How did you get into metalsmithing? I have always loved silver and turquoise and wanted to do something that included those in my creative outlet. My early childhood, I grew up in Arizona so that had a lot of influence on my interest in the Southwestern styles. My Dad had a very close friend who had the largest Turquoise belt buckle I had ever seen. I thought it was so beautiful and special, I will never forget it. I also credit my start into silversmithing to my Mom! She passed down her turquoise ring from the 1970’s to me when I was sixteen. I still wear the ring almost daily. We spent our summers in the Northwoods of Wisconsin on a lake (my favorite place) and every year on one of our “town” visits, we would visit a silver shop and would get to pick something out. That is why I named my business Northwoods Silver. My path to metalsmithing was a bit untraditional, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just 8 months ago, I took my first class at Harold Studio and have take...

How did you get into metalsmithing? I’ve been into collecting jewelry since high school, when I inherited a bit of my grandmas native turquoise jewelry collection. Then after collecting and searching for stuff that I like or that fits for years, I just decided I wanted to try to make things that I couldn’t find and things that fit me. I have a couple good friends who are also into metalsmithing, lapidary and collecting that also really helped me get into silversmithing. I took the 8 week jewelry 1 class at the Harold Studio and really took off from there! What inspires you? Everything! I live for 40s/50s Fred Harvey era silver. Turquoise! The desert! Stones! Stones, probably more than anything, they really make every piece so special. What is your design process? I don’t know if I really have a process really. I doodle designs a lot, but my drawing is terrible. I usually just lay out some stones and it really just comes to me from there. Ill start moving ele...

How did you get into metalsmithing? Years ago, my grandma gave me her wedding ring and told me that I could reset the stones, if I wanted to do so. I felt that the best way to honor her, would be to learn how to reset the stones myself. Ironically, I no longer want to reset the stones. I cherish the memories that I have of her wearing that ring. I want to preserve the ring and the memories. What inspires you? I'm very inspired by other cultures. Specifically, Native American and Hispanic cultures. I love the story, the spirit, the richness and the detail. What is your design process?  I tend to be a more methodical person, so, I'm not one to "wing it".  I almost always have a plan before I start working on a piece. Usually, I end up deviating or modifying somewhere along the way. That's the part of the process that I have a tricky relationship with. I don't like uncertainty, although, uncertainty can be our best teacher. What is you...

We have some great classes scheduled to start in the next couple weeks!  Click on the class to register or for more information. Also, the studio will be closed this Wednesday, January 21 and will be open on Thursday from 12-3pm. Spinner Ring - Saturday January 17th 1-4pm Stone Setting - Tuesday 6-9pm - Begins January 20th Jewelry 1 - Friday's 12-3pm - Begins January 23rd Cloisonne - Saturday and Sunday January 24 and 25,  9-5pm ...

Some of the great jewelry made at Harold Studio this week. Textured Silver Spinner Rings Riveted, pierced pendant in copper and brass. Copper and brass riveted, textured heart pendant. Enameled silver earrings. Our table at the Grand Ave. Art Festival. Lynn, Rebekah, and Valerie working our table. Silver tube set pendant. Silver bubble ring. Vintage button earrings. Silver ball ring. Silver Ball ring. Brass and copper necklace made in the treasure box class. Silver tube set cuff. Silly Cody! Copper box and bead settings. ...

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...