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 hav......

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......

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. ...

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, yo......

Happy Friday Everyone!  Hope your week was wonderful!  With the temperatures rising, I spent the week inside the nice, coo, comfy studio.  The orange room is taking shape with some new stools and exhaust fan.  Soon we will have a torch or two back there.   The 3rd Annual Laveen Festival of FIne Arts will be taking place May 16-17, 2014 at South Mountain community College Laveen Center.  You can enter two pieces of art for $20.  For more information you can visit:  www.laveenartleague.org Tip of the Week:  Use a mixture of alcohol and boric acid when soldering.  Alcohol and boric acid will prevent fire scale and will keep your metal clean so that your solder will flow better and there will be less clean up from oxidation during heating.  Just dip your metal into the mixture before you heat it up.  Repeat each time you solder. Here is this weeks pictures.  Enjoy! Laura made these super cool earri......

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.   ......