Rusted Element Design

A New Chapter

(and a Bit of Transparency)

Hi there,

I wanted to share a more personal update with you—because if you’ve been following along for a while, you probably noticed I’ve been a little quiet lately.

Back in early March, I learned that I’ve developed a severe epoxy resin allergy. It honestly caught me completely off guard. I was pretty devastated at first—it felt like I suddenly lost the core of what I had built. It honestly felt like I lost my job… again.

So I went quiet.

I needed time to process, learn what this meant long-term, and figure out what comes next. My brain was spinning for a while, but I didn’t stay there for long. I started doing what I always do—figuring it out.

And now, I finally feel like I have a clear-ish path forward.

I’m still here—and still teaching, creating, and figuring things out, it will just be in a new way.

Quick Update (TL;DR):

• I developed a severe epoxy resin allergy and won’t be teaching resin classes moving forward
• One final resin class: Tuesday 4/28, 6–8pm (https://rustedelementdesign.as.me/artclasses) at Dabble
• I'll continue making with wood but I’m also shifting into new materials
• I’m now offering 1:1 creative business support (https://www.rustedelementdesign.com/work-with-me)
• New class coming soon: Make Your Own Pot + Pick a Plant
• Markets: (https://www.rustedelementdesign.com/locations) I’ll be at Alki Art Fair (July) + Ballard Farmers Market more frequently + more markets coming soon
• Epoxy resin supplies (https://www.rustedelementdesign.com/shop/resin-craft-supplies/10) still on sale but once they are gone they will be gone

Keep reading for the full story

One last epoxy resin class

Because of my allergy, I’ll be wrapping up my resin classes.

Final class: Tuesday, 4/28 from 6–8pm (https://rustedelementdesign.as.me/artclasses) , at Dabble
There are still a few spots open—but I don’t expect that to last long after this goes out.

If you’ve been meaning to take a class with me, this is your moment.

What I’m Working On Now

This is where things start to feel exciting again.

I’m shifting into materials that are safer for me and more eco-friendly overall, while still keeping that hands-on, creative experience I love to teach.

Right now I’m working on:

• A new class: “Make Your Own Pot & Pick a Plant” (using hydrostone)
→ hoping to launch early this summer
• Continuing to create with wood
• Exploring jesmonite and cyanotype processes

It’s a bit of a rebuild—but it’s also a fresh start in a really good direction.

New Ways I Can Help You (or someone you know)

Over the past several years, I’ve learned a lot about running a creative business—through Etsy, markets, websites, and everything in between.

So I’m now offering 1:1 support (https://www.rustedelementdesign.com/work-with-me) via zoom for artists, small business owners, and anyone else who might need help including:

• Shopify and Square website updates & builds
• Creative business guidance
• Etsy SEO + listing help
• Website review & feedback
• Epoxy resin project guidance
• Beginner-friendly computer help

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure this side of things out, I’d love to help.

You can explore everything in the button below. Feel free to email me if you have questions about any of my new offerings.

Markets & Where to Find Me

I didn’t apply to as many art fairs as usual this year (for obvious reasons), but I’m still getting back out there.

• I’ll be at Alki Beach Art Fair in mid-July
• And I’m planning to vend more regularly at the Ballard Farmers Market once I have new products ready

Check my locations page (https://www.rustedelementdesign.com/locations) any time to see an updated list of events I plan on vending at.

I’m really looking forward to being back out in the community again.

If You Still Love Resin…

If you’ve been working with resin (or have been meaning to try it), I’ll still be selling my remaining epoxy resin supplies for a limited time while I transition into new materials.

Once they’re gone, they’re gone—so this is kind of the last call.

P.S. I’ll also be clearing out my personal resin supplies over the next few months—keep an eye out for that in an upcoming email.

Thank You (really)

If you’ve taken a class, bought something, followed along, or just read these emails—thank you.

This shift wasn’t something I planned, but I’m finding my way through it, and I’m actually feeling really hopeful about what’s ahead.

More soon—and I’ll be back to sharing regularly again.

Jen

A big update (and what’s next) Click here for an update from Rusted Element Design!