The Alter Ego and The Escape

Jester Swink is my alter ego—a name gifted by a writer friend who saw in me, Rae Rodriguez, a blend of natural whimsy and soulful intention. She is the spirit that guided me away from the corporate world, pulling me toward a life of tangible, meaningful creation and crafting pieces that bring the wild, grounding energy of nature into your life.

The Sanctuary Where It All Begins

My studio, nestled among the Santa Cruz redwoods, is where the story of each piece begins. My inspiration comes from nature itself—how it is both imperfectly imperfect and resilient. For years I've collected leaves, captivated not just by their fleeting beauty, but by their quiet strength.

Much like my old passion for photography, rolling a leaf into clay is like taking a snapshot. It’s my way of honoring its unique story and capturing a specific phase of its life. That single impression celebrates a moment in time and makes it permanent.

The Alchemist's Touch: My Process

In a world of mass production, I choose intention. My hands are my most important tools, and I work with metal and ceramic clays because they are forgiving, earthy, and beautifully unpredictable. When I use a real leaf, I never get an identical impression twice. It means every piece is truly one-of-a-kind, which is exactly what my customers deserve.

The final transformation happens in the heat of the kiln. That second glaze firing is always an exciting, nerve-racking sensation—a collaboration with the elements where you never quite know what magic the heat will create.

A Story of Beautiful Contrast

A signature of my work is juxtaposition—bringing together elements you wouldn’t always expect. In my "Jewelry for Walls," you’ll see earthy ceramic forms sharing space with metal chains, semi-precious stones, glass, and more. By carefully considering the space and distance between each component, I create a design that feels both balanced and dynamic, telling a more complete story or theme.

A Solution for a Soulful Life

Why does this process matter to you? Because you're not just looking for an object. You're seeking a connection—a way to surround yourself with things that have a story, a soul, and a grounding presence.

This is the solution Jester Swink provides.

This is the solution Jester Swink provides.

• Each Jester Swink jewelry piece you collect, whether for yourself or gifted to a loved one, becomes a reflection of a unique story, a wearable expression of resilience forged with intention.
• My natural wall hangings, crafted from earthy elements like ceramic, driftwood, and stone, are an anchor for your sanctuary, bringing the calming, restorative energy of the outdoors in.

By choosing Jester Swink, you’re not just buying a beautiful object. You're embracing a snapshot of nature's story and supporting a woman-owned, USA-based small business rooted in soulful design.

With gratitude,

Rae
Founder + Maker