Things that inspire ME!

Susan Harbourt is an engineer by training, an artist by accident, and a self-taught metalsmith by choice. One fateful night, scattered all over the floor were piles of lovely 90 year old copper wire that Susan and her husband Chris painstakingly removed from the walls of their home. Entranced by the beauty of the spiraling, copper, she picked up a few scraps and wove them into a bracelet. A spark was ignited! A passion was born in that very moment. Now Susan loves to experiment with a variety of metals and materials to see where her hammer takes her. There is an unequaled satisfaction in experiencing the magic of transforming a dismissive scraps of metal into amazing works of art. She primarily works in recycled sterling silver and reclaimed copper making an array of rings, necklaces, bracelets, bookmarks, and sentimental gifts. All of her designs are botanical inspired with elements of kinetic motion and designed with the mathematical harmony of the Golden Ratio in mind.  

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How adorable is this turquoise bird house in the UIUC Idea Garden! If I were a bird I’m sure I would be quite happy living here surrounded by all these black eyed susan flowers. (at Idea Garden)

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🌸The design that started it all...my Forget-Me-Nots. They are what taught me how to grow my metal garden in lieu of a living garden...and to appreciate the organic touch that the kinetic motion of the flowers provide. #forgetmenot #copper #copperjewelry #bronze #bronzejewelry #silver #silverjewelry #sterlingsilver #sterlingsilverjewelry #rosegold #rosegoldjewelry #gold #goldjewelry (at Illinois)

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Something about this little oasis in the UIUC Idea Garden made me feel like I was far, far away from the corn fields of central Illinois and on a lush tropical island! Oh how I wish I had a green thumb, but I don’t. the only flowers I can grow are the ones that “bloom” in my studio. (at Idea Garden)

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Something about this little oasis in the UIUC Idea Garden made me feel like I was far, far away from the corn fields of central Illinois and on a lush tropical island! Oh how I wish I had a green thumb, but I don’t. the only flowers I can grow are the ones that “bloom” in my studio. (at Idea Garden)

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I am loving these Lotus hoops. I have a pair that I have been wearing nonstop this week. They are super light and you may forget that you even have them in. Did you know that you can wear theses earrings in variety of ways! The way they are pictured with the petal point down, rotate the petal point up and have the large curve down, or add a charm to them (in either orientation). I will be offering add on charms latter this summer. #lotus #lotuspetal #hoopearrings #putacharmonit #copper #copperjewelry #bronze #bronzejewelry #silver #silverjewelry #sterlingsilver #sterlingsilverjewelry #rosegold #rosegoldjewelry #gold #goldjewelry (at America/Chicago)

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Some of the not so glamorous things about having a jewelry business involves lots of agonizing over the small details that a majority of your customers will never see. Today I’m putting the polishing touches on my wholesale line sheet catalog so I can hit my goal of sending it out on Friday. If you are a shop buyer and you want on my wholesale email list, please send me a DM or reach out at [email protected] If you are a fan and have a shop that you’d love to see my work in, please send me a dm with your details and any info on the shop. You can also tag me on one of their posts telling me to check it out..or email me at [email protected] Thanks! 🌸Susan #wholesale #botanicaljewelry #handmadejewelry #linesheet (at Illinois)

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I’m pretty sure that Hydrangeas may be my one of my most favorite flowers. When I was experimenting with blossom shapes I decided I had to include one inspired by all of the tiny blooms that make up the head of the hydrangea. I will be experimenting more with this shape and how to better represent the voluminous flower but for now you can enjoy this sweet bouquet. I’m so excited to be able to offer all of my collections in a variety of metals to suit all tastes: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Bronze and Copper. #copper #copperjewelry #bronze #bronzejewelry #silver #silverjewelry #sterlingsilver #sterlingsilverjewelry #rosegold #rosegoldjewelry #gold #goldjewelry #botanicaljewelry #hydrangea #flowerjewelry (at Chicago, Illinois)

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Both kids have been put on a technology ban as a result of sassy attitudes this weekend. I decided to take them on a nature walk today to stimulate their brains by immersion in nature. It was fun to see their reactions to all of the smells, colors and textures. It was a big treat to see all of the happy bumblebees 🐝buzzing around in the UIUC Idea Garden on our walk. #nature #naturewalk #ideagarden #bumblebee #getoutandplay #getoutdoors (at Idea Garden)

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I’m so excited to be able to offer all of my collections in a variety of metals to suit all tastes: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Bronze and Copper. I am working on updating my website and my wholesale catalog...lots of new designs to unveil! #copper #copperjewelry #bronze #bronzejewelry #silver #silverjewelry #sterlingsilver #sterlingsilverjewelry #rosegold #rosegoldjewelry #gold #goldjewelry (at Chicago, Illinois)

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I’m in love with the concept of vertical flower gardens! I wonder if they get less weeds and they sure seem easier on the back to work on. Have you tried doing a flower wall? If so, any times for a novice? (at Chicago Botanic Garden)

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I’m so excited to be able to offer all of my collections in a variety of metals to suit a variety of tastes and desires: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Bronze and Copper. . . . #copper #copperjewelry #bronze #bronzejewelry #silver #silverjewelry #sterlingsilver #sterlingsilverjewelry #rosegold #rosegoldjewelry #gold #goldjewelry (at Illinois)

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Happy Labor Day! I tried to tell my husband that the holiday is about celebrating those who preform physical labor at their job. But he thinks it means lets preform physical labor till we drop. Scraping and painting my dream house that inspired me and lead me on my journey to metal smithing prepping her for sale. I hope whoever buys her loves the house as much as I do. (at Homer, Illinois)

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This lovely Blooming Lotus Necklace is on its way to to a lovely lady in CA to wear on her wedding day! #bloominglotus #necklace #lotus #jewelry #wedding #bride #IDo #susanharbourtdesigns (at 👉bit.ly/ShopSHD👈)

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New things on the bench today! #statepride #homesweethome #texas #tx #newjersey #nj #florida #fl #fla #indiana #in #virginia #va #Missouri #mo

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New things on the bench today! #statepride #homesweethome #texas #tx #newjersey #nj #florida #fl #fla #indiana #in #virginia #va #Missouri #mo

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A shiny trio of skinny silver stackers in a natural slate finish coming off the bench today! How do you like to wear your rings...mix n match, all the same, coordinated, or an eclectic combo? (at 👉bit.ly/ShopSHD👈)

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Which version of the Lotus Blossom Necklace would you choose? The let me roar and be Grande version or the little whisper petite version...or dose it depend on the day and your mood? For me it totally depends on the day and my mood for sure, I love them both!!! (at 👉bit.ly/ShopSHD👈)