silver Archives - Try Handmade

Sarah Mann

March 30, 2020 by Erika Jurney 1 Comment

Raw sterling silver cries out to me, begs me to convert it into bold jewelry with subtle finishes. Of course, I must obey.

Sarah Mann: Sarah Mann is fascinated by the creative and technical challenges of transforming her medium into objects of provocative adornment. Geometric shapes flow into organic elements, producing clean, straightforward designs that often incorporate kinetics. She is proud to carry on a family tradition in the crafts and pleased that this enables her to exercise her talent wherever her peripatetic nature may have her living.

Mann realizes fully the broad potential of sterling silver. She crafts her jewelry with torch and tools–saws, files, pliers, nippers, drills, hammers, and the more arcane rolling mill, dapping blocks, and mizzy wheels–then endows it with a range of hues through delicately controlled oxidation. The combined effect of patina on texture is a signature characteristic of all Sarah Mann jewelry.

Interview with Lynn Lefler of WomanWithTools

March 13, 2020 by Erika Jurney 6 Comments

What is your craft / art / creative endeavor?

Hand hammered jewelry using the ancient techniques of repousse and chasing. I mostly work in silver. My favorite items to make are pendants and earrings.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

I started by taking a U.C.L.A. extension class in making handwrought jewelry (as opposed to doing the lost wax casting method). I then was introduced to a German man who specialized in repousse, and studied with him for several years. Before turning to jewlery making, I wrote episodes of some animated t.v. shows.

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

Yes. I was at the airport checking in for a flight to New Zealand. This was before 9/11, when one could still take things like hammers and saws into the cabin of a jet. I had my toolbox with me, and the airline attendant asked me what was in it. I told her it held my jewelry making tools. Somewhat surprised, she stated, “Humm, a woman with tools”. I have been a woman with tools ever since.

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

I make jewelry by myself. I do get input from family and friends as to what items they like the most. I work best in the morning; it sort of sets the tone for the day. I am still trying to figure out how to balance everything in my life. It’s sometimes hard to concentrate on making something when my little dog comes over, drops a toy at my feet, and stares up at me.

Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?

I used to have my work in a few galleries, but it’s hard making a profit on silver jewelry that takes such a lot of time and work to make. I’m not too good at selling my things in person, so online is perfect for me.

Right now my only shop is on Etsy.

Do you have any favorite handmade shops or sellers you’d like to recommend?

I’ve made friends with a lot of fantastic and talented people on Etsy. It’s hard to limit to 3, but I admire Tasha at http://www.etsy.com/shop/earjeans, Judy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ConfectionsInGlass, and Shoshi at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShoshiPo.

What inspires and motivates you?

Ancient metalwork that I see in museums and in books. Beautiful designs such as those from the Arts and Crafts period, and the jade and wood carvings of the Maori people of New Zealand.

What do you wish I had asked you?

How I met my husband. It was in a Kung Fu class. I was one of two women in the class. Now how many people can say that?

Thanks Lynn! And if you would like to be interviewed next, just head over to DIY Interview.

Arosha

March 9, 2020 by Erika Jurney Leave a Comment

My name is Arosha Luigi Taglia. I was born in Torino,Italy, where I have lived and worked most of my life. I moved to Israel two years ago, following my heart and my love to an Israeli woman, and this is where I live and create my jewelry currently.

I’m a visual and eclectic artist. I’ve worked in all the communication fields – from pure art to design, from television to advertising. If you are curious please give a look at my career and works on my personal website.

My work ranges from visual arts (sculpturing, painting, digital art) to jewelry design. I like to experiment with every material possible – plastic, silver, gold, metals, textiles, vintage pieces etc..

My work is presented in art, design, fashion and jewelry galleries all over the world.

My passion for design and especially for jewels comes from sculpturing. My jewelry is characterized by their clean and elegant shapes, and by their unique, modern and individual statement.

And the award goes to…

February 9, 2020 by Amy L. Leave a Comment

A few months back Pantone unveiled their color of the year for 2010. To be honest even as a designer I don’t pay too much attention to these forecasts. Still, I was excited that this year’s color – turquoise, is a beautiful one. It makes me think of tropical climates, vacations and beautiful water. If you’re decorating a room in your home or are working on a creative project and need color ideas the Pantone site is a good one to visit for inspiration.

I thought of the “color of the year” when I saw a treasury on Etsy made by 3dots – filled with turquoise finds. I’ve included a few of these in my collage above.

The chair in the top image is from the Etsy shop of Michele Maule. Michele is Portland artist whose work I’m very partial to. She has been making art for over 10 years now and is a graduate of Portland State University. Having grown up in Portland – I always love learning about Portland artists and bloggers.

The halfmoon hoops on the far right are from Etsy seller and metalsmith, Meetalls. I am always impressed when reading the work, care and effort that goes into jewelry made by metalsmiths like Meetalls.

The turquoise ring on the left was also made by another talented metalsmith who sells on Etsy, Erin Jane. She strives to use recycled silver whenever possible – and almost 100% of the silver she uses now in her designs is recycled.

The gorgeous spot bowl in the middle is from Amy Perch, whose full collection is avaliable online at Perch Ceramics. I see a lot of handmade ceramics on her site that I’d like to make my own!

Hope you enjoyed taking a peek at these turquoise finds. Would love to hear what your favorite colors are for around your home, or while you’re working on craft projects or items for your Etsy shop.

Jewelry that Pops from Poppi

January 1, 2020 by Valerie Williams 2 Comments

Jewelry artist Dawn Benedetto calls her colorful line of jewelry her “fun and clever alter ego.” The petal ring, the signature Poppi product, is made from glass and sterling silver, and is literally a burst of color that refuses to be ignored. Poppi rings are sure to turn any wallflower into the belle of the ball.

In addition to the explosive petal rings, Dawn uses the same technique to create bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Whether you choose the rounded, “roe” beads or the sharper, “flake” beads that make the petal rings, your Poppi jewelry is definitely going to pop.

Dawn began her life as a jewelry artist at the tender age of fourteen. Although she ironically does not wear much jewelry, it has been the focal point of her creative endeavors. Her portfolio that got her into college was mostly jewelry. Even though she also studied ceramics, sculpture, crafts, art history, and a host of other topics that intrigued her, most of her time in school was spent on jewelry. Her first job out of school was teaching other people how to make jewelry…you might say she’s an expert!

Although the brightly colored glass rings are now her most popular items, Dawn still works with her first love, silver and gold metal work. She began her career as a metalsmith, and still creates one-of-a-kind rings in gold and silver, as well as teaches metalworking classes.

The splashy and colorful Poppi line was born in 2000, when Dawn came up with the design for the petal ring, which instantly became a hit. Customers love them not only because of the enticing color and eye-catching design, but also because they miraculously fit pretty much anybody.

The Poppi line has since expanded to include vintage lucite jewelry, which is just as colorful and fun as the original petal rings, but with a slightly more retro feel to them. These are perfect for collectors, since production on this type of lucite was halted in the 1980s.

Dawn has been making jewelry for most of her life, and she still loves every bit of the process. From the design stage down to each minute phase of production, she’s unable to choose a favorite part, because she loves all of it!

Although her business has expanded to the point of needing several staff members to help with production and business management, you can still find Dawn in her studio making pretty things nearly every day.

Visit Dawn in her Torpedo Factory studio to see her at work, or find her jewelry in a number of local and national retail locations. Her colorful glass and lucite work is also available online at www.poppishop.com.