Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.

First and foremost I am a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. My family is the most important part of my life especially my 3 beautiful granddaughters...they are the real payoff!

I have been designing and handcrafting jewelry made from Silver, Copper, and some Gold-Filled and Semi-Precious Gemstones since early 2006. I've spent the previous 35 years working as a creative professional in Men's Apparel, Interior Decorating, and Graphic Design while fostering hobbies in Pottery & Card Design. 

I maintain my own website at www.am-jewelry-designs.com. I am also an Administrator at Starving Jewelry Artists, a jewelry forum (www.starvingjewelryartists.com) offering a family friendly place to share and learn a wide variety of jewelry making techniques and more.

If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?

I am an artist, maybe not a fine artist, but I do have the soul of an artist. My medium right now is metal from which I currently make jewelry. I do envision making large objects somewhere down the road...and there are the other media that I have worked in and others I look forward to working in that loom in my future.

What role does your family play in your art?

Our nest has been empty for many years. My husband supports me in anything I set out to do...and I do the same for him. He is also a creative soul and I envision that one day that we will collaborate.

Where do you live and what is it like?

I live in NE Pennsylvania in a mountain lake resort community. Our home was built 2 years ago and is on lakefront property. It is absolutely beautiful here. The surrounding area ranges from very rural tiny little towns to a large town that has seen better days...when coal mining thrived. The very diverse landscapes and wildlife bring me great pleasure...and I love driving the windy mountain back roads. This is a far cry from NYC where I spent most of my life.

Where did you learn your medium?

I am primarily a self-taught jewelry artisan. I have not taken any classes but, I have made many connections with other jewelry artisans both online and in person that have exchanged knowledge, experience and inspiration to aid in each other’s development. It is really amazing how much the talented artists I know are willing to share and pay forward...it is a very encouraging community.

There are still a good many techniques and media I wish to delve into...like metal clay, lost wax casting, various metal coloring techniques and patinas.

What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?

My main goal is to sell jewelry. I would like to develop a following of loyal customers that will assist in promoting me to their friends and family. In addition, it is my hope to develop a network of successful Artfire entrepreneurs for support and exchange of information on business promotion.

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