Meet Dan Nutz | Creator of Nutz Accessories

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan Nutz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
My trade is really just a hobby that got out of hand. My name is Nutz. I wanted to create some form of art or jewelry using mechanical hex nuts. I became aware of the idea that these nuts could be used like beads. Even better was the discovery that they could be woven into a braid. So, with a box of nuts from the garage and some leather shoestring, I created my first bracelet. Soon I was making them for Christmas presents, but people kept asking me if they were for sale. I built up a small inventory and went to an arts and crafts fair and was surprisingly successful. People were intrigued and bought them.

Searching the internet, I found there were others doing something similar, that I was not the first. There is another guy who was selling his bracelets for $175. each. That’s way too much. My goal was to make sturdy bracelets and keychains using only dark leather string with stainless steel, brass and/or bronze hex nuts. I buy in quantities to keep my cost, and price down.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
That very first bracelet was clumsy with knots holding it together and took over two hours to make. I have scrutinized my product and my process and technique and have perfected my craftsmanship. I can now product 4 bracelets in an evening while watching TV. After brainstorming over the connecting of the two ends, I found that I could create a loop at one end and mount a flange nut at the other end to be used like a button. This works so much better than tying knot for the button. Then I choose to eliminate the knots all together by wrapping small cuts of stainless steel or black anodized lock wire around the ends. Pinching the wire down was a challenge, so I customized my needle nose pliers by cutting a small grove in the nose. Is this getting boring yet?
Since I began, I have added color. I learned how to powder coat. I invested in the equipment needed, and by using an air compressor and a toaster oven, I have been powder coating nuts in my garage. Needless to say. this generates some amusing conversation around our house. I currently have eleven colors to work with. Red white & blue is a favorite combination. My daughter suggested that I add black to my collection of colors. I was skeptical, but she was right. The black on black string bracelet has become a popular style.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Diane and I are still active. We like to bike and hike. There are plenty of opportunities in town or very nearby for either. For a good challenging mountain biking adventure, I recommend the Desert Classic Trail on South Mountain, or a little easier is the Usery Mountain Regional Park. For a leisurely bicycling trip, I just love the Scottsdale Bike Path or the area around Tempe Towne Lake.

For hiking we prefer to climb to heights that have a spectacular view. Camelback and South Mountain are both beautiful and within town. Another favorite, a few miles east of Apache Junction is the Peralta trail which takes you up behind Superstition Mountain to the Fremont Saddle for a wonderful view of the Weavers Needle.

Summers in Arizona demand some kind of water sport. If you own a boat or know someone who does, good for you. There are plenty of lakes within range. An option to your need for water can be found in tubing down the Salt River. It is amazingly fun and relaxing.

For dinner I highly recommend a cluster of restaurants on Gilbert Road in Gilbert. It is difficult to choose. All of them are enticing. My favorite is the Culinary Dropout, but on Father’s Day and my birthday we always go to Joe’s Barbeque for pork ribs.

Movies are always fun, but we especially enjoy the close interaction of improv comedy clubs. They make fun date night entertainment. It is even better if you can find some that keep their humor family appropriate, such as JesterZ Improv in Mesa. As they say, fun for the whole family.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was surprised when my wife, Diane, told me to go for this idea, so she has been a huge support while I spend hours perfecting my craft. She has helped me only a few times with the macrame bracelets. I give a lot of the credit to my father who has been gone for almost 33 years. I grew up in Southern California and my father was a well-known dentist, Dr. Speedy Nutz. He was an amusement to many as he leaned into his name. My father was also a big hearted, compassionate man. His example molded me into the person I am today, more Nutz than ever! With this name, a sense of humor is mandatory.

Due to the pandemic, the sidewalk arts and crafts fairs dried up for a season. We all suffered through this crazy time, some more than others. It was then that Diane found a need to provide some financial means to enhance family or “me time” for parents who tirelessly care for their children with unique needs (and other struggles including death). With the schools out of commission, it was nearly impossible for these inspiring parents to get out and recharge their batteries and return home with a smile on their face!

Diane was so supportive of my quirky hobby/business. I now fully support this, her passion.

Most customers find out after they check out my crafts, that Nutz Accessories supports Pamper Our Parents-Uplift those who uplift, my wife’s essential nonprofit.

Facebook: Facebook.com/nutz-accessories-502945789880024/

Other: E-Mail bignhoney@gmail.com

Image Credits
All photos are my own.