About

Erin M. Klitzke is the artist behind the work of Jude’s Chest. She is a full-time technical writer with degrees in history, anthropology, and political science whose non-academic interests include sewing, crafting, crochet, reading, writing, science fiction, fantasy, roleplaying, and Renaissance festivals.

About our jewelry

So what’s it made of?

Well, that depends on the piece in question. Most of the stones, both chips and beads, are natural stone. In many cases, you’re provided with a card that has the type of stones incorporated into the piece you purchased. These cards also contain information on the mystical properties and sometimes the history of the type of stone used. Other materials used in the construction of jewelry include glass and wooden beads (I try to avoid plastic beads when I can), various types of stringing material (including super flexible steel cabling or high-quality beading threads), metal wire (colored or plated, often copper at the core, though some items will have a steel or precious core), and various metal findings (including findings of brass, bronze, copper, gold, surgical steel, pewter, and silver). Every so often, I experiment with new materials (last year I started experimenting with metal stamping, this fall and winter I may or may not start playing with resin). When in doubt, ask.

How should I take care of these things?

Treat them as you’d treat anything handmade. These items are made to be worn and enjoyed. Avoid hypersonic jewelry cleaning machines and chemical cleaning mediums for most pieces. Usually, wiping them down with a cloth works just fine. They’re made for everyday wear.

About our clothing

Are plus sizes available?

Without a doubt, yes. Many of the items available from Jude’s Chest are one size fits most with an eye toward fitting a 50″ waist or smaller. The artist’s rule of thumb is that if she can get it on easily, it’ll fit most of her customer base. (The artist has a 46″ bust and a waist to match)

How do I wash it?

Unless you’re told otherwise, clothing can be machine or hand washed in cold water and dried in your dryer on low. Have caution when washing anything embroidered or otherwise embellished. Be careful of clasps, buttons, and ties.

Some crochet pieces should be hand washed and dried flat and are labeled as such.

What’s it made of, anyway?

This depends on the garment in question. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen are used when available (this is especially true with shirts, which are made almost exclusively of cotton muslin, quilter’s cotton, or the occasional cotton-poly blend). However, certain materials such as silk and other fibers can be difficult to come by at an affordable price, so some garments may be made entirely of synthetic fibers with a natural look or a blend of natural and synthetic fibers.

I saw something on someone else that I liked. Is it still available?

Many items are one-of-a-kind, but I may have similar items year over year. You can always ask if I have something available if you don’t see it on hand.

Other Questions

So do you make all this stuff?

In a word, yes. Sometimes I get an assist from my lovely and incredible booth partner Jen (of Funshine Designs) or my amazing mother Karen (who is likely to blame for me catching the sewing bug and definitely to blame for my levels of nerd), but usually, I’m the one doing the work.

What’s your price range?

Most items are under $50 with a few notable exceptions, with the average price on many pieces ranging lower (earrings on average are $8-$10 a pair, bracelets $5-$15, necklaces $18-$40, scarves and wraps $25-$40, shirts $25-$40, skirts $25-$50; many miscellaneous items like papercrafts and other odds and ends are also lower). Any cloaks in stock tend to be closer to the $90-$110 range and other pieces depend upon the materials and the intricacy of the work being done.

Do you take commissions?

Right now I’m not taking commissions, but keep an eye out for listings on my Etsy shop for customizable pieces soon.