CopperDustJewelry

I have always loved tinkering with things. I took all my music boxes and record player apart when I was a kid just to figure out how it worked and went together. My mom was less than pleased. And I have always wanted to make things. Made flip flops and sandals with paper and string, entire outfits out of leaves from the tree in the front yard. I started making jewelry as a kid, with safety pins and those plastic beads that fit together. Then moved up to friendship bracelets, stringing bead necklaces and tiny bead earrings. In college I took silversmithing, not knowing what I was getting into and found a medium that's interested me the past 22 years.
There isn't just one thing I love about working with metal. And I don't think there's a limited set of things to make with metal or a certain way to finish it. Metal is interesting to me because of the different ways to get so many different colors, textures, shapes and forms. It's earthy and natural and can be rough and dirty or smooth and shiny or all at once. It's been around as long as the planet and it's used for so much of daily life. It's a tool, a container, building material, appliance and we use it to dress us up. It's strong and has hella longevity. If you treat it right it'll bend like butter and drape like silk. It can be complicated and fancy, simple and utilitarian and all points in between.
I enjoy those big and fancy stones, filigree and teeny tiny complicated soldering designs. I appreciate a nice mirror polish. I am in awe of the craftsmanship I see in high end jewelry. But I love a simple piece of metal with some texture and color.
I even find imperfections will add character or visual interest. Hammer strikes in some of my pieces are often left in for that reason. My craftsmanship continues to improve and I strive to deliver well constructed jewelry but I enjoy the look and feel of things clearly not made by a machine or with the goal of perfect symmetry. Patina, strike marks and texture is appealing to me and I'm drawn to imperfect shapes. Some metals have wonderful chemical reactions with simple products like vinegar and ammonia which can result in stunning colors. I like to play with that natural reaction and let the patina itself create depth and texture. I like a simple oxidation to add depth to texture in the metal. I love experimenting with it all. My favorite times in the studio are often the "what happens if I ..." moments. But in the end, the goal is well constructed jewelry that's comfortable to wear and will stay on but with a funky look. I don't think the simplicity of design or construction means the piece is isn't as classy or attractive as a shiny diamond in gold with a mirror polish.

And that's just the metalsmithing. Don't get me started on electroforming. That's a whole entire other thing.

I take commissions for custom, personalized jewelry. Message me and we can discuss colors, materials and shapes. I'd love to make something for you.
Melissa