A Badman Who’s a Good Designer: Meeting Jewelry Artist David Badman in Grand Forks
David Badman and his team made Darley a special pair of travel inspired earrings, he's now calling The Darley Collection!
On my latest trip to Grand Forks, North Dakota, I had the chance to meet someone with one of the most unforgettable names—and talents. David Badman of Bd is a longtime entrepreneur, a metalsmith and jewelry designer, whose creative spirit shines through every piece he makes.
David has been honing his craft for years, building Bd Mixed Metals into a local treasure and destination with an expansive showroom, design studio, welding shop and production space in downtown Grand Forks. If you’re walking around downtown, you’ll also find his sculptures and work on display as public works of art! His story is as inspiring as the works he creates—proving that sometimes the best designs are born from passion, persistence, and a touch of boldness. He’s been in business in Grand Forks since 1988 and over the years has had ups and downs like many of us entrepreneurs, but persevered.
During our filming for Season 13 of Travels with Darley (coming to PBS stations starting in January), I stopped by Bd Studio to hear how David got started, what fuels his creativity, and how his shop has become a hub for handcrafted artistry in the Greater Grand Forks community.
The highlight? Watching David and his team design and create a pair of custom earrings just for me! They’re calling this style the “Darley Collection”—a one-of-a-kind keepsake that I’m thrilled to share with you.
✨ If you’re interested in your own pair from the Darley Collection, reach out to Bd Mixed Metals via phone, email, direct message, or social media. Mention the code “Darley88” for a special upgrade that includes your birthstone or initials engraved on the back, making each custom piece truly personal.
This visit marked my fourth trip to North Dakota and my second trip to the Greater Grand Forks area. Last fall, I was in town to attend a University of North Dakota hockey game and speak at Prairie Public’s 60th Anniversary Gala. That experience left me wanting to explore more of Grand Forks—and on this latest adventure, we did just that, along with stops on a Highway 2 Road Trip to Devils Lake and Minot.
It’s always inspiring to discover the creative entrepreneurs shaping their communities. Stay tuned to see this story and more from the entrepreneurs we met in North Dakota and beyond in Travels with Darley Season 13!
Watch the video from our recent visit