Conversations with Archie Liggett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Archie Liggett.

Hi Archie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Rooted in the rolling hills of East Tennessee, my small business is a labor of love inspired by Appalachian heritage and the steady hands of my beloved grandmother. I hand stamp words and meaningful phrases onto a variety of metals and vintage silverware, creating one-of-a-kind treasures that speak to the soul.

This journey began in the most unexpected way—while I was working as a substitute teacher at our children’s elementary school. One Christmas, I made personalized gifts for the teachers using pennies stamped with names and significant years—births, marriages, and other meaningful moments. I turned them into necklaces and keyrings. The response from my teacher friends was overwhelming, and soon others were asking for their own custom pieces. What started as a heartfelt holiday project quickly turned into a passion, and then a small business.

From bookmarks and bracelets to necklaces, earrings, keyrings, plant markers, rings, and a wide range of stamped silverware for home and gifting—I pour care and intention into every piece. Each item is thoughtfully crafted, combining rustic charm with personal storytelling.

Late in life, I discovered the joy of this art, and it has brought me not just creativity, but connection. I find inspiration in the beauty of old things, the warmth of home and family, the rhythm of music, and the peace of nature. Repurposing vintage silverware into keepsakes gives me the chance to breathe new life into forgotten pieces, making them meaningful again.

What began at the kitchen table has grown into something beyond what I ever imagined. I’ve now been honored to vend at incredible festivals like Bonnaroo, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, and the beloved Apple Festivals in Waynesville, NC, and Erwin, TN.

Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift or a keepsake to carry your own story, I’m honored to be a small part of it. Every order means the world to me, and I hope each piece brings as much joy to you as it brings to me while creating it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many small business journeys, mine hasn’t been without obstacles. In the fall of 2022, I began experiencing a loud, constant swishing sound in my ear. After several doctor visits and no relief from decongestants, I was referred to an ENT. Imaging revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula—an abnormal connection in the brain’s blood vessels. What was meant to be a simple procedure turned complicated. A COVID diagnosis postponed surgery, and when it was finally rescheduled, a one-night hospital stay turned into four nights in the ICU at the University of Tennessee hospital. Two procedures later, three stents were placed in my brain. Though the swishing noise disappeared, the second procedure left me with temporary double vision due to minor damage to my 4th cranial nerve.

For months, I wore an eye patch to manage the vision loss, eventually transitioning to prism glasses as my brain healed. I was faced with the challenge of creating intricate, detailed stamped work with just one functioning eye. It wasn’t easy, but the flexibility of owning my small business gave me the grace to recover at my own pace.

Amazingly, less than two months after my procedure, I was back vending at Bonnaroo—with the unwavering support of my Aunt Teresa, my son Cade, and his incredible Bonnaroo crew. Being near the What Stage, surrounded by music, joy, and kind-hearted people, became a turning point in my healing—mentally and emotionally. Bonnaroo truly is the most magical place on Earth, and it gave me the strength to return to doing what I love. One crisp October morning, before attending UT football game with my husband, I woke up to discover my vision had returned to normal—just like that. Time, patience, and faith had done their work.

This journey has reminded me that while life may be unpredictable, it is also full of second chances and surprising beauty. My small business isn’t just about metal and words—it’s about resilience, memory, and connection. Whether you’re buying a gift or a keepsake for yourself, thank you for being part of this story.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What do I do?
I create hand-stamped metal goods that blend Southern charm, vintage inspiration, and a good dose of humor. Whether it’s a spoon with sass or a keychain with a heartfelt quote, each piece is made with personality and care.

What do I specialize in?
I specialize in personalizing flatware and housewares with custom messages—ranging from cheeky to sentimental—often inspired by music, Southern sayings, and vintage flair. If it can be stamped and has a story, it’s right up my alley.

What am I known for?
People tend to remember two things: my unique name (Archie!) and the thoughtful, meaningful pieces I create. My work has a way of making folks laugh, tear up, or feel just a little more seen.

What are I proud of?
I’m proud that I built this business with my own two hands. It’s allowed me to continue being a stay-at-home mom while still doing something creative and fulfilling. I’ve loved being able to share the experience of being a vendor at certain festivals with my family—it’s a special kind of chaos we’ll never forget. And surviving multiple Bonnaroos? That’s a badge of honor in itself!

What sets you apart?
My story, style, and Southern heart all make this business uniquely mine. I know what it’s like to grow up with a name you never saw on a keychain, so I love being able to offer that personalization to others. Plus, the combination of vintage finds, soulful sayings, and genuine craftsmanship makes my work feel like home.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love connecting with people, whether you’re a fellow artist, a small business, or someone with a sentimental piece you’d like turned into something special. You can reach out to me through email, text, or Instagram—whatever’s easiest for you.

I’m happy to work with your own treasured flatware or supply pieces from my own vintage collection. Over the years, many people have offered me old family heirloom silverware, vintage keys, and other timeworn treasures. Folks often don’t want to discard these sentimental pieces but aren’t quite sure what to do with them—and I’m honored to give them a new life. It’s incredibly special to help preserve that history in a way that’s personal and meaningful.

I’ve been fortunate to be invited into a couple of brick-and-mortar shops, vendor shows, and markets, and I’m always open to new collaborations and opportunities.

One of the things I love most about this journey is the creative community it’s introduced me to. Artists supporting other artists is a beautiful thing. I’ve invited a few up and coming makers to add some of their art in my booth at events (always with the coordinator’s okay!) as a way to give them a supportive space to try something new. If I can help someone get their foot in the door, I’m all for it.

If you’d like to work together, have ideas for a collab, or just want to support what I do, I’d love to hear from you!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @archieliggettjewelry