Today we’d like to introduce you to Grete Homer.
Hi Grete, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Rich in history from Northern Scandinavia, the creation of Sami bracelets is an heirloom art and family tradition. My sisters and I learned the art of making Sami bracelets from my mother while growing up in Minnesota. My first lesson took place on the porch of our cabin on Namakan Lake when I was 12 years old. My mother, Kate Stenso Miller, was a very talented artist. She passed away when I was young, and I reconnected with this art again as an adult with guidance from my aunt.
From there, I began making bracelets and earrings as gifts. I branched out from the traditional Sami designs and started experimenting. With encouragement from friends and family, I started Koselig Design LLC in 2018. I participate in juried art shows and accept custom orders through my website. I started working with Salmon Leather and am now thrilled to have a Nordic Salmon Leather line of bracelets to offer.
I have developed a special interest in bridal design and was honored when a friend reached out and commissioned a bridal collection for her wedding in Minnesota. I have now designed custom heirloom reindeer leather bridal bracelets for numerous brides across the country. Last year I had the honor of designing a custom heirloom bridal bracelet for our local Olympian, Jessie Diggins. Jessie was planning to wear the bracelet for her rehearsal dinner. I was honored when she loved it so much that she decided to wear it not only to her rehearsal dinner but to her wedding as well! She has since worn it to the Gold Medal Gala in NYC.
I am always excited to design new things, and am particularly excited about focusing more on bridal design in the future!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any art, it has taken thousands of hours of practice to truly master and build my confidence in designing. I have run into a learning curve working with Salmon Leather as it has an “X” pattern grain, instead of a traditional linear grain. Sewing on salmon leather requires extreme precision. I product tested for about two years to make sure my Salmon Leather skills were polished.
The largest challenge I’ve run into has been time. I started my business in 2018 and had my first child in 2019. I recently had my second child in 2022. I am a stay-at-home mom, so having two very young children has not allowed for a full-time commitment to Koselig Design. For now, I consider myself a “full-time mom, nap-time jewelry designer.” I still always manage to find the time to complete custom orders and have done about 1-2 shows per year.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sami bracelets are made of hand-dyed reindeer leather, pewter spun wire, and an antler button. I am proud to support the Sami and reindeer trade in Sapmi (Northern Scandinavia). This trade is known as one of the rare environmentally sustainable meat industries in Scandinavia. The reindeer are semi-domesticated, but a natural part of the ecosystem, roaming and eating all naturally occurring lichen and vegetation. The carbon footprint of these animals is very small. Only a set number are harvested each year (primarily for meat) and the whole animal is used. Reindeer Leather bracelets take anywhere from 5-20 hours to make, depending on design and size.
The salmon leather used is sourced directly from a tannery in Iceland. This tannery works in partnership with the Nordic fishing industry to turn salmon skin, a common byproduct, into durable, high-quality leather. Not only does this result in reduced waste from the fishing industry, but the tannery is also operated using 100% renewable energy, resulting in a CO2-neutral operation.
Overall, I am most excited about bridal design in my work. I am most proud of the bridal pieces I have designed so far. Some of my statement bridal pieces have taken upwards of 90hrs. When you think of bridal heirlooms, typically you think of a dress. The bridal bracelets I’ve designed will be the most beautiful heirloom. I wore a custom Sami Bracelet for my wedding and it was a beautiful nod to my Scandinavian roots. I can’t wait to pass it down to my daughter someday. Each bridal piece I’ve designed has truly been one of a kind and I think that’s what brides are looking for right now.
What does success mean to you?
Right now, I’d define success as balance. There is a lot to balance with little children at home. As long as I keep designing, I know I’m succeeding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.koselig.co
- Instagram: @koselig.design
- Facebook: @koselig.design
