Kasia Wisniewski is the Milwaukee-born, Brooklyn-based creator behind the jewelry and accessories line, Collected Edition. After moving to New York 10 years ago to study fashion, she worked in the bridal industry – including designing at Vera Wang – before turning her focus to her current line, which combines new technologies like 3D printing with more traditional techniques like casting. The result? Timeless, romantic accessories that are, as Kasia says, “made by hand and machine.”
We got in touch to learn more about Kasia and her work.
How did you get into 3D printing?
I have a really strong background in construction and making dresses, but I always had this impulse to make jewelry, too. When I was getting married, I was making all of the clothes for the wedding – bridesmaid dresses, bridal gown – and I really, really wanted to make a headpiece for myself. My husband actually designed and 3D-printed my engagement ring; he suggested that I take another look at 3D printing to make my headpiece. I had tried to play with 3D printing a few times over the preceding years, but it never really quite clicked. For the wedding I just had to buckle down – I had a time frame! That’s when I made the first iteration of my broken arrow headpiece. I really loved the process, and I got addicted.
Your work really broadens the idea of what can be made with a 3D printer. It’s especially interesting that so many of the pieces are flowers or really delicate items found in nature, made using a computer. Can you talk about that juxtaposition, and how those two things work together?
I really try to make work that doesn’t look like it’s 3D printed. My absolute favorite thing is when someone says to me, “I had no idea you could 3D print something like that!” A lot of people associate a certain aesthetic, or a certain visual language, with 3D printing. Although I think those objects are great and beautiful, they didn’t speak to me as a designer. So, the most important thing to me when I started exploring this medium is that I didn’t have to change my point of view as a designer to fit the medium, I wanted to make sure the medium could just fit what my point of view already was.
In terms of the juxtaposition, I think there’s something really interesting and compelling about using digital technology to mirror nature. It’s really easy to make something on the computer that’s perfect; it’s a much more interesting challenge to capture what makes flowers so beautiful, which is their imperfections. Like the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi.
What inspires you?
A lot of my inspiration comes from looking at how flowers have been used in art throughout history – like the way the Victorians assigned very specific meanings to every single flower, and the idea of hidden messages within bouquets. I think that’s such an interesting concept. Clearly, humans have such an incredibly personal relationship with plants and with nature, and that’s something that I want to continue to explore.
Also, on a personal note: I adore flowers, but I have such a black thumb. I kill every single plant that comes into my home, so this is a way to pay homage and get close and intimate with flowers, but not risk killing them!
How does an item go from an idea in your brain to a beautiful finished piece?
I always start with sketches by hand, whether it’s a really basic concept or something that’s a little more complex. It’s always a good idea to plan out what you’re doing first, especially with 3D modeling, because you really have to go in with a plan and figure out how everything is made. With my flowers, if I have the opportunity to have a real flower in front of me, that’s so much better, because you’re kind of dissecting these things in a way. You’re figuring out how things are connected – how the petals form, the bud – it’s a very complex thing, and I want to be as true to that and honor that as much as I can.
After sketching, I start making each individual component in a 3D-modeling program, and then combine them to create a composition, adding leaves and stems. Usually at that point I’ll do an initial print in nylon to check my details. Sometimes I’ll do this on the 3D printer that I have at home; other times, if it’s a more complex design, I’ll send it out to be printed. Once I’ve reached a point where I’m happy with the design, that’s when I’ll go in and add things like bindings and combs. Then I’ll make any other last aesthetic revisions and send it to print in wax. From there, pieces are cast using the traditional lost wax method, and then either tumbled or polished by hand before they are ready to be sent out. It’s a pretty complex process that makes use of both new technologies and some classic manufacturing processes, like casting. It’s made by hand and machine, which is what I like to say about all of my work.
What was your career like before Collected Edition?
When I graduated from school, and even while I was in school, I worked for Vera Wang as a bridal designer. I was so drawn to bridal because it’s one of the last areas of fashion that’s still commercially viable where you can explore the fantasy of fashion: gorgeous gowns, beautiful embroidery, and these really intricate details. Another thing that drew me to bridal is that there’s something really romantic about the idea of a bridal gown in a woman’s life. For most people, it’s the garment that they’ll remember the most in their entire lifetime; their kids will know what it looks like, their grandkids will know what it looks like, and it’s something that’s really treasured. As a designer, the idea that this thing you make plays such an important role in someone’s life – you’ll likely never meet the person, but yet, you have such an effect on their life.
I was working full time until about 2013, and then from 2013 to 2015 was doing Collected Edition, as well as freelancing. Now I’m really trying to keep my focus on developing Collected Edition into an even more complete line. Even though I’m not making as many dresses, I still try to encapsulate those ideas into my work – the accessories being just as precious as the gown. And sometimes even more: it’s easier to pass down jewelry and headpieces than perhaps a dress – it’s almost more timeless, which I think is really special.
You mentioned the word “timeless” in relation to your work. How else would you describe your pieces?
I’d say my work is really romantic, whimsical, delicate, and always unapologetically feminine.
I love “unapologetically feminine.”
I think sometimes there’s a stigma when you say something’s really girly, or something looks really feminine – that’s such a shame. That makes people think, “I can’t be taken seriously if the work I make is girly or too feminine” – especially in 3D printing, which is still a pretty male-dominated field. There aren’t enough female voices being expressed in 3D printing. I absolutely make sure that there’s no question: I am proud to be making the work that I’m making, and I’m never going to apologize for the aesthetics that I work within.
What do you think about trying to bring more women into 3D printing? Is that a goal or mission of yours?
It’s something I’m really excited about, and something I’m really passionate about. I am working on a 3D printing blog that just had its soft launch. Check it out here.
Thanks to Kasia for sharing her story with us! Be sure to follow Kasia on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes snapshots.
All photographs by Collected Edition.
Shop Collected Edition
128 comments
Lesya from HappyScarvesByLesya said 5 years ago
I love your idea - still new and unique! Congrats on the feature!
Lesya Harrison from HappyDollsByLesya said 5 years ago
Great shop with beautiful items. Congratulations on the feature!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 5 years ago
Absolutely beautiful work, Kasia! The idea of 3-D printing such delicate pieces is amazing. All the best!
KP from oldspoolquiltery said 5 years ago
Fascinating and creative work! Congratulations on the well deserved feature!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 5 years ago
Love this! I'm so interested in 3D printing. Congrats on the feature
sabina botti from SabinaBottiart said 5 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 5 years ago
Beautiful and technical work, fascinating! Congratulations on your feature
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 5 years ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Tina from sierramoontreasures said 5 years ago
This is an interesting feature with great workshop photos. Glad you are inspired by both the old and new.
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 5 years ago
If there is ever a day that a woman should be super "girly"....it has to be her wedding day!!! :D LOVE that your pieces celebrate femininity!!! Congratulations on the feature and blessings for your continued success!!!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 5 years ago
Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop and much success :)
Adrienne from DabAndDabble said 5 years ago
Stunning Work, Love your workspace too ♥ Fabulous
Carol Wagner from VintageBettyLuke said 5 years ago
Wow! What a great art technique. The end result is so beautiful!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 5 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Kasia for sharing your creative vision, talents, and art with us. Peace.
V from valezhki said 5 years ago
Just amazing shop with so many lovely creations! All the best!
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 5 years ago
Congrats!
Bunni Russell from ByBunni said 5 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, I love your work space and product is amazing. Wishing you much success.
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
Beautiful bridal jewelry. It's amazing you make all the dresses for your wedding. Congratulations on the feature.
rosebudsvintage from WillowsWear said 5 years ago
Kudos on your Feature, you sure deserve it. Your young, talented, ambitious, pretty, and creative. Hope women, like you, don't ever feel they have to apologize for being feminine, that would be a shame. Thank you for blazing the trail and being the leader.
Vanessa scott-hayward from TheCraftCornerStore said 5 years ago
Stunning work and love the studio space!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 5 years ago
Beautiful! Love your shop!!!
Terri Smith from DimplesDragonflies said 5 years ago
Incredibly Exciting Uses Of 3D Design. Your Pieces Are Beautifully Thought Out and Constructed! Congratulations On This Amazing Feature and Thanks So Much For Linking The Sensational Information About Your Process.
Genevieve Keller from GenevieveKeller said 5 years ago
Wonderful work! Congrats on this feature. Great blog too!
Sarah Milligan from iHeartStitchArt said 5 years ago
Completely fascinating and your work is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Christina from TheWildPlum said 5 years ago
What a gorgeous feature. Congratulations!
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 5 years ago
Beautiful! Congrats on the feature!
Sonja Bikić from DeepSilence said 5 years ago
verry nice
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop, congrats on the feature
Anna from CreatureCollars said 5 years ago
So beautiful and unique! I love your work!
Shelly Daood from BoundtobeCreative said 5 years ago
Gorgeous work! (love your entrance to your work space!) Congratulations on the feature!
Dikla Harel from Albertinaboutique said 5 years ago
What a beautiful shop you have!!!!! Congrats on your feature!!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 5 years ago
3D printers are amazing, great work! Congrats on the feature!
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 5 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
ACR from WoodsyWools said 5 years ago
gorgeous pieces !
Shadra Strickland from shadrieka said 5 years ago
Lovely work. Thanks for sharing your 3-D printing resource blog also!
Sandra from SweetSpecialties said 5 years ago
Thank you Kasia for sharing your beautiful art ! It is so inspirational as well as motivational. Keep up the great work !!!!!
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 5 years ago
What a fabulous concept in 3D printing and laser....and a great story! Of course you cannot go wrong when the focus is flowers....that Icelandic Poppy is particular stunning! Congrats for the feature and much good luck to you!
Alaskalisky from AlaskaGoldRush said 5 years ago
Beautiful Work!
Julie Grzesiek from GlassLake said 5 years ago
Beautiful work!
Dara Barth from Bumbleweedz said 5 years ago
yes, fascinating and GORGEOUS all at the same time! xo
Yael Berger from TheJoyofColor said 5 years ago
Such beautiful items. thank you for this interview you changed the way i will look now on 3D printer . congrats for the feature
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 5 years ago
Your designs are wonderful! I enjoyed reading about your intricate creative process. The results are lovely. Congrats on the feature and success of your shop!
grigritextile from GriGriTextile said 5 years ago
This is such a wonderland! Love your story :)
Cheridah Spaulding from CheridahSpaulding said 5 years ago
Amazing creations! Wish I could have a 3D printer! :) Like your feminine stance. Blessings on the future.
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 5 years ago
Great artwork... The flowers look natural, the jewelries are unique. Congratulations Kasia of Collected Edition!
Andrii from OakKitchenBoards said 5 years ago
-:)
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 5 years ago
I love your love of nature ; ) The pieces are classic and beautiful. Congrats with the feature!
Kasia Wisniewski from CollectedEdition said 5 years ago
Thank you for all the kind comments on my work, lovely people of Etsy! What a wonderful, encouraging group! :-)
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 5 years ago
Very Beautiful work! Congrats!
Etrennes from Etrennes said 5 years ago
Marvelous inspiration,wonderful designs and meticulous work! Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
Diana from LeSeForYou said 5 years ago
Wonderful shop! CONGRATULATIONS!
Armanda from Thriftionary said 5 years ago
I really enjoyed reading this! You pieces are so lovely Kasia and the photography is wonderful too! :)
Iris from KlampDesign said 5 years ago
Beautiful! Congrats on the feature! :)
Zoui from XZOUIX said 5 years ago
pretty nice creations! thumbs up :)
DeUno from DeUno said 5 years ago
Beautiful design! Congratulations!
BonTons from BonTons said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the Feature!
ArcanaAntiquities from ArcanaAntiquities said 5 years ago
great work, congrats!
Sandra from PreserveStudio said 5 years ago
I am intrigued with the process you use to develop your accessory line. Congratulations on being featured. Well deserved!
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 5 years ago
beautiful work, congrats!
Rima Neverland from LovetoKnotShop said 5 years ago
Beautiful work!
Natalia Snemis from expressyourself said 5 years ago
Lovely design :O) Congrats on the feature!
wanida kunchiang from wanidacotton said 5 years ago
Love your shop! Congrats on the feature!!
KuKuyaya from KuKuYaYa said 5 years ago
Ooooooh my.... what a talent!!! I LOVE everything you creates here!!!!
happyhats27 said 5 years ago
WOW. WOW. WOW! Fascinating. Your creds aren't too shabby either. Great website. Gorgeous designs, unique approach. This 3D printing is the answer to a caster's prayers. All the best. You are quite cutting edge. SherryG
Cheryl Berry from PretticoateJunction said 5 years ago
Beautiful items like always. Thank You for sharing your story. Very talented lady. Congratulations on your future success!!,
Ellie from HawaiianHairlooms said 5 years ago
Fascinating ! Congratulations!
Lenny Mud from LennyMud said 5 years ago
Wow- this is awesome! Just blown away by your creativity and the beautiful items you make. Congrats on a well deserved feature and much continued success!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 5 years ago
Lovely work! Congratulations!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 5 years ago
Gorgeous designs! Congratulations on the feature!
CHIC FLAG from ChicFlag said 5 years ago
Nice, Congrats...
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 5 years ago
Who would have known? I love what you do...I am in love with flowers anyway, and 3D!! Wow!!
Kathy Johnson from kathyjohnson3 said 5 years ago
Wow, I didn't know that you could do so much with 3D, how neat! Learn something new everyday on Etsy! Congratulations!!!!
Stacy from TinySacredThings said 5 years ago
I didn't realize you 3D print delicate flowers. Your work is beautiful and so original. Best wishes for your continued success.
Carol from MasCollected said 5 years ago
Wonderful combination of nature, technology and artistry! Congrats on the feature and may you dominate, be a beacon and a standard bearer in this field. Very best wishes from Mas Collected and The Fuchsia Moon
Michael from tallbaldmike said 5 years ago
It's amazing the art you can weave with your hands. Congratulations on the feature.
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 5 years ago
Bravo Kasia!!! J'adore your tres chic and unique designs!!! Congrats on being featured!!! And, here's to beaucoup more success!!! Pugs & kisses
Gigi from AbslewtlyVintage said 5 years ago
Pretty...pretty...pretty! Congratulations, Kasia!!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 5 years ago
Quite amazing and beautiful! Congratulations on the feature and best wishes in achieving all your dreams! :)
Edwige L. from LeavesbyEdwige said 5 years ago
Wow your idea of creating these beautiful pieces using nature and an appreciation for the feminine within 3D printing is amazing. Usually I hear 3D printing involves terms like engineering, chemistry, or health but bringing it to your focus is great. I adore your work and wish you the best!
Jovita from alabatis said 5 years ago
Amazing!!!! Congratulations on the feature!
Art Loft from ArtForLoft said 5 years ago
Awesome!!Congratulations on the feature! Love your shop!!
Vadim Moroz from IconPainter said 5 years ago
Lovely shop! Congratulations!
Vadim Moroz from VadimMorozArt said 5 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! All the Best!
Alba Castellano from QuePinQuePanMagnets said 5 years ago
Wow! So technical and interesting!!! Thanks for sharing!
Sunny Lee from JewelMango said 5 years ago
Very impressive
Niki from JandEdoodles said 5 years ago
I love this feature and the idea of being unapologetically feminine. Congrats to you on your success!
Sarah Clark from OneSClark said 5 years ago
Everything in your shop is sooooo pretty! Congratulations on such a well-deserved feature!
Marcelo Santos from Craftissimo said 5 years ago
Amazing work! Congratulations!
Laila Leja from handmadegiftsbyLaila said 5 years ago
Wonderful artwork! So airy! Congratulations on the feature!
Megan C from AlaskaBagCompany said 5 years ago
congrats! Pretty shop
Ginny Washington from AlteredHeartsVTG said 5 years ago
This is eye opening and fascinating. Never thought such elegant pieces could be made with 3d printing. They are all so lovely. Congrats!
Katyooshjewelry jewelry from Kattyoosh said 5 years ago
Great shop with beautiful items. Congratulations on the feature!
hannah kinsey from HandonLeather said 5 years ago
Beautiful work
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 5 years ago
Gorgeous items! Congrats on the feature and continued success. I enjoyed reading about your creative journey!
stacey from TessCloset said 5 years ago
Beautiful! I am intrigued with your process of creating your items-amazing! Congrats on the feature and best wishes to you!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 5 years ago
Beautiful work!
Christine Saray from Thouartlovely said 5 years ago
Stunning work! Congratulations,well deserved feature:)
CuffandCollar from CuffandCollar said 5 years ago
Lovely work!
Jema Watts from BadgeShack said 5 years ago
So unique. Beautiful shop!
Portia from SoftJewelrybyPortia said 5 years ago
What a unique idea! Your designs and process are so innovative and beautiful. Congratulations on your well deserved feature!
Trang Dai from TDNCreations said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats on the feature!
Violeta from Cintura said 5 years ago
Beautiful!
Kelly from LucyRoseDesigns said 5 years ago
Wow, such beautiful work, just stunning. Congratulations on the feature and I wish you all the best!!
greenphilosophie from greenphilosophie said 5 years ago
?????
greenphilosophie from greenphilosophie said 5 years ago
????❤?
Liz and Phil Van D from lizystuff said 5 years ago
Fabulous!
Snazzy Living from Snazzyliving said 5 years ago
Beautiful collection. Congratulations on your feature.
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
3D printing is so interesting. I can't wait to learn a little bit more about it. It seems like everything is going digital.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Beautiful designs!
Nadia B from BasicKnitwear said 5 years ago
Unique work! Congratulations on the feature!
kim rhodes-thomas from pinksnakejewelry said 5 years ago
Great Post!! Beautiful Creations!!!
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 5 years ago
Stunning. So unique and beautiful. Wish you much success
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 5 years ago
Wow, your pieces are so delicate and beautiful. I obviously know nothing about the limitations of 3D printing. Keep rockin!
Patricia Ramirez from patsdesign said 5 years ago
wow very interesting. Congrats!!
Lyubov NostalgieDecor from NostalgieDecor said 5 years ago
Beautiful fine work! Congratulations!
Vintage Gypsy Studios from BohemianGypsyCaravan said 5 years ago
I really like the branch boutonniere.. very classy.
Renata Sponn Design from Sponndesign said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the Feature!
Elena Krasnenkova from FrostbergDecor said 5 years ago
Wow this is great! Success to You!
Rasa Rabaciene from PRINTDECOstudio said 5 years ago
Love the works! So classy
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 5 years ago
You have a great talent! Keep up the great work and Congratulation on your feature. I hope it brings you more work.
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
I love your attention to the detail
UNEMPLOYED Custom Orders Wanted USA Made Superhero Cufflinks Wedding Jewelry from boloties said 5 years ago
WOW! Beautiful products!
UNEMPLOYED Custom Orders Wanted USA Made Superhero Cufflinks Wedding Jewelry from boloties said 5 years ago
Congratulations on your store feature and business success!
ezliving from ezliving said 5 years ago
Nice Shop. Great idea and products.
little Lia from LittleLiaGraphic said 4 years ago
Beautiful :D congrats on the feature!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
Great shop with very unique idea. Good luck!
Laura from PetalAlley said 4 years ago
Inspiring. :)