OVER THE (PENNYROYAL) MOON! Perhaps you've seen the Pennyroyal Moon logo while browsing the vendor booths at the Saturday artist markets or strolling through the Phoenix Park farmers market. This decade-old business hand-crafts items with a focus on sustainability.

Nestled among the bustling stalls of Eau Claire’s local farmers markets, Pennyroyal Moon has remained a cherished fixture for the past decade, quietly weaving itself into the arts scene of the community.

What began as an intimate, passionate endeavor for repurposing found objects, soon blossomed into an immersive small business over the last decade — known for its one-of-one handcrafted goods and the friendly faces behind the display tables.

Jason and Jamie Holen, the makers behind Pennyroyal Moon, embody a whimsical "bohemian-victorian" aesthetic to their daily lives. They also apply this aesthetic to the products they sell throughout the Chippewa Valley.

The Holens merged their individual creative ventures — Jason's oil painting alias "Nine Blind" and Jamie's crafting business "Paint It Black" — to establish Pennyroyal Moon in 2015.

Since 2015, Pennyroyal Moon has set up shop nearly every Saturday for the Artist Market of Eau Claire in Phoenix Park, pictured above.

A decade later, the duo continues to find success in Eau Claire’s artist scene. Pennyroyal Moon continues to pop up at the Artist Market of Eau Claire nearly every Saturday, sells to local retailers like Tangled Up In Hue (505 S Barstow St. #B), The Local Store (205 N Dewey St.), and through their website online.

The artists will frequently collaborate, combining their skills to envision new pieces or explore different mediums.

“I'm always curious to try different things and I think Jason would say the same,” Jamie said. “It's always fun to create new and exciting things.”

Pennyroyal Moon may be best known for its handcrafted jewelry — which includes copper bracelets and pendants, wire-wrapped earrings, and sterling silver silverware rings. They also produce various clothing items from patterned textiles and wooden plaques adorned with whimsical designs.

Jamie and Jason are dedicated to repurposing found items and second-hand materials, transforming them into new products. This commitment is the central theme across their entire product line, they shared.

“The ability to see something beautiful in (an object) that might have been thrown away, and turn it into something that other people might find appealing — it makes my heart feel good,” Jamie said. “I feel a connection to the history of the (found) pieces and I feel I need to honor that history.”

Woven pendants, etched copper feathers, and repurposed cutlery are among the various samples of jewelry made by Jason and Jamie Holen of Pennyroyal Moon.

According to Jason, many of the found objects are gathered from the natural landscapes surrounding the Holens, sourced from their family members, or could even be "trash" that — through the right artistic lens — becomes a treasure.

Much of the copper used in Jason’s hand-crafted bracelets, rings, and pendants, is sourced from his father. Jamie utilizes wood scraps — destined for disposal from a local cabinet maker — to craft her wall-decor plaques, infusing the material with a renewed purpose.

“I feel a connection to the history of the (found) pieces and I feel I need to honor that history."

Jamie holen

creator, pennyroyal moon

Each plaque adorns images that range from water nymphs and fairies, to celestial constellations and the planets — an homage to the business’ title — and personified animals brought to life playing musical instruments. “I like pictures where (the subjects) have an emotion — they have spirit,” Jamie said.

The Holens believe in producing art and sharing with the community at an accessible price point. Jewelry products from Pennyroyal Moon can range from $10-$35; home-decor items often begin at $20 per item.

Jamie and Jason Holen, pictured above.

To further their values in accessibility, most items to-be-worn can be resized upon request.

It’s safe to say, this local hidden gem is here to stay, with plans to expand its online and in-person retail offerings. Pennyroyal Moon most recently began wholesaling their jewelry at Shine On Boutique (2914 London Rd.) in Eau Claire.

Reflecting on their impact within the community over the past decade, Jamie and Jason are inspired by the beauty of meeting customers face-to-face, and answering questions about their creative process and the meaning behind each piece.

“Being there in-person has made a difference (in our business),” Jamie said. “When we connect with people at the artist markets, we find a lot of success.”

Copper coil rings, hand-made by Jason.

Wooden plaques on display, hand-made by Jamie.

To learn more about Pennyroyal Moon, visit their website online or social media platforms (@pennyroyalmoon). The Artist Market of Eau Claire takes place every Saturday, from 7:30am-1pm in Phoenix Park (330 Riverfront Terrace). Pennyroyal Moon products can be purchased online or in-person at The Local Store, thelocalstore.org.