
I like to build.
Things for me and things for you, out of all sorts of other things.
Reflections of Michigan.
​Metal working, 2010.
My work allows the wearer to experience these feelings I have when traveling outdoors. Focusing on the natural objects, the metal working mimics texture, form, and appearance found in nature. Each is made up of both natural and fabricated resources to represent nature, such as branches, rocks, and Petoskey stones. These stones are particularly important because they are only found in Michigan, thus when implemented into my pieces, they actas a keep sake for the wearer from his/her travels. I used a black patina, which I rubbed away at to create a rustic, worn look, almost as if the piece has been sitting outside for some period of time.
More Metal​​
During my undergrad, I spent some time working with smaller metals, mainly jewlrey making.
"Wearing Stones" is made from copper sheet metal bowled slightly with a salt patina and hammered wire. The piece itself is heavy like wearing stones would be, yet the way it lays on the body makes the piece appear lighter than it is.
Salt and pepper shaker is fabricated in the shape of a book with inscription inside. The cover opens and closes and there is a slot to insert recipe cards.
The earings are made using my own wisdom teeth. Once removed it felt very weir d to run my toungue where they used to sit. So I made them into earings, with the top set hangin above the bottom, both in line with where they used to sit in my mouth.




Relics of a Bird's Past.
​BFA Thesis Project, 2011.
"I have this space inside my head. I see it every night while lying in bed. I am walking through an older house. The furniture is minimal and the walls shaded gray. There is no one home, but there is the feeling of a recent inhabitant. As I continue throughout the house I realize that inhabitant, so mysterious and solemn, is me. Although this is a home I have never lived in, the remnants of my past and current life surface throughout the house in various nest forms. Some are in the cupboard, in the fridge, some on the mantel, the closet, the shower, or hidden underneath my bed.
These nests are built from the tangible items pertaining to my life, providing an overwhelming realness to my experiences.
This home, this giant nest made for man, is using my history to provide a home for another species." -taken from BFA Thesis
S0 Many Many Ideas!
​​Featured here are several gifts for both family and friends that I've created over the years. Many of which I feature for purchase and lessons on making as well!
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ULTIMATE-FAN BOX - $35.00
If you know the ultimate team-fan, then you can't go wrong with this gift anytime of the year! It even acts it's own gift box!
This one-of-a-kind box can be customized to any team, name, or school of your choice.
To place an order, please email labienic@gmail.com, or visit the GBD Etsy Page! Please include contact information, letters requested, colors, and specifications.
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Silk Painted Scarf - $30.00
Warm or cold outside, every woman loves a silk sarcf.
Scarf comes in floral patter, but can be customized to requested design.
To place an order, please email labienic@gmail.com, or visit the GBD Etsy Page! Please include contact information, letters requested, colors, and specifications.
Other Ideas!
If interested in any of these ideas, or an idea of you own, please email labienic@gmail.com! Please include contact information and discription of what you are looking for.
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