As an “arty” person, I came late to jewelry design.  About 10 years ago, there were many classes available, not only in artist’s studios, but also from Community Education.  After taking all the available ones, I settled in on metal forming and stone setting as my favorites.  I joined the local Lapidary Club with all their tools and workspace and learned the skills of finishing stones.  After much practice, I applied and was accepted to juried Art Festivals across the four state area.  What fun it was to set up my tent, visit with Art loving customers and mingle with other artists, and, actually sell my creations.  Unfortunately, last summer, my back was taxed too much and now am limited to setting up at indoor shows.

I call my work a “Magical Mix of Metal and Stone”, as the mystery and wonder of how the stones were formed and the beauty of the stone fragments themselves, brings to mind God’s magical formation of the world.  Each piece I put together is a tiny part of this creation in a one-of-a-kind setting.  I love the process of holding the stone and having it tell me what kind of a setting it needs to tell its story.  The metal may be copper, silver, or brass, sometimes, gold.  Does it need embellishment, a more organic look, added color, antiquing, more stones, etc., etc.  After auditioning several items together, out comes the index card to sketch the design.  If there are areas that are bent, I cut and form the paper as I would the metal to see if it fits, and if it passes inspection.  Then the fun begins.  Cutting the metal, soldering, riveting, forming, stamping, rolling, etching, casting, you name it.  Then finally, setting the stone(s).  Copper requires Renaissance Wax to preserve the patina and protect your skin.  Argentium sterling silver, just a good tumble and or polish.  Add a chain, then stand back and admire this small magical mix of metal and stone.