Artisan Jewelry
Making Dreams Real: Commissions & Instruction
Artisan Jewelry
Making Dreams Real: Commissions & Instruction
One of the most enjoyable things I do is working with people to make their dreams reality- whether by making a piece of jewelry they've seen only in their imaginations, or in teaching them to make such a piece themselves.
Just as it's said that in every life there is a novel, it's true that in every heart there is a distinctive vision. I love participating in bringing such dreams to life. Commission work is a delight for me; the challenge of working toward a vision that was not originally mine always involves new and interesting approaches.
I will work with you to either design such a piece, or to implement your own design as a beautiful and wearable piece of jewelry. I am happy to work with you over the Internet and via email, and have done so many times with great success. I will keep you informed about the progress of your piece, including periodic photographs of its progress. If any difficulties arise, we will work together to find a solution that is both practical and satisfactory.
Since every dream is different, I cannot discuss costs without more details of your vision. Please email me, and we can start to discuss what you're wanting!
Having experienced first-hand the satisfaction of seeing my own artistic visions come to life in the studio, I love sharing this experience with others. It's empowering to begin to see metal as malleable! There are times when something made by your own hands is the right choice- for example, I've helped people (even novices) make their own wedding rings. Learning some skills in metalwork can be a practical measure, too- for beaders and glass beadmakers, it's a way of making your own unique findings that add value and originality to your work. And many metalsmiths enjoy the vibrant colors that enameling can bring to their creations!
I offer instruction in many different techniques, depending on your own interests and experience. I will also help you translate your ideas into a sequence of steps that you can accomplish (perhaps with me doing a small part or two if required). Some possibilities, besides basic fabrication techniques like soldering, sawing and finishing, are: enamelwork (including plique-a-jour and cloisonné); granulation (an ancient technique in which minute balls of metal are arranged in patterns and fused to a surface without the use of solder); filigree; making settings and setting stones (or enamels); embossing; and shaping with the hydraulic press.
I can teach one or two students at a time here in my own studio, and I am also happy to offer instruction at other locations. Since everyone is different, both with what they already know and what they want to learn, I set tuition individually for specific student(s) and workshops. Please email me or call me to discuss your own needs and interests.