I grew up in a small town in Ohio. My creative journey began in these early years when my family went through a traumatic experience the year I turned 12. As a shy introvert, I learned to express myself by writing stories and poetry. I didn’t realize it at the time, but visiting my grandparents’ farm a few hours away provided unique childhood experiences that fostered the art of daydreaming and furthered my passion for various forms of creative expression. I can see now those opportunities were blessings.
Then and now, time spent outside — unhurried and pausing to reflect — sparks a connection within myself that in turn reveals something God-given, honest and pure. In those moments when I let my guard down and set free whatever is speaking to me, something bold and beautiful is birthed, especially in my work. Looking back at times in my life when I’ve encountered trials or difficulties, I’ve experienced that honesty, which has guided me as I have evolved into the woman and artist I am today.
As Miranda Lambert sings:
“I carry them around with me
I don’t mind having scars
Happiness ain’t prison
But there’s freedom in a broken heart”
There’s freedom in the broken places. It’s the birthplace of grit and grace, where the story shines. When they collide, it’s magic. Each piece I create tells a story. It comes from a passionate desire to make beautiful things, born out of heart and soul. When I feel passion work its way into a piece of jewelry, it is soul satisfying. And if someone else loves it, too, the journey is beyond rewarding.
My metalsmithing journey began while vacationing in Hawaii with my husband for our 10th anniversary. I purchased a hand-knotted necklace crafted by a local artist, and the delicacy of the knots and little beads captured my attention in a way that prompted me to start researching how to knot jewelry. There weren’t many avenues at that time to learn such techniques. Through a great amount of trial and error, I taught myself.
A third-grade teacher by day and hand-knotter in my free time, I found great joy in learning this technique. This all transpired at a time when my husband and I could not conceive, spending years with various doctors and procedures all ending in disappointment.
Two years after we walked away from all forms of medical help, by the grace of God, we found out we were pregnant all on our own. That entire year I felt like I was surrounded by angels. It’s hard to describe, but I was so thankful and grateful, I felt like I floated through the entire pregnancy in awe that I would get to be a mom. At 39 years old, I was considered at risk due to my age, but the entire pregnancy and birth were surrounded by little miracles and blessings.
Not long after my son was born, I started my business on Etsy, aptly named Angelic Whimsey. Watching metalsmithing videos, reaching out to other metalsmiths, reading technique books and taking online classes while my son napped, kept the momentum going.
In the beginning, everything I created revolved around wings, angels and feathers. Gradually, I learned additional metalsmithing techniques, continuing to develop and explore new ideas. What started as a confined station in an extra bedroom turned into a full-time jewelry business with a fully equipped studio. I’ve designated specific workstations and studio areas for metalworking and hammering; bezel and stone setting; my hydraulic press and associated tools; my inspiration board; torch table; photographing station; a shipping station and metal clay work station, complete with my pretty turquoise kiln. And, of course, I have a special place designated just for Henry — even though he tries to steal my studio chair whenever he can!
My favorite part of this journey is how much I have been able to share it with my son. When he was little, I made a space in my studio where we created all kinds of things together, and, also, where he could explore ideas on his own whenever he wanted. With an abundance of art supplies, we played music and worked side by side for many years. Now that he is 11, he enjoys designing robots and engineering amazing projects and has his own “studio,” but we still enjoy sharing creative time together.
My studio is my happy place, designed to be functional and fun. Whimsical art and family photos decorate the walls. Mementos from my family and a vision board provide lots of color and joy. I keep inspirational magazines and books on hand. My favorite music and twinkle lights keep the studio cheerful and vibrant. Henry, my faithful helper, steals anything that hits the floor and keeps me on my toes! I look forward to coming to work every day to see where my creativity will take me next!
I have a knack for finding hearts everywhere I go. I can’t recall the first one, but it all started after my son was born. They kept appearing out of nowhere, and oftentimes during memorable experiences in my life, and now I have an entire container filled with heart treasures that continues to grow. Every single time I find one, I am reminded of Mary Oliver’s quote, “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”
I want to be receptive to unexpected and extraordinary experiences, possibilities and emotions that I might not have imagined. Essentially, it’s about being open to the magic and wonder that life can bring your way. I thrive on the wonder. I chase it every day. It’s the catalyst for everything I create. The quote by E. B. White, “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder,” hangs in my studio as a reminder.
Nature is my muse, but unique turquoise stones are where my design process begins. Several years ago, we took a family vacation to Arizona, visiting Sedona and the Grand Canyon. We hiked, explored ruins, followed a well-known trail and river and stood in awe of the amazing rock formations around every bend. This trip inspired my love for turquoise, Native American history and American Western lifestyle. I’ve almost exclusively worked with turquoise ever since.
There’s a bit of mystery when I begin a new idea or collection, sort of like a novel. You can’t know the end until you begin. Any time I create in the studio, it’s a lovely departure from my methodical approach to my personal life. My creativity is not organized: It flows naturally and my work is perfectly imperfect. I think that’s why I’m so inspired by nature. I tend to dream up new ideas when I’m out of the studio, observing nature’s diversity and unpredictability. It teaches valuable lessons about resilience and adaptation.
My work process is very similar. I usually start with a specific idea that adapts and changes as I go. In this case, I was drawing upon our family adventure this summer to Wyoming.
For a recent project, I knew I wanted to make hair combs, buttons and brooches that reflected the Wyoming landscape and lifestyle — robin’s- egg-blue skies, lush green grass, mountain range formations with blue rivers of water — along with a flair for American Western design. I keep a variety of turquoise stones on hand at all times to choose from and, before I begin any actual work, I take my time selecting stones that reflect the integrity of the project.
Once stones are chosen, I start by making background shapes from sterling sheet by using templates in my hydraulic press or by cutting shapes with metal shears.
All edges are prepped and filed. My hallmark stamp is added to the back of all my work for authenticity. I carefully shape bezel wire around each stone and solder together. This requires precision, so the stone will fit snugly. Once it is cleaned of all firescale, I solder the bezel to the background shape. The sterling is cleaned again after each torch session.
I like to add additional embellishments, like beaded wire or sterling balls, for texture. It is a slow and steady process and requires being very careful not to melt the metal or have the solder overflow. Once finished, I add a patina that darkens the metal and allows the deeper recesses to pop with character.
My work goes in a tumbler where it is polished. After it comes out of the tumbler, I polish it again and use a strong adhesive to attach the decorative part of the comb, brooch or button to the backing.
One of my favorite parts is packaging up my work and sending it off with love, always attaching a handwritten note.
My work continues to evolve as I readily explore and learn new techniques. Future travels on the horizon will no doubt ignite new ideas and opportunities, as does the change of every season. Inspiration is everywhere.
In the future, my husband and I would like to relocate to the Southwest. It is my dream to have an open studio where I work and also sell my jewelry. A place surrounded by natural beauty where I can offer private metalsmithing classes and share my knowledge with others. My business has become a platform for my work and my story. I am thankful for those who support me and have encouraged me on my journey.
