Who are you and what do you do?
I am an Art major who became a Psychology and Religion major who became a Family Therapist who became a College Mental Health Counselor who became a Jewelry Artist. So my passions have brought me full circle! I love that I get to wake up in the Northwoods of Ely, head into my home studio, and create fine silver jewelry. My favorite thing of all is to work with clients on special orders, collaborating together, and creating something meaningful to them.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
In addition to my nature-inspired jewelry, I have created an Art Nouveau & Fantasy Collection that primarily stems from my unapologetic love of Lord of the Rings. This led to incorporating semi-precious stones, which has been a journey in itself. I love designing a piece around a specific stone or adding just a bit of color or bling to a design as an afterthought.
Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
Absolutely! Living in the Northwoods of Minnesota, wintertime is magical! My Winter Wonderland Collection is overflowing with intricate snowflake designs and plenty of bling using cubic zirconia and quartz. It also includes some great gifts for the skiers and dogsledders on your holiday wish list.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
They love that no two creations are identical, that theirs is special and unique. Whether they are buying something for themselves or for that special friend, they know that each piece of my jewelry is formed, carved, textured, and antiqued by hand and cannot be replicated. It gives each piece a “specialness” that is rare. In addition, each piece is 99.9% fine silver – as close to pure silver as is possible. That means it is a brilliant silver color, is less likely to tarnish than sterling, and will be a wonderful keepsake.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
For sure! I was raised in an art-loving home as my father was a water-color artist. This led to me being an art major in college, and although I ended up with careers in the counseling field, I always sought ways to be creative. Finally, three years ago I took a U-turn and sought out classes and private instruction in Precious Metal Clay Jewelry, which is the medium in which I work today. I love that I can create whatever I want all the way from beginning to end.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
Silver Clay is a fairly uncommon medium. Each piece takes about three days to complete from beginning to end. It starts out as organic material (like clay), water, and recycled silver. (Yes, it’s even environmentally friendly!) I can shape, texture, carve, add imprints of leaves or other botanicals to it …. the possibilities are endless! The piece then goes into a kiln and is fired at 1650 degrees. This is where the magic happens! When the organic compound and water burn off, I discover a 99.9% fine silver piece of art. The result is a one-of-a-kind, unique fine silver piece of jewelry, different than any other, with an artisan feel and organic charm.
What are some inspirations for your work?
My inspiration has primarily been the breathtaking environment of Minnesota. I live in the middle of the woods in Ely, on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. My work has always been influenced by the beauty of nature that surrounds me and my home. Many of my designs are of the trees, wildflowers, and even creatures that we live with in Minnesota. Over time, I also fell in love with Art Nouveau which includes fantasy-inspired work.
Natural Inspiration Fine Silver Jewelry
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