Welcome to Skin of the Earth

Where Memories Are Made From The Ground Up

Timeless Treasures

Hi, I’m Nancy Hanks, a metalsmith and designer with a lifelong passion for geology. I believe that every stone, metal, and speck of dirt tells a story of our earth’s wonders and the importance of place for all beings.

This blog is a platform to ignite curiosity, creativity, and connection through the exploration of our world’s marvels. With every post, we explore the unique geology of global locations, uncovering hidden gems and crafting bespoke jewelry and home accessories that echo their essence.

I invite you to join me on this trek as we uncover the beauty of our shared planet and create timeless treasures that speak to the heart of our global community.

Geology Nancy Hanks

Embark On Our Latest Adventures

Downeast Maine: Autumn Adventures, Part II

Time spent in majestic Maine is cleansing, colorful and awe-inspiring. It's a great place for personal renewal and it's especially fun to discover the state's natural resources with loved ones in the fall. Join us as we explore the geology of Downeast Maine in three...

My Own Backyard

There are loads of rocks and minerals – TREASURES – to see, touch and admire out there in the big wide world.  We’ll get to some of those far-flung places, but we can’t always journey far and wide, nor do we need to. A worthy adventure always starts right where...

Knife River Trail

This week’s trek takes us a bit farther from home, but still in the same state – the popular destination of Lake Superior’s north shore between Duluth and Two Harbors, MN. With dramatic seasonal displays and varied geography in the exhilarating North Shore region, the possibilities.

Mouth of Knife River at Lake Superior

Our second trek commenced on a Sunday that was bright and cold. I could hardly contain my excitement to comb the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. This would be the last nature outing I could do for a while as I was scheduled for hip replacement surgery the next week.