Fashion

Roxanne Becofsky, the maker behind Xanne Fran Studios, is a classically trained sculptor turned jewelry maker working in sterling silver. Her story is as unique as her designs; “As a third generation craftsman, my grandfather and father both talented woodworkers, I grew up admiring the flexible lifestyle they both managed to attain through hard work and dedication to their craft. Able to be home raising their families and doing what they love, I thought, “that’s the life for me!” Through schooling and a few bizarre job opportunities, (being an apprentice for an eccentric sculptor in the boonies of upstate New York, creating high tech dummies for combat surgeon training in the military, and the list goes on…) I learned a unique set of skills that gave me the confidence and expertise to try my hand as a creative small business owner. I figured, I’d never know unless I tried!”

And try, she did! Of course, we talked about the perks of working for yourself; “The best thing about working for myself, hands down, is having the freedom to create whatever funky idea that pops into my head. I don’t have to ask anyone their opinion; and if it’s a flop, I’ll melt it down and make something else! Its a creative persons dream to have all the tools and resources needed to make whatever you can think of at the drop of a dime. I also have to say, not waking up to an alarm clock every morning is a very, very close second. I make all kinds of custom orders in sterling silver- the weirder the better! I sculpt everything by hand and take great pride in being able to offer custom designs to people with very specific requests. I love getting the reactions from my clients when I bring to life something they’ve been envisioning.”

While she makes things by hand herself, she also sees the value in buying handmade from others; “My house is full of handmade goods! I love to buy local pottery to hold odds and ends around the house but I think my blanket collection tops even the pottery.  Most every throw blanket in the place is a hand stitched quilt or knitted blanket, which I love. I have always greatly admired anyone who can knit because there really is nothing cozier than a handmade blanket… and I also couldn’t knit if my life depended on it. As a young person living in a hugely technology based world, it seems to me that so many of us overlook the simple, beautiful things in life. Creating and purchasing handmade goods keeps the appreciation for creativity alive.  Craftspeople have always had an important role in society and I think now more than ever, artists need to support one another and continue to create skillfully crafted items so that our society can continue to value creativity and talent.”

Worry stone necklace from Xanne Fran Studios.

Sterling Silver Bar Ring from Xanne Fran Studios.

Mermaid Tail Necklace from Xanne Fran Studios.

You can also find Xanne Fran Studios on Instagram and Facebook.