In a world that’s becoming increasingly dependent on plastic forms of payment, a South Whidbey artist has found a use for his spare change.

For the past year and a half, Chris Soukup has been transforming U.S. and foreign currencies into pendants. His intricate designs trace the shape of Whidbey Island in minute detail on the “tails” side of a U.S. quarter.

“I only use eagles because there’s so many eagles around here,” he said.

What makes his art even more impressive is the fact that he doesn’t use an engraver, laser or any other machine to carve designs into coins; he does it all by hand, first drilling holes and then using a fine-bladed saw to slice through the metal, creating an outline of almost anything anyone can imagine.

“This is my Bitcoin collection,” he joked of the scraps on the ground in his studio. “I don’t get to share that with very many people.”

He added, “It’s one of those things where you have to show the value of it because people just come to their own conclusions.”

Soukup learned the hand cut craft from his older brother, who taught him what he had learned in 20 years in two weeks. He came up with a friendship necklace design, interlocking pieces of the same coin that can be worn by two different people.

The Whidbey Island design is beloved by locals and tourists alike, but other favorites include a marijuana leaf carved on a Colorado state quarter (“where it all started,” Soukup said) and Pacific Northwest legend Sasquatch.

“Everybody knows somebody that likes Bigfoot,” he said with a laugh.

Sometimes he keeps some of the coin, such as the word “quarter” or “united” or “America.” Other features, such as the wings of an eagle or an interesting building, may also remain.

“When I cut so much of the material away, sometimes you can’t tell,” he said.

In addition, he’s open to doing custom work, creating portraits of loved ones or pets on coins. The right fan might want a Bob Marley or Jim Morrison design, which he currently has in stock.

With market season not far off, Soukup has been busy cutting new designs in preparation for the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market, which opens May 4. He intends to sell his wares every Sunday.

His art can also be found in different places scattered around South Whidbey, from Salinity at the Bard’s Boutique in Bayview to Kalypso’s Gifts and the Langley Whale Center.

Two customers have gifted him their coin collections, which include foreign currencies from China, New Zealand, South Africa, Iraq and Poland, among other countries. Though some of the coins might be worth a pretty penny, he’s not holding his breath.

Speaking of pennies, he’s not going to create any pendants out of the coin that the president has directed the treasury to stop minting. Like dimes, they’re simply too small to make a viable pattern.

He’s currently cutting symbols for astrological signs. His next goal is to work on an inexpensive line of coin pendants for kids, who also want to be able to buy something with their pocket money.

Most of his jewelry is priced around $20. He doesn’t plan on raising prices anytime soon.

“Things are always going up all around, inflation’s crazy,” he said. “Would I love to make $5 more on that? I mean, what’s the difference? If they like it, great. I want them to have it. I want people to be able to afford them, so I’m not gonna mess around with the prices.”

For Soukup, the hobby provides valuable time to unwind.

“It’s very zen-like for me,” he said. “It’s a good way to relax after work, get away from the TV.”

It’s a great side hustle and above else, it’s fun.

“I never thought I’d be an artist,” Soukup said.

For more information on Coined Art, email csoukup.vls@gmail.com or visit his Instagram, @CutCoinDesignsWhidbey.

(Photo by Kira Erickson/South Whidbey Record) South Whidbey artist Chris Soukup holds up a sign in his studio informing people that his coin pendants are cut by hand, without the use of machines or lasers.

(Photo by Kira Erickson/South Whidbey Record) Chris Soukup came up with a friendship necklace design, interlocking pieces of the same coin that can be worn by two different people.

(Photo by Kira Erickson/South Whidbey Record) George Washington smokes a doobie in this pendant made from a U.S. quarter.

(Photo by Kira Erickson/South Whidbey Record) Chris Soukup shows off his own necklace, the outline of Whidbey Island carved into a U.S. 50-cent piece. He kept the wings of the eagle on the half dollar.