I was working on a sculpture or rather the sculpture I was working on wasn’t working so I decided to put it away and in the process I knocked a box of machine parts onto the floor…that initial clumsiness turned out to be a lucky break as I was inspired to make keys! These ones came together quite quickly and are mostly made from old sewing machine and antique adding machine parts (along with a few bits of jewelry).

This key is made from a necklace that my mom wore in the 70’s. I still remember the magic of getting her jewelry box down from the closet shelf and looking through the treasures it contained. The stone is jade (which was very popular at the time). The other bits are found objects and sewing machine parts.

I love how translucent the jade is!

The ends of this key are from old sewing machines. I put small beads into the holes of the metal shaft (which I’m pretty sure was found on a road somewhere and dragged home).

This key is made from more sewing machine parts, old adding machine parts, upcycled jewelry, and a beat up zipper pull among other found objects. I love the character of this key (and also the quality of the Key 2343 photos, which are particularly clear - always a joy when I manage to pull that off).