Fine Craft and Art Shows at Chautauqua July 11–13 & August 8 –10, 2025
I handcraft the jewelry components using polymer, fine silver (PMC) and sterling silver. The polymer process begins with cane building, a technique similar to that used in mosaic and millefiori glass. To make a cane, long rods of various colors of clay are layered, wrapped and arranged to create an image that runs throughout the length of the cane. To create the polymer elements, slices of the cane are arranged on a polymer form and then fired. Some pieces are then carved, sanded and polished. Fine silver (PMC) is used for organic forms such as leaves, twigs and vines. PMC is shaped and formed just as potters clay. It is then fired in a kiln and the binders are burnt out leaving only precious metal. Bezel plates, earwires and closures are fabricated with sterling silver. The beautiful colors of the polymer contrast and work with the textured silver elements to give my jewelry the unique look for which it is known.