What if this painting was a Necklace? Not the first time I got a side-eye look

It started with a simple question:
“What if this original painting was a necklace?”

That single “what if” led to one of my all-time favorite projects—one that combined storytelling, heritage, and craftsmanship in a way I’ll never forget.

The Spark: Rediscovering Stine Bauer

At the time, I was leading the accessories department at Eddie Bauer and had been tasked with rethinking and elevating the jewelry collection. The goal was simple—but ambitious: Transform two square feet of display space into one of the highest ROI categories in the store.

I had heard that Christine “Stine” Bauer—Eddie’s wife—was not only his partner but an artist and pioneer in her own right. She hunted in tweed skirts and pearls, embodied the adventurous spirit of the brand, and had quietly shaped much of its early story.

Intrigued, I reached out to the company historian, who invited me to see Stine’s original artwork—hundreds of pieces stored away in drawers, portfolios, and flat files. That’s how I found myself sitting on the floor in white gloves, surrounded by decades of creativity: watercolors, pencil drawings, and delicate sketches that revealed the feminine side of nature.

The Vision: Bringing Stine’s Art to Life

Among the collection, one piece stood out—a serene landscape rendered with a soft, graceful hand. With the family’s permission, we set out to reimagine that artwork as a piece of jewelry.

The goal was to honor the original while creating something modern, meaningful, and manufacturable at scale. We partnered with a small East Coast vendor known for resin craftsmanship, ensuring the necklaces were Made in the USA and met our financial goals—including a 75% margin.

The How: Balancing Story and Strategy

It took multiple iterations to get the balance right. Every detail—from the color palette to the accent bead—was thoughtfully considered. (I still remember the debate over pearls!)

The final design captured Stine’s artistry and spirit—a timeless piece that told a story, sparked conversation, and connected customers to the brand’s roots in a deeply personal way.

The Impact: Inspiration in the Details

That necklace became more than a product. It became a bridge between past and present, brand and customer, art and commerce.

It also became a reminder of something I carry with me to this day:
Inspiration can come from anywhere—if you stay curious enough to look.

I still smile every time I see that necklace hanging on my jewelry board. It’s proof that sometimes, the smallest ideas—born from a quiet “what if”—can turn into something truly beautiful.

What I Learned:
Stay curious. Listen to the stories that get overlooked. Because often, they hold the heart of the brand—and the spark for something new.