[shinywerx]

A career in advertising was turned around when, as Advertising Director for a local jewelry/gift chain, I fell in love with metals and gemstones. I kept "redesigning" pieces in my mind. I continued to work in advertising/publishing to make my living; but took jewelry classes at John C. Campbell Folk School in NC every year during my 6-weeks vacations.

Having always been fond of white metals, I took a sterling silver class first, then a silver forging class, glass fusion and glass enameling on metals, and a metal clay class. One week of metal clay class, and I was hooked - you could shape it in moist form, you could add textures to the metals very easily, and create organic objects without the space and expense of a casting studio. Then there was the plus of metal clay being a “green” product, produced in Japan by refining scrap silver and silver bromide (a by-product of photo labs) into micron-sized pure silver particles, adding an organic binder - and voilà - a new medium was born.
I prepared for the Level 1 Certification from Aida Chemical (the Japanese manufacturer of Art Clay certifies artists to teach through this program). I was certified by Aida in 2008. I have  taught classes at Image Clay Studio, Studio by the Tracks, and  the Alabama Folk School.
My work has been shown at Jennifer Harwell Art, Imagine Clay Studio, the Birmingham Museum of Art Gift Shop, and Maralyn Wilson Gallery locally. I am showing new designs at Stray Art Salon where I have recently become an elected member.
The Long & Short of it:
My soul finds expression through work in metal clay. I see beauty and interpret that. I feel a connection to all living things. I believe we cannot disconnect and produce art. My strongest inspirations come from nature - trees, flowers, water… the sticks and stones that have come to me in life. I hope my work will be a lasting testament of who I have become - and that it will be enjoyed long after I have departed this world.

[MrsWTownsend]

Welcome to the group~ congratulations on your success!

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

Wow, you have had quite a journey!  Welcome to the forum!

[sherrigallagher]

Hi. My name is Sherri and I am new to this forum. I have been designing and selling jewelry for about 10 years. I sell at small local craft shows and farmer's markets. I have recently started to sell online. It is really hard! I'm working like crazy to take good pictures and post them, but it takes a lot of time. I'm really looking forward to getting to know people on these forums.

Sherri
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sherrigallagher

[MrsWTownsend]

Welcome Sherri~ 

[ColtPixy]

Hi! I'm Angelina Star, please call me Star. I've worked with many mediums over the years. Mostly stained glass and mosaics. A tendon injury forced me to switch mediums, doctor recommended clay about 5 years ago and I have been smooshing polymer clay ever since.

I just registered and signed up for a shop this morning. Checking out the forum before I attempt to set up the shop. I recognize a bunch of people and am very excited to be here.

[Chainmaille By MBOI]

Welcome to all the new members sit back and strap on your seat belts and enjoy the ride! The hostess will be around to take your order momentarily. Exits are on the sides and in the rear of the aircraft. In the case of an emergency JUMP!

[irene]

Hi!!
My name is Irene and I make jewlery and embroiderie. I've just discovered this page but I want to be one of your members if you accepted me.
I am spanish and I live in France. Sorry for my english.

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

Hi!!
My name is Irene and I make jewlery and embroiderie. I've just discovered this page but I want to be one of your members if you accepted me.
I am spanish and I live in France. Sorry for my english.

You, and all the other new faces I missed, are more than welcome!  Show off your creations in the gallery when you get a chance!  Please, don't apologize for your English...you would not want to hear my Spanish or my French.

[CraftedRoots]

Welcome, everyone!!

[AmandaRae]

Hello everyone,
 My name is Amanda, and I have always been crafty and have played around with a lot of different mediums. I definitely fall into the category of artists who think they can 'make it themselves' after seeing something they like!

I started a shop on Etsy a couple months ago selling pendants and wine glass charms out of upcycled Scrabble tiles! I also make pendants, magnets etc. out of glass tiles as well.

http://mandyrae3883.etsy.com

http://twitter.com/AmandaRaeCrafts

[Fo-Shizzle Design Studios]

  Helllllooooooooooooooo! (in my best Mrs. Doubtfire voice)

My name is Mischelle, although I've been referred to as "Mzz Thang" by everyone, including my husband, for the past 34 years.

After spending 30+ years as a professional musician as well as 14 years as a professional darts player, I was forced to retire due to medical conditions beyond anyone's control.  Not one to become a "bump on a log", I decided that creating jewelry fed my creative desire -- and kept me busy too! I now own a B&M jewelry store as well as have several online venues.

[zuccherofilato]

Hi everybody! My name is Antonella.
I'm a fiber artist living in Milano, Italy.
I love to work with luxury fibers, handpainting, handspinning, knitting and crocheting.
I run a shop on etsy as Zucchero Filato:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zuccherofilato
I'm a mum of two lovely children. They and my husband are my biggest fans.
In these days, I'm going to move to a bigger home, where I will finally have a studio of my own.
I'm really happy to be here!

[CraftedRoots]

Amanda, I love your Scrabble tiles!!

Mischelle, your jewelry is gorgeous! Are you referring to the B&M I think you are referring to? Or is that a jeweler's term......

Antonella, your fibers are so lush!! Makes me wish I were a knitter.

[Fo-Shizzle Design Studios]

Hey PleasantPeasantry,

Thank you so much for your kind words! 

"B&M" isn't a jeweler's term. It simply means "brick and mortar".