Artist Articles: Carri Brown
Carri Brown of Parker Madison Designs
For Carri Brown, jewelry making wasn’t something she planned—it found her. While visiting a friend in New York City who was going through a breakup, Carri spotted a bead shop in the fashion district and suggested they make bracelets together as a distraction. What started as a fun afternoon quickly became something Carri genuinely loved.
At the time, Carri was a stay-at-home mom working toward her master’s degree. Encouraged by her then-husband to keep creating, she began exploring jewelry design more seriously. As a Catholic with a strong connection to her faith, Carrie soon found a natural direction for her work: creating religious-inspired jewelry that was fashionable, meaningful, and accessible.
Based in Baton Rouge, Carri draws much of her inspiration from her faith and the Catholic traditions of South Louisiana and New Orleans. Her religious-inspired pieces make up the majority of her collection, incorporating saints, medals, crosses, rosaries, and other meaningful elements. She also creates bohemian-style jewelry and enjoys experimenting with different stones, chains, colors, and materials.
Carri’s work has taken her far beyond her home studio. Over the years, she has created jewelry for a television show and a TV movie, participated in New Orleans Fashion Week, and sold through retail establishments, including a store owned by a Project Runway finalist in Hawaii. While her jewelry business eventually became a part-time creative pursuit after she returned to the workforce, she continues to make pieces simply because she loves it.
Today, Carri works full time in business development and travels for her career. Jewelry making remains her favorite way to unwind—her version of sitting down with Netflix and creating something with her hands. Her son is also a source of inspiration, frequently sending her photos of jewelry and asking, “Mom, can you make this?” She has begun exploring men's jewelry as well, including pieces featuring St. Christopher and St. Michael medals, leather, and chains.
Custom work is a major part of Carri's creative process. Because she often creates intuitively rather than working from a fixed collection, customers can personalize everything from the chain and stones to colors and religious medals. She also creates custom rosaries, including pieces for christenings that can incorporate a child’s birthstone and other personally selected details.
Carri especially loves creating jewelry with customers in real time. During a successful event at The Foyer, she allowed shoppers to choose their favorite chain, stones, and components and then created the pieces while they waited. She has also hosted jewelry-making parties for teenagers and welcomed customers into her home for custom creations.
Carri has been part of The Foyer for 10 years and says she can’t imagine leaving. She appreciates the way the gallery allows independent makers to have a presence without the expense of maintaining a large retail space. The Foyer’s social media promotion, in-store events, and supportive environment have allowed Carri to continue doing what she loves while maintaining her full-time career.
Whether it’s a custom rosary, a meaningful saint medal, or a bohemian-inspired statement piece, Carri’s jewelry is designed to be personal. Her work combines creativity, faith, and a little bit of fun—often becoming something much more meaningful than an accessory.
Visit The Foyer at 3655 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 12 to 5 PM to see more of Carri's beautiful jewelry creations.
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