PRESS

Become Spellbound is the work of Baltimore-based artist Kari Dern, creator of handcrafted crystal jewelry, fossil jewelry, and wearable talismans inspired by natural history, deep time, and fantasy storytelling. Known for her distinctive megalodon tooth jewelry and sculptural statement jewelry, her work has been featured in regional and national media outlets.

These features highlight the intersection of art, natural history, science, and storytelling - bringing attention to wearable talismans crafted from crystals, fossils, and rare natural materials.

Click the images below for links to press features. 

 

Bold Journey - "Meet Kari Dern" Feature Interview

Featured by Bold Journey, Kari Dern shares the story behind Become Spellbound and the resilience that helped transform a creative passion into a full-time artistic practice. The interview explores perseverance, creative growth, and the realities of building an unconventional career while remaining committed to a long-term vision. It also offers insight into the evolution of her work with crystals and fossils, and her ambitions to create increasingly cinematic pieces for collectors, stylists, and fantasy-inspired film and television productions.

Bold Journey interview with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound

 

 

 

WJZ-TV – CBS News Baltimore Feature on Become Spellbound
Kari Dern of Become Spellbound was featured on WJZ Baltimore, highlighting her work as a Baltimore-based artist creating jewelry from fossils and crystals. The segment focused on her use of megalodon teeth and the deeper relationship between natural history and wearable design, bringing attention to pieces that carry both visual presence and a connection to deep time. The feature introduced a broader audience to her approach of transforming prehistoric materials into contemporary talismans, emphasizing both the artistic and cultural significance of working with ancient natural materials in a contemporary craft context.

WJZ Baltimore CBS News Logo- featured the work of Become Spellbound

 

 

Baltimore Magazine – “The Power of Crystals” Feature on Become Spellbound
Kari Dern of Become Spellbound was featured in Baltimore Magazine’s Style & Shopping section, exploring her work as a Baltimore-based jewelry designer creating bold crystal pieces rooted in both visual impact and energetic presence. The interview highlights the origins of her brand, her intuitive approach to selecting and working with crystals, and her desire to push beyond traditional jewelry into something more sculptural and otherworldly. The feature also touches on the deeper connection between crystals, personal meaning, and wearable design, offering insight into the philosophy behind her work.

Baltimore Magazine interview with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound
WBFF Fox 45 – Live Interview with Kari Dern at the American Craft Council Show
Kari Dern of Become Spellbound was featured in a live interview with Fox 45 Baltimore during the American Craft Council Show, where she discussed her work as a Baltimore-based jewelry artist creating sculptural pieces from fossils and crystals. The segment highlighted both her individual practice and the broader significance of the American Craft Council Show as a cultural institution that brings together artists, makers, and collectors from across the country and the DMV region. It also underscored the importance of handmade craft spaces in supporting independent artists and preserving contemporary craft traditions.

 Fox 45 Baltimore live interview with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound at the American Craft Council Show 2025

Voyage Baltimore – Conversations With Kari Dern (Follow-up Feature Interview)
Kari Dern of Become Spellbound was featured in Voyage Baltimore’s “Conversations With” series, highlighting her journey as a Baltimore-based artist and entrepreneur. The interview explores the evolution of her work with crystal and fossil jewelry, as well as the challenges and persistence behind building a creative business. As part of Voyage Baltimore’s mission to spotlight inspiring local makers, the feature offers a deeper look into the personal path, creative process, and vision behind Become Spellbound.
Voyage Baltimore Converstation with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound September 2025


Canvas Rebel – Artist Interview with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound
Kari Dern of Become Spellbound was featured by Canvas Rebel, a platform dedicated to sharing the stories and insights of independent artists and entrepreneurs. The interview explores her personal journey into working with crystal and fossil jewelry, the evolution of her creative path, and the deeper motivations behind her work. Through a focus on storytelling and lived experience, the feature offers a more intimate look at the discipline, challenges, and perspective that shape Become Spellbound.
Canvas Rebel interview and press coverage with Kari Dern from Become Spellbound


Voyage Baltimore – Conversations With Kari Dern (First Feature Interview)
Kari Dern of Become Spellbound was featured in Voyage Baltimore’s “Conversations With” series, highlighting her origins as a Baltimore-based artist and the early development of her work with crystal and fossil jewelry. The interview explores how her creative path began, the influences that shaped her approach to design, and the evolution of Become Spellbound into a distinctive body of work rooted in natural materials and personal expression. As part of Voyage Baltimore’s mission to spotlight local artists and entrepreneurs, the feature offers insight into the foundation and vision behind her practice.
.Voyage Baltimore first interview with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound


No Pix After Dark – Podcast Interview with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound
Kari Dern of Become Spellbound was featured as a guest on a podcast interview exploring her work as a Baltimore-based artist creating crystal and fossil jewelry. The conversation delves into her creative process, the inspiration behind working with ancient materials such as megalodon teeth, and the deeper themes of transformation, symbolism, and meaning embedded in her work. As part of an in-depth audio interview format, the feature offers a more personal and conversational look at her journey, artistic philosophy, and the evolution of Become Spellbound as a multidisciplinary creative practice.
No Pix After Dark interview with Kari Dern of Become Spellbound, Baltimore handmade jewerly


 

 

Testimonials

I am filled with gratitude to @become_spellbound for creating this magnificent Malachite pendant. Of late, I have become really drawn to crystals and stones. I’ve always felt energy from the precious stones I’ve had the privilege of wearing. It just makes sense to me that everything that comes from the earth would have a certain frequency. I’ve been reading about all the different crystals and healing stones that are revered by healers and the Malachite spoke to me. If you are curious about stones made into jewelry check out @become_spellbound. Her collection is, well, spellbinding.

Debra Messing, Actor, Activist, Warrior

 

 

I LOVE the jewelry I get from Kari at Become Spellbound! Her work is high quality, unique and eye catching! Even more important for me is Kari’s respect for the stones, their power, beauty and wisdom. She listens to them to create talismen that show off their best - often combining them in striking new ways! She creates lasting items that will change your vibration, align you with your purpose and bring the transformation you are seeking. I’ve been told by others these are “stage pieces” for when I shine my brightest. Personally I want to do that daily!

Cherry Lee Ward, Contemporary Shaman

 

 

I’m obsessed with the detail and artistry of Become Spellbound’s talismans. Every piece I’ve chosen has been magical for me to wear, and every time I’m on stage or at an event, I get compliments from everyone!

Jennifer Kem, Motivational Speaker and CEO