About Me

Meet Laura

Hi, I’m Laura, the artist and owner behind Barnyard Steamworks.

I’ve loved making things for as long as I can remember. That creative streak eventually led me to jewelry making, and in 2016 I began creating the one-of-a-kind pieces that would become Barnyard Steamworks.

My designs are a little unusual, a little unexpected, and always one of a kind. Because I work with antique and vintage materials, no two pieces will ever be exactly the same—and I think that’s part of what makes them special.

 

Where it All Began

Some of my earliest memories are of spending summer weeks at my grandparents' house. My grandfather, a retired farmer, would sit in his rocking chair listening to the farm radio while working his crossword puzzle book.

Every so often, he would take his pocket watch from his pocket and wind it. I loved hearing the little tick, tick, tick of that watch.

I think that's where my fascination with old mechanical things began. There's something special about seeing the tiny gears and parts work together—and knowing that an object made so many years ago still has a story to tell.

Today, that fascination is at the heart of Barnyard Steamworks. I take broken antique pocket watches, vintage watch parts, old jewelry, coins, keys, and other forgotten pieces and give them a new purpose as wearable art.

 

Forgotten Watches to Wearable Art

I create each piece by hand using parts from broken antique pocket watches dating from the 1860s through the 1930s, along with vintage wristwatches, vintage jewelry, old coins, keys, and other found objects.

I love taking pieces that might otherwise be forgotten and combining them in unexpected ways. I don't follow a pattern or mass-produce my designs. I let the materials inspire me as I work, which means every finished piece develops its own personality.

Because I work with genuine antique and vintage materials, no two pieces are exactly alike. The scratches, patina, worn watch faces, tiny gears, and signs of age aren't flaws—they're part of the history that makes each piece unique.

 

More Than Jewelry—A Reminder to Take Time

There is another reason time has become such an important part of Barnyard Steamworks.

Each piece I create is built around the idea of TIME—a reminder to take a little time for yourself every day. Life can become busy and overwhelming, and sometimes even a few quiet moments to breathe, create, walk outside, or do something you enjoy can make a difference.

I want the jewelry I create to be more than something beautiful to wear. I hope it can also be a small reminder that your time matters, too.

Giving back is also an important part of Barnyard Steamworks. Ten percent of every purchase is donated to organizations supporting mental health, suicide prevention, or wounded warriors.

 

Made to Last — Lifetime Guarantee

I want you to feel confident wearing and enjoying your Barnyard Steamworks jewelry. Every piece I create is backed by my lifetime guarantee.

If your jewelry ever needs attention because of the way it was made, please contact me. I stand behind my work and want your piece to be something you can enjoy for years to come.

Every jewelry purchase also includes a care and guarantee card and a cleaning and polishing cloth.

 

A Little More About Me

When I'm not creating jewelry, I love spending time with my husband and family. I'm a wife, mom, and grandmother, and family is a big part of my life.

We live in rural Iowa, and I enjoy being outdoors, gardening, camping, and—of course—making things. My husband is creative too, and we enjoy taking our work out into the community at art shows, craft shows, and local festivals.

One of my favorite parts of Barnyard Steamworks is meeting the people who stop by my booth. I love talking about the old watch pieces, sharing their history, and watching someone find that one piece of jewelry that seems like it was made just for them.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me and Barnyard Steamworks. I'm glad you're here.