Once upon a time, I was in college studying fine art. One day in a beginning sculpture class, we were assigned to re-create a regular household item, first in paper then in our choice of metal or wood. I picked metal for some reason, I suppose it just sounded bad-ass at the time. I made a copper replica of a Zippo lighter (that really worked!), and the professor, being rather impressed, says to me, "Hey, you should check out the Metals Department, I think you'd like it."

Metals? What am I gonna do, get a degree in making horse shoes?

I took his advice, more out of curiosity than anything else, and what do you know? I fell in love, and got a degree in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design. We didn't make horse shoes...which in retrospect I'm actually a little disappointed about...Then in 2008, about a year before I graduated, one of my studio mates told me about Etsy.

Again, love at first site (<<see what I did right there?)


The name "Saturn 5 Studio" comes from my love for all things midcentury space-aged, and from my great respect for my late grandfather who worked in the aerospace industry after his tour in the Korean War. He played a role in the Apollo 11 mission among others, and instilled within me the appreciation and fascination with space flight that inspires me to this day. In July 1969, the Saturn V rocket launched, and sent our astronauts on their way to walk on the moon. On the 40th anniversary of this historic mission, I launched Saturn 5 Studio, and I continue to explore and celebrate the wonders of aviation and space exploration through my work.

My shop sort of has a dual personality. On one hand there's the midcentury aviation themed pieces, then on the other there's my line of Handwriting Jewelry and Accessories. This line was born out of my reverence for the past, and my admiration of the beautiful scripted handwriting that my grandmother was famous for. Handwriting is such a deeply personal and instantly recognizable trait each of us has, and as the beautiful script perfected by my grandmother began to fade away on old birthday cards and notes I had kept, I realized I that had a way to preserve it forever on a piece of silver.

Now you too can have your real handwriting of you or a loved one permanently etched into a piece of sterling silver or copper! We don't have to stop at handwriting either! It could be a sketch or a child's drawing, a line from a movie typed in your favorite font, a baby footprint, or a photograph...and don't forget your pets! Photos of pets or paw prints can be captured in metal too!

Every day I am honored to have a role in creating this memory for my customers. I've made bouquet charms, bracelets bearing a late fathers signature for a bride to wear down the aisle, Christmas and birthday gifts, teacher appreciation gifts, and even a wedding proposal etched onto the back of a rocket!!

Check out the full line of Handwriting Jewelry & Accessories which has its very own section in my shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/saturn5studio?section_id=11821246