(Photo courtesy of Icarian Photography, and used with permission.)
Clean lines. Cheerful retro shapes. Striking accents against contrasting colors. Eye-catching motion, and a sense of fun.
It’s all a part of Bird of Virtue proprietor Linnea Oliver’s artistry.
Linnea’s handcrafted jewelry is inspired by her Nordic heritage, as well as mid-century design and the shapes and colors she encounters in nature–and in everyday life.
And if you’re looking for unique gifts, you’ve found them. Linnea creates her jewelry from acrylic and American hardwoods, then meticulously handpaints her creations.
Among Linnea’s collections is her “Virtue necklace”–on which she’s written a word pertaining to a virtue to which she aspires, in Braille. Many of her pieces are inspired by Scandinavian design, while collections such as her “Abacus” earrings offer a new slant on the colors and shapes of the 1960s.
I particularly like her tie bars and cuff links (who doesn’t have a man on their gift list, for whom finding something special can be a challenge?). Another favorite: her cute, affordable studs (can we say “secret Santa” and “stocking stuffers” here?). Then there’s her gorgeous, limited-edition “Solvej Geo Rays” pendant.
And, she’s recently begun creating home goods, as well!
Linnea talked about her background, how “Bird of Virtue” came about and her creative process.