Powder Mill Studio is the work of Renee Newton. Resurrected in 2016 & reimagined in 2023, Powder Mill Studio was actually born in 2004 after graduating from the Jewelry Making program at the North Bennet Street School. At the time, without kids or a house under constant construction, time was spent making jewelry and selling in stores and craft shows, teaching private lessons or classes through various local programs, and working with jewelers on their lines. As time went on and life became more complex and "full" ...time for Powder Mill Studio seemed to dwindle. Now with kids all in school (preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school!) Powder Mill Studio is back in action.
"I'm a mom, I'm a creative, I'm a worrier, I'm an empath, I'm a trained bench jeweler. I'm a bit of a coward and a lot of a fierce lioness. I have been through some stuff, and I have been "#blessed" in many ways. At this point in my life, I am all about all reasons to celebrate ourselves, our ability to persevere, and our connections to others... as well as honor all things that may help us achieve self-acceptance, peace, confidence and a healthier happier self and planet. I'm all about the symbolism and hope while still keeping it real... served with a side dish of humor, a dash of inappropriateness, and a lot of swearing. Trained at the North Bennet Street School in Jewelry Making and Repair, I have been playing with metal, stones and fire for over 20 years. I have taught classes, worked for many other designers as their fabricator and helped couples commemorate their bonds with jewelry as unique as their stories. Powder Mill Studio now attempts to marry my desire to meet the community, raise money and awareness for causes close to my heart and play around at my jeweler's bench. By creating ready to wear pieces as well as custom "while you wait" permanent jewelry that differs from others that are also in this space, I get to continue to explore my creativity and community. Through my custom fine jewelry work my desire to design, source, and bring to life fine jewelry for special people and special occasions is satiated. Listening to and relating to people is my superpower, and showing that through jewelry is my talent."