Metalsmith, teacher, Gardener
I am a weekend metalsmith who makes a living as an English teacher—middle school! (And you’re welcome.) During the summer months, I am an avid gardener, and I design, build, and maintain gardens for others as well. Because of my love of flowers and beautiful jewelry, a friend once said to me that if I ever started a silversmithing business, I should call it “Silver and Soil.” My jewelry is often inspired by what I see outside, and I frequently use rocks, sticks, stems, and flowers in my gardens as a backdrop when photographing my jewelry.
My story: I have always loved art and design, and in 2014 I attended a Jewelry Symposium in Grand Marais, MN. I didn’t even know how to put a blade into my saw frame, but uncharacteristically, this social introvert waded into the deep end and sat alongside seasoned metalsmiths who showed me kindness and helped me learn basic techniques. A fire had been kindled, but, alas, there were no further metalsmith classes offered near my home, and so my few simple tools sat unused for about 5 years. But then a class appeared just 20 miles up the road, and I signed up. Heavily mentored, I made my first piece: a ring. My very supportive husband saw the piece and couldn't believe I had made it. Almost immediately he started to transform a room in our basement into a jewelry studio. The fire became a roaring blaze.
Although I am content to work in happy isolation (introvert, remember?), I have continued to seek out opportunities to take classes, and so the term “isolation” is a bit of a misnomer. Astoundingly generous and kind metalsmiths I have met along the way have helped to teach and mentor me. Their patience, feedback, and willingness to share their knowledge is how I’ve progressed and continue to learn. I will be forever grateful to them.
View my gallery
See a selection of past projects, or