We talked with Miroslava Schovánková, who creates with resin and precious metals. She not only puts her art into her jewelry but also creates memories and evokes emotions with her pieces. You may have already come across her under the name Miris.
Mirko, please introduce yourself so we can get to know who is behind these absolutely beautiful resin jewelry pieces.
I am a jeweler, goldsmith, and a jeweler under supervision, and I create jewelry from epoxy resin. Currently, I focus mostly on limited edition collections with flowers and upcycled collections. I also include unconventional materials in the resin, such as children's hair or breast milk, which clients have me incorporate into their jewelry.
Miroslava Schovánková | www.sperkymiris.cz
What does it mean that you are a goldsmith and jeweler under supervision?
To work with precious metals, one must either have the appropriate education from a goldsmith school or be under the wing of a goldsmith who guarantees their work. I am fortunate to have such a mentor, which allows me to work with metals like silver and gold.
When did you first encounter epoxy resin, and why did you decide to try it yourself?
I have been working with resin for about 6-7 years. I saw flowers encased in resin and loved the idea of preserving them this way forever. I soon began experimenting with casting myself. Back then, the choice of resins was not very large, and information and tutorials were not available as they are today. I researched information on foreign websites, got one book about resin, and the rest was many hours of experimentation :)
Resin Jewelry | www.sperkymiris.cz
What were the beginnings of your crafting like? Did you encounter any failures?
At first, I started by encasing images, glitter, and other decorations. I took these products to markets for the first time. Since then, my focus has shifted a bit. I draw inspiration from nature, preserve real flowers in resin, and work with much higher quality materials than at the beginning.
As for significant failures, I don’t really recall any. Perhaps a few times the resin overflowed, and before the products were suitable for sale, it was naturally a long process. But otherwise, it was a gradual puzzle where I learned new techniques for working with resin. Resin is a beautiful but unpredictable material. I had to learn how to arrange flowers in the resin so that they stayed where they should; I had to learn to catch the curing phases to look exactly as I imagined; and I had to learn very precise casting into small molds. Sanding and polishing resin is another separate chapter.
Resin Jewelry | www.sperkymiris.cz
Did you start with resin as a hobby, or did you go straight into it with a vision of selling your products?
Originally, I was making beaded jewelry, selling a bit, and then smoothly transitioned to a different technique, so I entered this with a vision of selling. I always knew I wanted to do something like this and offer it for sale, but it took a while to figure out exactly what it should be. I already had my business established, and once I learned to work with resin, I knew it was “the one”.
What type of jewelry or decorations do you prefer?
My favorite is the aforementioned limited edition collections with real flowers. They are absolutely unique because replicating resin jewelry is nearly impossible. And when it turns out as I imagined, I am happiest. I also make jewelry from breast milk, children's hair, or upcycle various materials (such as computer chips, glass, or broken Christmas ornaments).
Ideas are everywhere; I have developed such a work-related habit – wherever I go, I see potential. Once, I passed by a broken bus stop in Jablonec and collected spilled sheet glass there. It resulted in a beautiful limited edition of jewelry. And when my children broke a beautiful Czech Christmas ornament, I made another limited edition of jewelry from it. I really enjoy the variability and endless possibilities.
Jewelry with Breast Milk | www.sperkymiris.cz
Jewelry made from breast milk or hair is very popular, but I know that the technique of preserving breast milk is not simple and manufacturers usually guard it jealously.
They are very popular, as such jewelry is an emotional matter. And it's not just breast milk or hair. Customers also ask me to make memorial jewelry from ashes, pet fur, or flowers from wedding bouquets. Such jewelry not only serves a decorative function but often acts as talismans. A few times, I have helped people say goodbye with my jewelry, which is always very meaningful to me.
And regarding milk preservation – that was probably the most complicated to learn. There are several methods, and each manufacturer has its own technique. I developed mine over several years in collaboration with chemists to understand how preservatives behave. Essentially, you first have a liquid form, then the milk is preserved into a kind of paste. This is dried, ground, and the powder is mixed into the resin. There are really many variables in the production process.
Where can customers find your products? Do you also sell at any markets?
I occasionally attend local events. However, customers can see more jewelry at stands throughout Jablonec, where I supply my flower jewelry for sale. I also have a workshop in Jablonec, where I sometimes meet clients, especially when delivering milk or other materials for preservation in jewelry.
Jewelry with Children's Hair | www.sperkymiris.cz
What advice would you give to beginner resin crafters?
Definitely read manuals and instructions for mixing resin, don’t get discouraged, and persevere. Start with smaller projects and only then move on to larger ones. What can be made from resin is worth it.
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