T H E M A K E R
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I am an artist deeply rooted in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where the rugged land and ever-changing sea shape my creative spirit. Yet, my heritage extends far beyond these shores. With Norwegian and Icelandic ancestry, I carry forward the North’s traditions - working with raw materials, embracing fire, and crafting pieces that honor both the natural world and the resilience of those who came before me. This connection to my lineage is why I choose to use Icelandic in the titles of my artwork, a way of preserving and celebrating my roots through language and creation. Raised in a family of makers - engineers, leather craftsmen, and silversmiths - I learned the value of resourcefulness, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship from an early age. These lessons shaped my approach to art: one of reverence for both the materials I use and the ancestral techniques that guide my hands. The journey from raw earth to the finished adornments I create today is a reflection of this lifelong dedication to artistry, sustainability, and tradition. My work is shaped by the rhythms of nature, incorporating ancient techniques such as sand casting, where fire and molten metal transform raw elements into something both timeless and deeply personal. |
C A M I L L E • N O R D G R E N
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The Story of Buck Fifty & Hammer
In 2014, my brother and I began crafting "coin rings" in my garage. What started as a simple experiment quickly evolved when we decided to create a pair of earrings from leftover materials. I gifted them to a friend, and her encouragement to make more sparked the birth of my jewelry business. With nothing more than "a buck fifty and a hammer," Buck Fifty & Hammer was born.
The name captures the simplicity of our beginnings—a few tools, a lot of heart, and a passion for creating something beautiful. Over the years, I’ve refined my craft, often working with reclaimed materials and drawing inspiration from the raw, untamed beauty of both the Pacific Northwest and the Nordic landscapes my ancestors called home.
In 2017, I lost my brother, my first collaborator and greatest supporter. His passing left an irreplaceable void, but it also deepened my resolve to keep creating. Each piece of jewelry I make is a tribute—to him, to the traditions of my heritage, and to the fire that fuels transformation.
Today, my work continues to honor the earth, the people who inspire me, and the memory of my brother. Every piece I craft carries meaning and intention, blending the old ways with the new, and preserving a legacy of craftsmanship that stretches across generations. In every flame, in every metal pour, in every Icelandic title, I pay homage to where I come from and where I am going.
In 2014, my brother and I began crafting "coin rings" in my garage. What started as a simple experiment quickly evolved when we decided to create a pair of earrings from leftover materials. I gifted them to a friend, and her encouragement to make more sparked the birth of my jewelry business. With nothing more than "a buck fifty and a hammer," Buck Fifty & Hammer was born.
The name captures the simplicity of our beginnings—a few tools, a lot of heart, and a passion for creating something beautiful. Over the years, I’ve refined my craft, often working with reclaimed materials and drawing inspiration from the raw, untamed beauty of both the Pacific Northwest and the Nordic landscapes my ancestors called home.
In 2017, I lost my brother, my first collaborator and greatest supporter. His passing left an irreplaceable void, but it also deepened my resolve to keep creating. Each piece of jewelry I make is a tribute—to him, to the traditions of my heritage, and to the fire that fuels transformation.
Today, my work continues to honor the earth, the people who inspire me, and the memory of my brother. Every piece I craft carries meaning and intention, blending the old ways with the new, and preserving a legacy of craftsmanship that stretches across generations. In every flame, in every metal pour, in every Icelandic title, I pay homage to where I come from and where I am going.
Buck Fifty & Hammer, LLC
5712-S Gilkey Ave
Edison, WA 98232
Studio Hours:
Monday - Thursday 12-4 pm
& by appointment
(425) 749-0253
5712-S Gilkey Ave
Edison, WA 98232
Studio Hours:
Monday - Thursday 12-4 pm
& by appointment
(425) 749-0253