Golden Gifts
G rowing up in northeast Ohio and pursuing a degree in interior design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is likely not how the average Sawdust festival artist for his or her start . In fact , Laguna Beach jewelry designer Beth Kukuk turned her hobby into successful full-time work while raising three children , selling pieces around their schedules .
“ I had … three babies and was a stayat-home-mom looking for a creative outlet , so I started making jewelry again in the early 2000s ,” Kukuk says . “ I gradually took that little hobby into a full-time endeavor , taking classes at Saddleback College and Irvine Fine Arts Center [ and ] experimenting with different materials and techniques .”
While artists who have influenced Kukuk include Alexander Calder , Gustav Klimt and Joan Miró , she says she finds inspiration in so many places — a local hike , a walk on the beach , listening to music or even during a quiet moment when she stops and lets her mind wander .
“ I have several designs inspired by nature with all kinds of flower and leaf shapes [ plus the moon and stars ]. I love to make simple , lightweight , comfortable pieces that can be worn everyday ,” Kukuk explains . “ A longtime favorite collection was inspired by my three sons , beginning with a necklace featuring three hearts in three different metals . Because of its popularity , I started making several varieties of heart necklaces to symbolize families , children , sisters , etc .”
Beth Kukuk ( top left ) and some of her jewelry on exhibit at Sawdust Art Festival
For her business , Beth Jewelry , Kukuk works with sterling silver as well as goldfilled and rose gold-filled metals , accenting her designs with occasional semiprecious stones or freshwater pearls .
Sketching and experimentation are all part of the process . But first , she takes time to contemplate . “ The design and creation process starts with quiet time to let my mind explore ideas and inspiration ,” she explains . After drawing out her design , Kukuk uses hand tools to form wire into shapes , hammers them on a steel block , then assembles them into finished jewelry .
She is excited to be showcasing a new collection called Creative Colors , featuring hand-tinted resin , at this summer ’ s Sawdust
Art Festival . Kukuk and her family moved to Laguna Beach to be a part of the show after living in Mission Viejo for 17 years . “ I had a chance to participate in the Sawdust Art Festival as a guest artist in the summer of 2021 ,” she recalls . “ We had a blast doing the show . Our youngest son had just gone off to college , so it seemed the perfect time for a move to the beach .”
Catch her new collection in Laguna Canyon at the summer Sawdust show through Sept . 1 . /
BETH JEWELRY 949-212-5060 ; BETH-JEWELRY . COM SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL : BOOTH 705
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 29