A New Design Adventure
Ever since I first started designing artisan metalwork last fall, I can hardly keep the pieces in stock! There’s something deeply satisfying about pairing watercolor paintings with hand-placed metal accents. Each statement earring becomes a little puzzle — arranging rings, leaves, and shapes around a painted centerpiece until it feels just right.
Finding Balance in Asymmetry
My personal favorites are always the asymmetrical pairs. I have a little design rule I follow: the same metal pieces must appear on both sides, but never in the exact same order. That way, each earring feels unique while still keeping balance. It’s not sameness — it’s harmony with a twist. And that subtle difference is what draws people in closer to look again.
Teaching the Process
This fall, I experimented with teaching a longer class at Historic Yellow Springs. Students began with watercolor painting, then returned for sessions on resin work, drilling, and finally adding metal accents. Watching them fall in love with the process was such a joy. Most made three or four pairs of earrings — and the excitement on their faces when they saw their finished designs was unforgettable.
Festival Highlights
The Folk Festival was another highlight for my artisan metalwork. These pieces sold quickly, especially in silver. By the third day, my silver selection was almost gone when one woman fell in love with the designs. Instead of sending her away disappointed, I offered to create a pair on the spot — with her making the design decisions alongside me.
We spread out the pieces, shifted accents around, and found the perfect balance together. It took a little extra time, but that collaborative moment — sharing the joy of design with her — ended up being one of the best memories of the whole festival.
Why Artisan Metalwork Matters
For me, these earrings represent the best parts of art and jewelry-making combined: creativity, experimentation, and connection. No two pairs are ever exactly the same, yet each one is designed with care, balance, and story. And when someone else falls in love with a design — whether at a festival, in a class, or right here online — that’s what makes the work so meaningful.
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