MEMBER PROFILE // Jewelry Designer Bernice Kelly's On Fire

Irish designer Bernice Kelly works on small-scale pieces, but she dreams big. Her jewelry brand Macha—named for her Northern Ireland hometown (named after an ancient Gaelic mythological figure) is sold at Earnest Sewn in New York and select shops in cities worldwide.

At 3rd Ward’s jewelry studio, she’s found resources to match her vision. “I use it for all the projects that require bigger and better equipment than I own myself,” she says. “3rd Ward has some super big old oxy acetylene torches that aren't safe to have around the house. I do love to melt stuff!”

After working in corporate fashion design for nearly a decade, Kelly launched Macha in 2009 as an expression of her laid-back, non-fussy attitude and style. “I like to challenge traditional ideas about jewelry so am always experimenting with techniques to make metals appear more organic.”

Kelly, who shares tips with 3rd Ward’s “very approachable” jewelry instructors, wants to take classes across all different mediums. “Just throw yourself into the deep end, and don't be afraid to try something you have no idea about,” she advises new members. Her latest venture, a web design class, means exciting updates are coming to www.machajewelry.com. Stay tuned!

-- Cara Cannella