Forming metal is what I love.
I started dabbling in metalsmith work in the summer of 2010 and opened my Etsy shop in March of 2012. At the time I worked 3 12 hr shifts at a local hospital and wanted something to do on my 4 days off a week. I would wear my pieces to work and my coworkers kept buying them off of me. I thought hopping on the Etsy train was probably a good idea...boy was I right! I have always loved creating jewelry and now I get to make a living off of it.
I'm self-taught and I'm pretty proud of that. I learn as I go, by reading articles online, watching videos, reading magazines and following other artist's work. I work out of my home and have a jewelry bench that is covered in tools and silver dust. I can't think of anything that is a better stress relief, than forming and pounding away at metal with mallets and torches...what woman doesn't want that power at their disposal?
Little story on the name of my shop:
When I first started my shop I was making mostly charms. My daughter's name is Adehlei (we call her Leidy occasionally)...The Charming Leidy was born..aka theCL
