Katie Mullins | Bonya's

Along with exhibiting in many notable Fine Art & Fine Craft shows in Ohio, Katie Mullins teaches chain maille and basic jewelry making in the NE Ohio area. She is the President of the Ohio Jewelry and Metal Arts Guild and is a member of the COSE Arts Network. When asked about her business name of “Bonya’s”, Katie said, “Bonya’s came from my  step-daughters oldest, Nathan, when he was learning to talk. I tried to get him to call me ‘Nana’, but despite my best efforts, Nathan came up with ‘Bonya’, and ‘Bonya’ I’ve been ever since.”

About the artist, Katie Mullins:

Location: Seville, Ohio

How did you get started?

I was looking for a specific style of bracelet and finally found one on-line. The cost was more than what I wanted to spend and I remember thinking “I could make that!”. So, I did.

How long have you been doing your art?

I have been making jewelry since 2005 and have been in business since 2006.

Do you have formal training?

No, I’ve not gone to college for training. Outside of a couple of bead shop type classes, I’m basically self-taught.

Do you have a dedicated studio/artistic space?

Yes I do. I have a 12’x13’ room I’ve converted into my studio and office. It has one huge window facing east and a smaller one facing north.

How do you come up with ideas? What is your inspiration?

I find inspiration EVERYWHERE. I love patterns, whether natural or Architectural, and my eye is always drawn to them. And then sometimes I just have one of those “what if?” moments.

Is this what you do for a living?

Yes, this is what I do for a living. I also teach classes at Lake Erie Artists Gallery and work part-time.

How long does it take to do a piece?

It really depends on the piece and what’s involved. Some projects only take an hour or so and others will take literally days.

What is your favorite part of doing your art?

Finding the time to do it! There is nothing better than having the time to actually sit down in my studio and work on designing and creating a piece. I love to put different elements together to come up with something different, unique and hopefully beautiful.