GLEN ARBOR, MI – A Northern Michigan artist is taking insect conservation into her own hands with a new jewelry line featuring six species that are endangered or imperiled in the state.
Becky Thatcher’s Endangered Insect Collection features the Karner blue butterfly, Mitchell’s satyr butterfly, Hine’s emerald dragonfly, Hungerford’s crawling water beetle, secretive locust and rusty-patched bumble bee hand-engraved into blackened steel laid over textured silver. A portion of the proceeds is going to habitat restoration.
“When you can see a problem, it’s easier to tackle,” Thatcher said. “These insects are hard to see.”
Thatcher was inspired to create the collection when she met a Michigan State University entomologist and worked to redesign his wife’s engagement ring. It took two years for the project to come to fruition.
Thatcher’s original sketches are hand-engraved into each unique piece by metalsmith Alison Simmons.
Jewelry designer Becky Thatcher (right) and metalsmith Alison Simmons worked together to create Thatcher's Endangered Insect Collection, which is aimed at raising awareness of endangered insects in Michigan and money for habitat restoration.Provided by Becky Thatcher Designs
The collection includes bracelet cuffs, stamped earrings, and large, circular Vario pendants, each priced under $500. Ten percent of sales is being donated to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for insect habitat restoration. Find them at Becky Thatcher Designs at 5795 Lake St. in Glen Arbor and 234 E. Front St. in Traverse City.
The goal of the project goes beyond raising money. Thatcher also set out to raise awareness, and has seen inspiring responses.
“People are trying to mix native plants into their garden, tearing out lawn to put in prairie grasses and flowers to keep different things blooming,” Thatcher said. “So, it’s really been fun to have conversations about restoring habitat and appreciating insects. Can you imagine the world without a Karner blue butterfly?”
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