Beyond the curated collections, Crow welcomes the opportunity to create something that becomes a meaningful part of your story. Whether you envision a custom jewelry piece, a hand-wrought vessel, or a striking wall hanging, a commission is a collaborative journey to bring your personal vision into a tangible form. Let’s work together to design a bespoke artwork that honors your unique experiences.

Working Together | The Process

Artist Janise Crow and a client sitting at a studio table, reviewing heirloom jewelry and sharing memories to select elements for a custom commission.
Behind the scenes of a custom story artwork: Janise and a client review his mother’s jewelry collection during an initial consultation. Together, they are selecting the most meaningful elements to be reimagined into a bespoke legacy piece.
Commissioning a piece of art is a deeply personal journey of storytelling. Whether you are holding onto a single heirloom brooch, gram's silverware, or a collection of gathered trinkets, I am here to help you navigate the transition from a hidden memory to a tangible work of art. My goal is to create a supportive space where your stories are heard and your materials are honored with professional care.

The Collaborative Process

  • The Consultation: We begin with a conversation—either in my State College studio or virtually—to explore the history of your items and the vision you have for their future.
  • The Curation: Together, we select the perfect elements—metals, stones, found objects, or inherited objects, flatware, dishes, or keepsakes—that will serve as the foundation of the piece.
  • The Design: I develop a conceptual plan that balances the integrity of your materials with my signature hand-forged aesthetic.
  • The Transformation: I reshape these elements into a unique jewelry, sculptural vessel, wall hanging, or yard art installation.
  • The Reveal: Your completed work is presented as a new heirloom, ready to be lived with and shared.

Inherited Objects, Reimagined Narratives


Memories rarely fit neatly into a box. They arrive in all forms, shapes, and sizes—the chipped ceramic bowl from a grandmother’s kitchen, a collection of sea glass from a single summer, or the weathered trinkets that once lived on a parent's desk. These items are heavy with meaning, but often don't have a place in our modern lives.
​By breathing new life into reclaimed materials and heirloom objects, we transform them into your stories—tangible pieces to share, honor, and pass down. Whether you are looking for an intimate adornment or a large-scale statement, our collaboration can take many forms:
  • Custom Jewelry: Transforming heirlooms into wearable narratives and daily rhythms.
  • Shadow Boxes & Wall Art: Layered, sculptural displays that turn milestones into focal points.
  • Tabletop Decor & Sculptures: Hand-forged vessels that bring stillness to your interior spaces.
  • Yard Art: Durable, spirited installations and bird baths that live within the landscape.

Beyond the Velvet Box

Custom necklace made from a keepsake brooch by Janise Crow
Custom necklace made from a keepsake brooch.
Carol’s brooch was a paradox. Given to her by her best friend, the piece was far too lovely to forget, yet it never quite felt like her style. For years, it sat tucked away in a velvet box—a heavy weight of affection and guilt that stayed in the dark.  She eventually brought it to my studio with a simple, heart-felt wish: “I want to carry her with me.”
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We didn't just change the clasp; we listened to the history held within the metal. Through the process of fire and forging, we reimagined those lines and textures to fit Carol's life today. Now, that once-hidden heirloom is a necklace she wears every morning. It’s no longer a relic in a drawer, but a daily reminder and a quiet conversation between past and present.

​This is the heart of what I do: I help you turn a "too lovely to forget" memory into a story you can finally wear.

The Art of the Narrative: Endless Possibilities

Every commission is an exploration of what it means to hold onto what matters. Whether we are working with jewelry, fabrics, tools, dishes, flatware,  your own inherited treasures, the result is a one-of-a-kind creation that holds a special place in your heart.
Hand-forged copper vessel & flatware necklace commission by Janise Crow
Hand-forged copper vessel & flatware necklace commission.
Each piece is a collaboration between material and meaning. I invite you to look through your own collection of memories and imagine the persistent possibility of what they could become.

​Start Your Commission Story
Let’s discuss how we can refine your past into a beautiful new form.

​Preserving Memories One Art Piece at a Time

In Their Own Words  (view commissioned jewelry)
Customer Review for Janise Crow, Crows Nest Arts, State College PA
Click Image: To Hear Michelle's Story
Customer Review for Janise Crow, Crows Nest Arts, State College PA
Click Image to Hear Susan's Story
"Visit Me at Crow’s Nest Arts for a private art consultation in State College, PA. Specializing in transforming heirloom jewelry and sentimental objects into modern sculptures and wearable art."

Frequently Asked Questions

What Options Do I have?
  • ​to provide all or most of the sentimental tokens, jewelry, or objects you would like to include in your custom necklace (extra fees may apply, you will be contacted beforehand). 
  • to choose the color scheme
  • to choose the size of the statement collage area
  • to choose the length
  • to choose the closure type
  • to choose to have a theme, message, story to be told
  • to allow Janise creative freedom
Once the order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email, with instructions and custom order worksheet where you can describe in more detail what you have in mind.
Custom Jewelry Inquiry Form
How Long Does it take?
​How long does it take to create a custom necklace?
  • After Janise receives your items you would like to include in your custom necklace along with your custom order worksheet, she can begin the process with you.
  • This is a made to order item and there are many considerations since each piece is unique in its complexity.
  • Please understand it will take time for Janise to consider your personal theme/story/sentiment, design your necklace and assemble it.
  • Janise does her best to meet all deadlines and is looking forward to working with you to create a truly unique heirloom necklace.
How will it be Packaged?
  • Packaging: comes in a gift box tied with a ribbon, gift wrapping available.
  • Shipping: from artist's location unless noted otherwise. 
How do I care for my new jewelry?
Still have questions, contact me.