Shinola Maker Series Debuts This Weekend

Detroit-made watchmaker and leather goods company Shinola opened recently in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood, and they’re not wasting any time connecting with the locals. This weekend, they launch their Maker Series in Minneapolis, which features local makers that share in the spirit of Shinola’s American-made ethos.

The first is Lauren Neal of Carrier Pigeon Jewelry, a Michigan native whose hand-cast fine metal jewelry takes inspiration from nature, history, and evolution. Her signature pieces include her Owl Talon and Matchstick pendants and earrings, her Crescent Moon necklace, her Lunar Sands necklace, and her Shark Fin ring (infamously featured in a 2012 “Shark Week”-inspired spread in LuckyMag.com). She tells me she’ll be showcasing her favorite designs as well as some limited-edition and one-of-a-kind pieces, plus a limited-edition 14k rose gold version of her Thorn Studs. Stop by to get a glimpse into the designer’s creative process, talk about American-made goods, enter for the chance to win a Carrier Pigeon piece, and shop her delicate, unique jewels. Keep an eye out on Carrier Pigeon’s Instagram for the limited edition pieces I’ll be offering. 

[Read more: First Look: Shinola & Filson open in North Loop]

The series will continue on October 4 with local handbag maker Spring Finn & Co. Additional Shinola events to mark on your calendar include an August 27 event hosted by lifestyle bloggers Kate Arenda of Wit & Delight and Rita Mehta of The American Edit, plus fashion designer Lisa Hackwith of Hackwith Design House in which the trio spotlight their favorite Shinola items, with drinks from North Loop neighbor Marvel Bar. And on August 21, country crooning, Everly Brothers-esque duo The Cactus Blossoms play a set at next-door-neighbor Filson.

1-6 p.m. Sat., Aug. Shinola, 228 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-5493, carrierpigeonjewelry.com & shinola.com.

In the meantime, check out some of my favorite pieces by Carrier Pigeon: 

Carrier Pigeon Lunar Sands Necklace, $160 @ various retailers & carrierpigeonjewelry.com

Carrier Pigeon Owl Talon Necklace in Oxidized Silver, $120 @ various retailers & carrierpigeonjewelry.com  

Carrier Pigeon Crescent Moon Necklace in Bronze, $188 @ various locations & carrierpigeonjewelry.com

Carrier Pigeon Matchstick Necklace with Gold Tip, $120 @ various retailers & carrierpigeonjewelry.com 

Carrier Pigeon Shark Fin Ring, $125 @ various retailers & carrierpigeonjewelry.com 

Carrier Pigeon Limited-edition Thorn Studs in 14k Rose Gold, available @ the pop-up sale only

Carrier Pigeon Faceted Studs in Bronze, $68 @ various retailers & carrierpigeonjewelry.com

Carrier Pigeon Plateau Ring, $110 @ various retailers & carrierpigeonjewelry.com