More Than Metal. How Cheyenne Twiner Crafts Connection

cgoucher
Nov 24
4 min read

For Toronto-based jeweller Cheyenne Twiner, connection is the heart of every piece. Through her brand Feeding on Frost, she transforms the textures of nature into something intimate and lasting, a handmade story you can wear. In this 6Qs with Christine conversation, Cheyenne shares how curiosity led her to metalwork, how she learned to balance art with entrepreneurship, and why the love for handmade still keeps her inspired.

What first sparked your creative path? Was there a moment when you realized jewellery could become your medium?
I’ve always been drawn to the small details in nature, like the textures of stones, tree bark, and the way metal can echo those organic shapes. I didn’t plan to become a jewellery designer at first, and definitely didn't think I would have my own business, but once I started experimenting with metal in the studios at my university I fell in love with the process. There was something deeply grounding about shaping metals by hand and watching an idea turn into something tangible. I originally started in a totally different program at my school, and switched when I saw the metalsmithing studio, it was so cool and the tools looked so fun. I am so glad I took a chance at something totally and completely new and out of my realm.
How do you approach making a new piece? Do you follow a ritual, experiment, or let intuition lead?
I start with a texture or shape that catches my eye, maybe a pebble, a leaf, or the curve of a shoreline. Usually my inspiration is sparked with the textures outdoors, or on old buildings and bricks. I hand-form most pieces of jewellery before casting, so there’s a lot of movement and experimentation with my materials in the process. Some designs come to life quickly; others sit on my bench for weeks until they feel right or I revisit the designs.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your creative journey, and how has it shaped you?
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the realities of running a business. When you’re a one-person brand, you have to be the maker, the photographer, the order packager, the social media manager, the accountant and bookkeeper...everything! It took time to learn how to protect my creative energy and not lose the joy in the process. That challenge taught me to slow down, to create intentionally, and to build boundaries around my studio time. When I first started doing larger multi-day markets and week-long shows, I had so much stock that I was keeping up and making constantly, and I had to really re-learn my process to keep things running smoothly while still allowing myself time to be creative and not just feel like a factory.
Who or what community has influenced or supported your work along the way?
The local maker community in Toronto (and Ontario) has been such a huge influence. Connecting with other artists and small business owners who value handmade work has been so inspiring. My customers and followers, especially those who’ve supported Feeding On Frost from the very beginning have truly kept me going. They remind me that there’s still so much appreciation for craftsmanship and small-batch artistry. I find so much inspiration on social media by following other makers and designers, the work that artists share online is so vast and unlimited, and I love finding new makers in my feeds.
Has anything unexpected come out of your practice that still makes you smile
Honestly, the connections. Every time someone messages me to say a piece became their everyday piece, or it marked a special memory. It still amazes me that something I made with my hands can become part of someone’s story. I am at a point doing this now for almost 15 years, where it is rare to do a market and not have someone come by my booth already wearing a ring, or a pair of earrings. The fact that the smaller local communities have such supportive market goers is inspiring and will always make me smile. To know there is still a love for the handmade, and the artisan markets. We need that. Please keep showing up and supporting handmade artists!
What keeps you inspired to return to your craft, even on tough days?
Nature always brings me back. Even a short walk outside can reset my mind and remind me why I started. The textures, the seasons, the small details, they constantly feed my creativity. My husband and I travel a lot, so I am fortunate enough that I get to explore new places fairly often, and I am always always always looking at the trees, or the waterways to get inspired.

Bonus Question: What would your younger self lose their mind over, knowing what you get to do now? She’d be amazed that I get to create jewellery full-time. That people all over the world wear pieces I’ve designed and made by hand. She’d probably think it’s the coolest thing ever that I built something from scratch, stayed true to my vision, and I get to spend my days creating art that people actually connect with. I was ALWAYS making collages, making barbie clothes, drawing or colouring, or collecting rocks or leaves. I know for certain that little Cheyenne would be in awe of what I get to do, and what I have worked hard to build.

Want a closer look at Cheyenne's jewellery? Check out her website.

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