Introducing Kara | Production Assistant

Kara is a talented jewelry production assistant at Christina Kober Designs, bringing both skill and passion to her craft. By day, she also teaches high school art, sharing her love for creativity with students. With a deep appreciation for handmade artistry, she understands the time, skill, and thoughtfulness that go into each piece of jewelry. Whether she’s meticulously crafting huggie earrings or experimenting with diamond dusting, Kara finds joy in the process of transforming raw materials into wearable works of art. Beyond the studio, she’s an avid thrifter, a fan of cozy mornings with a homemade latte, and a creative spirit who dabbles in everything from silversmithing to film photography. Get to know Kara’s inspirations, favorite CKD pieces, and artistic journey in this interview!

Q:What do you do at Christina Kober Designs?

A: I work as an assistant, creating rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. I have also gotten to help taking photos of the pieces we make!

Q:What is something you think most people don’t know about handmade jewelry?

A: I think most people don't know how much time and skill goes into each piece of handmade jewelry. From start to finish we take raw materials and turn them into wearable and durable works of art! One of my favorite things about handmade pieces is that they are usually incredibly comfortable and well thought out. Knowing someone took time to make the work and learn the skills that lead to my jewelry always makes me happy!

Q:What is your favorite CKD piece and why?

A: My favorite pieces are any of the huggies. Learning to make them really taught me a lot as a jeweler, not to mention they go with everything! I also like all the diamond dusted pieces. Seeing a diamond dusted set of earrings come out of the polishing tumbler really makes me happy! It is a process that is also new to me since I've started this job.

Q:What does a “treat yourself” day look like to you?

A: Treating myself usually means sleeping in and having a nice slow morning. As a full time art teacher and part time jeweler, I am used to waking up early and getting home late. Having time to make a fancy breakfast and a latte in my PJ's really sets me up for a productive afternoon of thrifting and making art when I am calm and relaxed.

Q:What inspires you?

A: I have found that learning from other artists, watching their creative process and looking at their work, really inspires me the most. I find it interesting when people make something out of nothing, and it usually gives me ideas on how to look at materials in a new perspective.

Q:What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

A: My espresso machine is the first one that comes to mind, but homemade gifts are always the best! My mom has knitted me a few pairs of socks that I enjoy wearing every winter, and my grandmother quilted me a few items that I still love today. I really like practical or handmade gifts.

Q: You are also a high school art teacher- What is your favorite part of teaching?

A: My favorite parts about teaching are the lightbulb moments. When students connect the dots on a complicated process or concept. For instance,  teaching jewelry students how to make and solder their own custom rings from copper sheeting. I love helping them solve problems to make something they are proud to wear that is comfortable and beautiful makes my day!

Q: What is your preferred medium of art to work with?

A: I suffer from art teacher syndrome, and enjoy working with SO MANY different types of media. Going to school for art education exposed me to just about every media under the sun. If you had asked me 10 years ago I would say oil paint, and if you asked me 15 years ago I would say intaglio printmaking. I recently got into crochet, and have made a couple hats and sweaters, which lead me to working with soft mixed media like needle felting and embroidery. But if I had to narrow down what brings me the most joy to work with I would say silversmithing and film photography are my top two favorite media to create with.

Quick Fire Round

Q:gold or silver?

A: Silver, but one of my favorite pieces is a gold cuff bracelet from my grandmother :)

Q:Diamond dusted or inspired?

A: Diamond dusted. I love the way they sparkle!

Q:savory or sweet?

A: I usually like a balance. Like a charcuterie board!

Q:Receiving gifts or giving gifts?

A: I like to give gifts, sometimes even to myself! :)

Q:simple or layered?

A: Layered, if you layer jewelry/clothes you can have a different look every time even when using similar pieces!

Q:Wide ring or narrow ring?

A: I use my hands for work... My everyday jewelry is slim and minimal so I can comfortably work... But I love a statement ring for a special occasion.

Q:coffee or tea?

A: Coffee! :)

Q:Dog or cat?

A: I love them both, but have two beautiful black cats at home... Team Cat!

Q:instagram or facebook?

A: Instagram all the way! But I liked it better before they added reels and sponsored posts.

Q:summer or winter?

A: As a season, summer. As a color palette, winter.

Q:Neutrals or colors?

A: My favorite color to wear is black... I think it is just the perfect base for anything else you want to wear! And as a bonus I blend into the darkroom at school, which usually produces some funny memories with students. What I like about black as a neutral is that it allows any pops of color to stand out!