I’ve always been attracted to shiny and sparkly things hence my rhinestone jewelry collection. After years of buying and repairing vintage rhinestone jewelry I wanted to learn more.  I taught myself freeform wire wrapping which eventually started me on the path to metalsmithing.

I work in Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Rolled Gold, Gold and Copper. I like experimenting with different silversmithing techniques such as broom-casting, reticulating, and forging I enjoy seeing how far I can go with the different techniques before the metal turns into a molten ball. Even then I might try to use that.  I love tools, especially hammers, it’s amazing what different hammers do to a piece of metal.

I also use different size alphabets and designer stamps to create jewelry.

I fabricate all of my designs and most of my findings. Many of my designs are incorporated with beads.

Learning about beads has become addictive and is a subject better left alone (I buy a few).

I’ve recently been learning the art of lapidary and the many names of stones, of course I am drawn to the sparkly ones.

My next endeavor will be metal forming and how to use the many hammers I have in a different way.

 

 

 

Jody Anderson