Profile: Whiskey & Bone
Whiskey and Bone is a jewelry brand that creates unique statement earrings, necklaces and bracelets with an edgy rock-and-roll vibe. Each piece is designed and handcrafted by Tarrah Anderson, who founded the company in 2014. Her style has evolved over the years, but she remains true to her original inspiration, great music and the open road.
Photos by Kaley Kocinski
How was Whiskey and Bone founded?
Whiskey and Bone was founded in December of 2014, while I was at brunch with my good friend Whitney. I had another jewelry business that I was doing but it wasn’t fueling my creativity the way I wanted it to. I decided it was time to switch gears, change the name, and start all over.
What was the first piece of jewelry you designed?
My Hendrix necklace. It’s evolved many times with different colors, metals and number of stones. Still making it today, just updated from the first one.
How has your style evolved over the years?
I have incorporated more than just stones, bones and leather. I’ve added more elements and have just grown all around.
Each of your pieces is named after something related to music. How does music play a role in your designs?
I grew up listening to classic rock with my dad. He introduced me to a lot of bands that I still listen to. Many times, pieces are named depending on what I am listening to at that time.
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin and Queen.
What are other places, people, or experiences do you find yourself going back to for inspiration?
I love going on road trips. It’s a thing my family has done a bunch and something I hold close to my heart. My sister is hands down my favorite road trip buddy. I like to surround myself with nature. Oh and national parks. My favorite one so far is Glacier National Park.
Name an artist or designer you look up to.
Betsey Johnson. She’s wild and doesn’t care. I used to go to her store in the plaza and buy her jewelry and crazy patterned bags.
Is Whiskey and Bone your full-time endeavor? When did you transition?
Yep!
For eight years I was a full-time live in nanny (for the same family) The little girl’s parents were divorced so during the school year I’d live here in Kansas City with kiddo and her mom. But we would make trips to see her dad in Oklahoma City. In the summer, I’d road trip out to Seattle and spend the entire summer there her and her dad. I’d haul all my jewelry stuff with me. We even lived in Chicago for a year. I’d drive back, overnights on Friday to get to KC to do shows on Saturdays, then head back to Chicago on Sunday to be back in time to work Monday! Having this job made it possible to start my own side gig, her parents were and still are really supportive of Whiskey and Bone. Once her dad retired from his career and her mom finished medical school, I decided to leave my job and go full time making jewelry.
What are your favorite jewelry-making tools?
My pliers. Ha! It took me a long time to find a company whose tools I love. I have 4-5 different tools I use in almost every piece I make.
Tell me about your studio. How has your workspace evolved over the years?
Oh man! When I started, I was in the basement of the house that I nannied in. The little girl’s mom never batted an eye. I took over a big chunk and just started making. Oh, I guess I took over half of her garage with a bench I made to stamp on. Haha! After that when we moved to Chicago, my studio was in my bedroom. When I moved back to Kansas City, I was at the Cherry Pit Collective and now I am at the Bauer.
How would you describe the creative community in Kansas City?
Supportive!
I have a solid group of friends that I met through the maker community. Part of them are in my studio space, the others I see regularly at shows and just hanging out outside of events.
When you’re not running your company, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to travel. I have yet to leave the states, so far California and Colorado are my favorite spots. I like to spend time with my beagle mix pup Cleo and I love spending time with my friends and family.
