Karen Keenan of Duluth has several artistic interests, but none stray quite so far from the beaten path as hairwork jewelry.
Centuries ago, this artform was far more common. The wives of Civil War soldiers were known to send their husbands off with mementos constructed of a multitude of strands of their own hair.
Hairwork jewelry was a common way to express friendship. Hair being a regenerative resource made this artform accessible to folks regardless of economic standing.
It was also a way to hold onto a piece of those who had passed. Queen Victoria, after losing her husband, retained his hair in remembrance.
Today, Keenan is in demand as a teacher. For more information, visit her Hemslöjd Studio website.
Karen Keenan