About

I began making jewelry after taking a lampworking class in 2007. The process from beginning to end was mesmerizing - from that moment, I was hooked!

After making jewelry with my lampwork beads, I ventured out to learn the foundation of jewelry making, metalsmithing. I LOVE silver jewelry and just like with my lampwork beads, I knew right from start I wanted the creative freedom and high-standard of craftsmanship that making my own silver pieces gave me. I didn't want to make jewelry with components that were mass-produced or made by others.

For my silver pieces, I love highly textured pieces with a patina added to bring out the beautiful details. I seek out the unique and unusual when it comes to textures and patterns. I look for drawings or images of ancient artifacts. I rummage thru the hundreds of antique shops in Maine. I search for organic items such as leaves and shells. I create my own stamps, and I use my own drawings.

I've continued to explore new techniques with enameling being my current obsession. Between lampworking and enameling, I obviously love melting glass! And the endless array of colors is just absolutely gorgeous! 

While learning to enamel, I came across a product from Japan, Precious Metal Clay (PMC), that is perfect for creating the fine silver base for enameling. It isn't actually a clay but is silver suspended in an organic binder. Once fired in a kiln at 1650 degrees for 2 hours, the organic binder burns away and only pure silver remains. Prior to firing, you can manipulate it in so many ways - sculpt, carve, form  and mold in every way imaginable. After firing, the silver is refined with traditional metalsmithing techniques. So cool!

I make jewelry that I love and want to wear, and I hope others do as well.

Thank you for taking the time to visit!

Debra.