I've been working as an artist for 18 years, working with many different materials. First, I started working with stained glass and mild steel. The sculptures I made, combined glass and steel. Ever since then, I've loved the combination of vibrantly colored glass and the cool texture and feel of metal. So, now, years later, I've come full circle and am now combining glass enamel and metal in my jewelry.....wearable art!

Years ago, I was lucky enough to take a class from a great jewelry artist that taught torch fired enamel work. Ever since then, I've been in LOVE with enameling.

My enameling process = Copper is cut from a thick sheet of metal. It is carefully cleaned and prepared in order to accept the enamel, which is finely powdered glass. The layers of enamel are fused to the copper metal at a very high temperature ( approximately 1400-1500 degrees F) with a torch. This firing process is repeated many times on each side of the copper piece. The result is a smooth glass surface that will remain just as vibrant in 200 years as it is the day it's created.

The name of my shop and jewelry line, Bear Metal Jewelry, was named in honor of my special, sweet, and long time shop companion, Ellie. She was a black and white springer/clumber mix, who looked a lot like a panda bear, hence the name Bear Metal. Ellie recently passed away but she'll always be a part of me and my work.

Return to my shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BearMetalJewelry