of Summer 2011, Kaplan and her friend, Abby Zakharian, were only amateurs who longed to create works of art similar to those that they admired behind the shiny glass counters at Planet Blue. Since then, their jewelry grew from simple wooden bracelets with fake beads to quality works of art that include real leather decorated with turquoise and emeralds. Besides gaining a sense of pride from her accomplishments, Kaplan’s jewelry making has provided her with a sense of purpose.

“Making creations requires a lot of patience and hours of practice.” said Kaplan “It taught me that if I put my mind to something, I can do it. We have grown together as the creators, but we know it won’t stop here. We still have a lot more to accomplish.”