Featured Artist – PamStudio

Last Updated on Saturday, 19 September 2009 02:00 Written by Manic Butterfly Friday, 18 September 2009 09:00

Ever since I was a young girl I’ve always loved to draw and create things. While attending Maryland Institute, College of Art I discovered my love for metals. I graduated in 1983 and for the last 26 years (could it really be that long?) my journey has been varied. I’ve spent about 15 of these past years working as a bench jeweler in fine jewelry stores. A wonderful learning experience but one can only solder so many chains and size so many rings before you feel your creative side gasping for air. Now I’m back to making art and loving every minute of it!

I also took about a ten year break away from art to work with my family in a little coffee shop in New Jersey. Not very artistic, but wouldn’t trade the fun we had for anything….it really is all part of the journey.

During the 90′s I took several blacksmithing courses and fell in love with forging and moving metal…it’s had a great influence on my jewelry and other metalworking.

I work in New Jersey in a little studio by the Black River where I live with my husband John, also an artisan, and our beloved black lab Sammy.

Check out my work at PamStudio on Etsy.

Featured Artist – Gina’s Jewels

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 June 2009 11:44 Written by lisianblue Saturday, 27 June 2009 12:00

One of the fun things about doing these features, is that I get to find so many wonderful creations by some fantastic artisans.  Jewelry, it’s amazing how many different designs you can find, there are of course similarities but everyone has their own unique way of designing a piece of jewelry.   One such artisan is Gina Townsend, who is a self taught and self representing jewelry designer and artist.  Gina has been making jewelry for about 4 years and has truly grown to love the art of creating uniquely styled, fashionable jewelry that can’t be found anywerhere else. 

Gina tries to incorporate durability into her designs in an effort to create something that is built well enough to wear every day and maintain it’s original appearance.  I think that is one of the best benefits about handmade jewelry, most artists do their best to make an item that will last a long time, and you won’t be wearing the same thing everyone else is.   Gina also welcomes custom orders and will gladly custom design something just for you!  

You can see more of Gina’s work at Gina’s Jewels.

Featured Artist Sheran M. Simo

Last Updated on Saturday, 20 June 2009 11:20 Written by Manic Butterfly Saturday, 20 June 2009 07:00

I come from a long line of artistic personalities, most notably my father who was the Celtic Craftsman (silversmith, leatherworker, metallurgist, and woodworker) prior to his death.  In high school and early college, I had learned the arts of silversmith, leatherwork and lapidary and created and sold macramé jewelry.  Years and three children later, I’m returning to the crafts.
Professionally, I am a Family Nurse Practitioner.  In my heart and when I’m not seeing patients, I am an independent female jewelry designer, just coming into my own comfort with metals and gemstones.  I started making jewelry for myself because I couldn’t find what I wanted in the stores.  I wasn’t happy with the quality or materials being used.  As a birthday present to myself three years ago, I went out and bought everything I could think of to start creating jewelry.  One of my co-workers liked what I’d made and bought the set right off my neck and ears!  The rest is history.  My most ardent supporters and customers are other professional women, and I sell more to my co-workers than anyone else!
I started with beaded jewelry, creating “Beauty in Beaded Creations,” and last year trained with an incredible wire wrap artist in Chicago, Illinois.  The first piece I made won First Place in 3D Design in the Central Indiana Artists Spring Art Show.  I’m very proud of that work, have gone on to create many more, but that piece will always have a special place in my heart.  In the last three weeks, I’ve begun to experiment with chain maille jewelry and have had some success selling the pieces I’m creating.
As if this isn’t enough, I plan to return to school in the Fall (2009) and work towards a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Metals.  My hope is to transition from the medical field to designing and creating jewelry full time.  I am at peace when I am designing and creating.

Check out more of Sheran’s work at Sheran M. Simo Designs