#202  "Long Dangles"
$27.00

#207  "Twirled Aluminum"
$29.00

#208  "Twirled Copper"
$29.00
Order toll free 1-877-912-4632

#226  "Aluminum Curlys"
$33.00

#229  "Copper Curlys"
$33.00

#229  "Copper Lockets"
$33.00
Order toll free 1-877-912-4632

#232  "Wrapped Radiator"
#33.00

Pendants shown below
All pendants come on an adjustable cord

#420  Little Tidepools
$26.00

#440 (left)  "Aluminum Strands"
$40.00
#441 (right)  "Copper Strands"
$40.00
Order toll free 1-877-912-4632

#450  "Draped Aluminum"
$50.00

#452  "Origami"
$46.00
Order toll free 1-877-912-4632

#460  "Kimono"
$46.00

Artist Statement:
How does she do this without burning fossil fuels?
I discover a new method almost everyday! Leverage plays a big part. (I am also very strong!) If I have a wire that is very hard to bend, I put one end in my machinist vise and then use both hands and my whole upper body against the metal. Of course, it helps to choose materials that are suitable to begin with. I love sheet metal for its ease of use. Some aluminum sheet can almost be cut with household scissors. However, I also rely on some heavy-duty tools. I also rely on tools that I have designed: knitting needles, broom handles, a bumper off an old car, and other odds and ends that help me fabricate without power. I am always on the look-out for tools that allow me to add to my repertoire of unique designs. "Art is the result of the tools used." I read that somewhere years ago and had no idea how significant that statement really is, until I relied on them myself. If I used any kind of power, any fossil fuels to construct the work, this would be an entirely different line of jewelry.

How does she get the colors on the copper?
Mother Nature is the colorist!  I do absolutely nothing - except spend huge amounts of time locating old discarded stuff.  Most of my copper sheeting is from home remodeling and construction debris and usually was part of a gutter or roof flashing. I do not use any corrosive chemicals. I would never use the kind of caustic and dangerous chemicals required to put a patina on metal. It would never look as good as Mother Nature's art anyway.  In fact, I would actually have to charge more to do more!  Besides, naturally corroded metals have pitting and surface textures that cannot be duplicated. I am still amazed at the colors that I see!  

Will the colors change or fade over time?
No. Not unless you threw them in the bottom of the ocean! Actually, the corrosion process takes years and very special circumstances. I have been at job sights where 60-year-old gutters were still barely colored. In fact, my biggest challenge (and part of the reason that the designs are a bit Zen-like), is to preserve the wonderful decades-old corrosion. Bending, hammering, and even cutting can take a lot of the surface textures and colors off.  It is a fragile surface.  In fact, I use a water-based sealant to coat the surfaces; that protects the surface and any clothing it touches. Speaking of clothing, you will be quite surprised at the range of colors and how many clothing options this jewelry will compliment.

It looks heavy. How comfortable is it to wear?
Both the earrings and pendants are very light!  This is a big surprise to most everyone who picks up a piece for the first time.  Almost every pair of earrings weigh in at less than a dime.  Few if any ever weigh more than a nickel - for the pair!  With very few exceptions, the pendants weigh less than a strand of pearls and much less than other bead necklaces.  Another big plus is that they are completely adjustable to wear at any length you desire. A great bonus with different necklines or extra clothing layers.  

Is the wire for the earring hooks also found?
Nope.  My hand-made earring hooks are 100% Certified Surgical Steel.  (In fact I bought it from a medical supplier and actually have a certificate.) Truth is, a few things are purchased new in order for my line to exist at all, but they are just supports; cord, brass wire for accent, and surgical steel earring posts and backs - and even the metal on the earring backs is surgical steel.  In fact, there has never been a return because of an allergic reaction.

What training or schooling is behind this work?
So far as the actual hands-on construction of the work, well…none! There is no training available if you are doing what I do; making stuff from stuff without burning fossil fuels. From a design perspective, I also am mostly self-taught, albeit I did work with some fine designers of custom, mostly 18k, gold jewelry for a handful of years, many years ago.  In reality, it is my mission statement and the Four R's principles (look in Artist Statement for more details) that really form my designs.  I also am forced to constantly experiment. "What ifs" dominate my production sessions.  Every piece of metal has a different "attitude" that I must always adjust to.  Designs on paper are useless for the most part.  

I say this in all seriousness:  Mother Nature and serendipity are the true artists in this work.  I am just the assembly person with a eye for designing from the artistry that is presented.