My name is Jennifer Standley - Artist, Silversmith, and the creative force behind Rust and Leaf. For as long as I can remember, creating has been my way of moving through the world. As a child, I built intricate cardboard dollhouses, drew mythical creatures, and insisted on making things for myself - an early sign of the independent maker I’d become.
Throughout school, I immersed myself in every creative avenue I could find. Pottery, sewing, and cooking fueled my curiosity, while high school introduced me to creative writing and graphic design through countless hours in the print shop - skills that continue to shape my work today. Whether through painting, sculpture, photography, or design, I’ve always sought ways to bring meaningful ideas to life through my hands.
My work is profoundly inspired by the natural world. The textures of bark and stone, the scent of pine needles on autumn air, the sound of water tracing its path through the forest - these sensory moments are more than inspiration; they are the language through which my jewelry speaks. I translate these patterns into metal, creating pieces that feel grounded, poetic, and alive.
An insatiable curiosity drives my craft. In 2016, after years of exploring different mediums, I took my first metalsmithing class and felt an immediate sense of belonging. Since then, I’ve been largely self-taught, studying through books, videos, and long hours at the bench. This path has deepened both my technical skill and my reverence for the craft.
Sustainability is woven into my process. I often melt down and reuse scrap sterling silver, giving new life to materials that might otherwise be forgotten. Each recycled fragment becomes part of a new story - a reflection of my belief that beauty can be renewed again and again through mindful making.
Each piece I create is part of a larger narrative - one that blends nature’s quiet poetry with heritage and history. I honor my Lithuanian, Welsh, and English roots by weaving ancestral stories into my designs. Salvaged vintage components from Rhode Island’s historic jewelry industry, many dating back to the Art Nouveau era, are reimagined and given new life in my work. These fragments of the past merge seamlessly with organic textures, forming pieces that carry both memory and meaning.
Rust & Leaf is the culmination of this journey - a place where old stories take root in new designs. Every piece is forged with intention, crafted to be more than adornment: it’s a tangible connection to landscape, lineage, and spirit.
Thank you for being here and stepping into my world. I hope you discover a piece that resonates with your story, grounds you in beauty, and stirs something magical within your soul.
