How did you get into metalsmithing? I had an uncle who made a living as a watchmaker. He also had an interest in stones and made some jewelry. When I was in elementary school he would take me along to hunt for rubies, and on one occasion he bought me a handcrafted Sterling dogwood flower ring. I thought this was so amazing! Later on I became aware of art shows, and grasped the fact that I could actually make a living designing and making jewelry. What inspires you? I would have to say beauty. I relate to the fluid nature of metal, and am totally in love with the drama of fire. I find clarity in looking for design, and it is usually a subtle, very unplanned idea that starts my process. c What is your design process? Very simply, I make it up as I go along! What is your favorite tool? I like working with my foredom ..... the finishing process I find rewarding as the piece is becoming a whole. What is on your bench right now?  ...

How did you get into metalsmithing? I have always enjoyed learning and doing anything art and crafts related. I also admired all the pretty silver and turquoise jewelry out there, but had a hard time finding rings or cuffs that fit. I remember thinking maybe someday it would be cool to be able to make it myself. Two years ago, I was looking for a creative outlet to balance out my life and randomly searched the internets for a local metal-smithing class. I found Harold Studio, took the awesome Jewelry 1 class, and have been hooked ever since.   What inspires you? Lots of things - a lot of the times just looking at the stone itself sparks some idea for what it could become or what style would fit it best. I had lots of fun looking to nature and the National Parks for inspiration for several pieces. Sometimes running low on supplies (rarely happens right...) generates ideas. It ends up being a semi-fun challenge to see what I can try to create using what I have left un...

How did you get into metalsmithing? I was searching for an alternative creative outlet removed from the food world that I have spent my working career in.   I needed a new medium that still let me use my hands and tell a story, but without being edible. ( ring ) What inspires you? The natural world inspires me the most.  I look to the scenery around me for form and functionality.  Themes are important to me.  I like to set an idea and then open up the drawing books to let the creative juices flow.  I research botanical illustrations, animal anatomy, and maps to help ground my wandering mind. ( earrings ) What is your design process? Draw, draw, draw.  I try to draw in my books daily, even if I feel that is not consistent with what I’m working with at the moment.  It helps me keep a log of what I was feeling at the moment.  I also make prototypes for myself that I can where out and see the response I receive.  The responses help me know if the piece is liked by the collec...

Happy Friday to all our friends! It has been a super week at the studio!  Classes are keeping busy and creating lots of wonderful jewelry.   Reminders: Please remember to wear close toed shoes and to keep your hair pulled back.  I know the temperatures are warming up and it is tempting to put on your favorite flip flops but your feet will not be happy with you if they get cut or burned by a piece of metal.  If you come in with open toed shoes you will not be allowed to work in the studio.  (I know, we are mean, but really we just care about you!)  :) We will be closed this Sunday for Easter. Upcoming Classes: Jewelry 1: Beginning Friday, April 25 2-5pm Beginning Sunday, May 18 12-3 Jewelry 1 Sign Up Jewelry 2: Beginning Thursday, April 24 12-3 Beginning Tuesday, May 20 6-9 Jewelry 2 Sign Up Tip of the Week When checking for a gas leak with the torch, you can use water and dish soap.  If you get bubbles, you got a leak.  Turn off tanks and ...

Happy Friday!  Lot's happening this week at the studio.  We had new Jewelry 1, 2 and 3 classes start and lots of people in during open studio.  I love to see the studio buzzing with activity!   We are getting ready to add a torch in the back room along with some stools for the benches.  We hope to have the back room ready to go in the next week or two!   Don't forget to sign in to open studio.  You can find the blue glittery book on top of the water cooler. Tip of the week :  Put a small scrap of leather in your toolbox.  Leather is great for setting your piece on so that it doesn't get scratched.  If you find your piece of jewelry is getting hot when filing or using the flex shaft, use a piece of leather to hold onto it.  You can also use a tiny piece under a cabochon stone if you find that your stone is too low or is uneven.  We would love to hear your tips.  Comment below with your tips!!! Love the colors of these enameled pieces created by Vera, Lori and Mar...

It has been another beautiful week in the studio!  Of course, when you are surrounded by fun people, amazing jewelry, and doing what you love how can it not be great!!  I am attaching a link to a cool exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum.  It is a collection of pins that were worn by Madeleine Albright.  It runs through April 20 and admission is free on Wednesday afternoon/evening.    Phoenix Art Museum Exhibit Here is this weeks collection of jewelry!  I love seeing all the different designs that students come up with after taking Jewelry 1 and 2. Copper textured earrings made in Jewelry 1. Super fun copper cuff bracelet made by Danielle, one of our key renters. Danielle modeling her cuff. Love this pendant made by a Jewelry 1 student by soldering and stamping! Keum-boo pendant.  Love the  geometrical shapes! Beautiful Keum-boo earrings made by Lynn, one of our part-time studio renters.   Nellie did a great job on her pebble ring in Jewe...

It has been another beautiful week here at Harold Studio!  Classes are busy and lots of super cool jewelry has been made.  Cody has received lots of love and is in a much better mood.  Whew!  We even had a special guest the other night who didn't want to leave, Chester the kitty. We have lots of classes starting in the next few weeks! Jewelry 1:  Tuesday 3/25 Jewelry 2:  Monday 3/24, Saturday 3/29, Friday 4/4 Jewelry 3:  Wednesday 4/2 There are still spaces left in each class! Here is the week in pictures: Nellie and Tricia finished these fabulous ball rings in Saturday's Jewelry 1 class! Monday night's Jewelry 1 Class all finished their ball rings!   A silver honeycomb necklace in the making! Carla did this in Jewelry 3 during casting. Kylie made these beautiful rings in Jewelry 1. Ann made these fun rings in Jewelry 3!  The colors are fabulous. Loving this crescent moon necklace made by Danielle and modeled by Ann!  A penda...