Check Out Kris Martinez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Martinez.

Hi Kris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started wire wrapping after my brother passed away. Wire wrapping allowed me to focus on something other than his death. I started with plated wire from Michael’s and making rings. I made so many rings, pendants, and other pieces that my work was taking over the house, and my boyfriend, Chris, said that I should try selling some of it.

Chris’ mother, Ruth, viewed some of my work and suggested that I sell some of my pieces at an upcoming craft show at her church. If it wasn’t for Chris and Ruth, I probably wouldn’t be selling my jewelry. I taught myself how to wire wrap tumbled stones and unlike many wire wrappers, I don’t draw out my idea first ( I am terrible at drawing) but instead, I just let the wire take me where it is going to go. Most of my pieces are one of a kind because of this.

I have upgraded my work since then and now use Argentium®️ Silver, a more pure form of silver than traditional sterling and ethically sourced gemstones. I create goth and occult-inspired jewelry. I went from selling my work at church craft shows to doing events like the Full Moon and Dusk festivals.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting to where I am today has not been easy but I am lucky to have some wonderful people supporting me every step of the way. My boyfriend, Chris, would help me get ready for and set up events. Events could be especially difficult for Chris because he was a paraplegic. Events would really wear him out but he never complained and supported me every step of the way.

Chris recently passed away and now I face new challenges, including doing and living life without the love of my life by my side. The ever-increasing costs to create and vend at events have become more expensive as vendor fees seem to be going up, which makes it difficult to get ahead financially.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Starting out as therapeutic, making jewelry has become so much more for me. It allows me to share with the world who I am and what my interests are, as well as find others with similar interests. I have always had a fascination with the occult, all things supernatural, and horror movies and this shows in my work. You will find spiders, bats, snakes, and occult symbolism in my work. I am trying to build a brand that allows heathens and misfits to embrace their darker side and to do it beautifully.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always looking for other artists to collaborate with and artists can Direct Message me on Instagram at @slightlytwistedbykris or via email at slightlytwistedbykris@gmail.com. People can help support me by following me on Instagram and liking and sharing my posts, coming out to events, and of course, purchasing some of my jewelry or having a piece custom-made.

Upcoming Events: April 14th at 6ft Under at the Palazzo-Phoenix
May 6th at the Arizona Goth Festival at Walter Studios in Phoenix, AZ

Pricing:

• Pricing starts at $15 for non-precious metal, wire-wrapped rings
• Argentium®️Silver pendants $35 to $400+
• Argentium®️Silver Rings $45 to $200+
• Leather collars are $35 to $65
• Leather bracelets are $25 to $55

Contact Info:

• Website: https://slightlytwistedbykris.square.site
• Instagram: @slightlytwistedbykris or @stbkris
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SlightlyTwistedbKris