a sneak peak of Annika’s work for The Radder

Favorite Tools

My most-used hand tool is a Valtitan Swiss barrett file. It has teeth of the flat surface of the file, but not on the edges, making it perfect for filing tight spaces and angles.

I use a jeweler’s tool called a “third hand” constantly in my studio. It consists of a pair of cross tweezers held by a swiveling base. It is used to hold pieces of metal in the soldering process. I’d be lost without it!

My favorite hammer came from a bead store in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. I found it in the basement, where they have a kind of permanent garage sale going on. It was super old and beat up, but it just felt right. I had my friend Mike grind the face smooth, and now I use it all the time.

Where do you find inspiration? 

Oh, everywhere! As a visual person I am constantly absorbing inspiration, and I find that being in nature and walking around helps me reset my mind, and see possibilities of new forms and ideas.

Other rad Minneapolis folks we should know about?

Minneapolis is teeming with creative energy these days. Ceramicists Ginny Sims, Erin Smith, and Ben Fiess are all wildly talented. Michael Gaughan is a super impressive water color painter and all around creative genius. My fave graphic designer in town is Maddy Nye, she’s aesthetic wizard, and has a way with color and type that blows my mind. Nick Lundeen is a fellow jeweler, and he has a really impressive commitment to traditional processes.  And finally, my soul sister Nona Invie [of Dark Dark Dark]. She is the best songwriter I know, and I’ll never get tired of hearing her sing.

. . . aaaand she makes incense

SL : As if creating one-of-a-kind jewelry, running a way cool online shop and touring in a band wasn’t enough, Annika also hand-rolls these incredible natural Campfire Incense – made from dried sage, cedar and pine pitch.

snapshots of Annika’s studio and home in Minneapolis