FEATURE ARTISAN
Tristen Perras
Under the business title ‘ Maiden Perras ’ Tristen Perras draws on her interest in science and the environment to incorporate natural elements and geometric forms in her range of fine jewellery which includes earrings , necklaces , rings and bracelets . Perras has lived in the Elk Valley for 15 years and worked as a Science teacher before transitioning to focus on creating jewellery .
Creating jewellery is meditative , she says . She considers ideas and makes notes throughout the day , reviewing the components required for each piece before getting to work at the end of the day . Her work supports her as a stayat-home-mom and with forethought and consideration she maximises productivity through preparation and careful planning . As a small business owner , Perras is responsible for every aspect from social media to bookkeeping and packaging , so she feels it ’ s important to be organised in order to dedicate as much time as possible to production . Favouring brass and silver , she combines semi-precious gemstones with wire and organic motifs to create an ethereal quality that looks beautiful on the wearer . Perras also works with jewellery
grade sheets of silver to create bezels for rings and pendants , which she plans to expand in her line following a series of silversmithing courses .
In Fernie , you can find Maiden Perras jewellery at the Fernie Art Co-op , Green Petal , Healing Hollow and Snow Valley Lodging . Select pieces are stocked in 28 Canadian retailers and two locations in the United States , and also available through her Instagram site . Perras lives on a 13 acre hobby farm with her family where they have raised pigs , goats , chickens and sheep . She plays guitar and has performed in local bands in the past . She loves snowboarding , camping and being in nature – finding inspiration as she explores the local landscape .
@ maidenperras
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