Meet the BackerKit Creators!

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Genevieve Barbee-Turner

3 Followers
https://killerpancakeillustration.com Killerpancake Illustration is Genevieve Barbee-Turner, a tarot card illustrator and two-dimensional artist based in Pittsburgh, PA. She is creating cursed occult wares including tarot decks, stickers and stationary, fine art prints, and other decor inspired by horror stories, folklore, and ghost stories from across history and pop culture. Killerpancake blends contemporary Appalachia and queer/femme identity with a splash of gothic aesthetic. Genevieve’s pen name, Killerpancake, is an ode to hours of listening to audiobooks while drawing as a young girl. A reference to a cozy mystery book title, listening to a story has always painted pictures inside her head in a way that nothing else does. In 2012, she started recording a podcast called The AP Collection, where she interviewed approximately 200 people about Pittsburgh and creativity. These conversations inspired a fully illustrated 78-card tarot deck detailing the realities of “New Pittsburgh” called Bridge Witches: A Tarot Deck. As a product of the Bible Belt in the 90s, Genevieve lived in the wake of the Satanic Panic. As a result, she learned early that fear and anxiety are tools used by people to control others, especially women and queer people. Later, she luckily, found “misfits” in the goth club scene, where she met people of a wide variety of genders and sexual identities. In the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, there were spaces that sheltered folks living on the fringe, and in that space, Genevieve discovered her people. Genevieve earned a BFA in Art from Carnegie Mellon University in 2007, and studied at Universität der Künste Berlin in 2006 focusing on printing, drawing, and printmaking. However, her practice was built long before entering an art studio. Since childhood, she has had a drawing instrument in her hand. Copying of fashion photography in Vogue magazine, her obsession with the human figure and its dynamic use to tell stories remains relevant today. She moved on to drawing classes on VHS tapes, then at the local community center, and ultimately attended The Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia, during high school before moving on to her studies at CMU in Pittsburgh.
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Margie Ungar

3 Followers
  With over two decades of experience in the jewelry industry, crafting and designing exquisite pieces has always been my passion. Now, it's time to take the next leap forward by establishing the Speidel Ungar Brand and offering customers the opportunity to own high-quality, luxury jewelry at accessible prices. [wave ring.jpg]At the heart of our collection lies the meticulous craftsmanship of jeweler and designer, Margie Ungar. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Fibonacci Golden Ratio, Margie brings to life jewelry characterized by harmonious proportions and flawless balance. Each piece in our collection embodies a fusion of comfort, quality, and beauty, captivating the discerning eye and exuding an unparalleled elegance. [anillo oropendola vermeil 2.jpg] Our designs are versatile, effortlessly transitioning from refined events to casual day-to-day wear. Crafted from premium materials such as Sterling Silver, 18K Vermeil, and White, Yellow, or Rose Solid Gold 18K, every piece is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike mass-produced jewelry, each item in our collection is meticulously handcrafted to order, ensuring a unique and personalized touch for every wearer. Additionally, we prioritize the use of Cyanide- and Nickel-Free materials, guaranteeing both aesthetic satisfaction and peace of mind for our customers. [0630320C-0E8A-43FE-B379-8DF62B5206D6_1_201_a.jpg] Our focus is primarily on our nickel-free vermeil collection, offering the luxurious look and feel of solid gold without the hefty price tag. While our Vermeil collection currently comes with a 1-year warranty, our ultimate goal is to introduce a final process that would make the 2.5 micron vermeil long lasting, eliminating the need for special care under normal conditions. [BF39581E-F339-43D8-81FC-A43BD02A6BFB_1_201_a.jpg] By pledging your support, you'll help us establish a dedicated private studio equipped with the necessary tools and technology to achieve this long lasting vermeil plating, upgrade our equipment, expand production capabilities, and invest in marketing efforts to reach a wider audience. [IMG_4966.jpeg] We are committed to revolutionizing the jewelry market by offering meticulously crafted, unique designs at affordable prices. Every piece is hand-polished to perfection and treated with the utmost care and attention to detail. But, we need your help to turn this vision into reality. For the past year, I've been working tirelessly on this collection in a shared space, renting a jeweler's bench in Miami, FL. With your support, we can move into a private studio where we can manufacture without limitations and bring our vision to life on a larger scale. Our funding goal encompasses the expansion of production, covering the costs of a new studio space, materials, additional equipment, production expenses, and marketing efforts. Your support will also cover one year's rent for a suitable location,  and any unforeseen expenses during the production process. As a token of our gratitude, we've curated a range of rewards for our backers, from our handmade jewelry collection. In conclusion, we're thrilled to share our passion for handmade jewelry with the world and bring our vision to life. With your support, we can continue to create a collection that embodies elegance, affordability, and a deep love for nature and beauty. 100% made in the US. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

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