Welcome

As a jewellery artist, I like to focus on creating distinctive handcrafted pieces that incorporate precious and semi-precious materials.

I draw inspiration from the natural world, my life's experiences and from my innate curiosity about the materials themselves as I explore their form, colour, and physical properties. Using techniques such as forging, soldering, piercing, roller printing, and chain-making, I pay homage to traditional skills, while creating designs with a fresh, modern look.

Whether I'm starting from my own design ideas or yours, I enjoy the challenge of creating pieces that balance artistic composition, quality and functionality, in a way that is pleasing to see and wear.

Jewellery making classes

Join one of my Jewellery Making classes at the Art School of Peterborough. There are several options to choose from.

Regular classes run for 8 weeks three times per year: Winter term (Jan-Mar), Spring term (Apr-Jun), and Fall term (Oct-Dec). Classes are usually held on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m.

"Zipped" classes are held on two Sundays each term, from 10 am to 4 pm. These are abbreviated versions of the regular beginner's class. If you don't have time to commit to a full 8-week program, this can get you started on the basics.

One-day and two-day workshops focus on specific techniques or projects, such as:

Chainmaking - an introduction to various chain patterns used in jewellery.
Byzantine Bracelet - make a complete byzantine bracelet.
Casting in Silver - create wax models for casting and finishing the cast pieces.
Earrings for Fun - fun to make and fun to wear... earrings made from wire, beads and a little imagination.
Silver Band Rings - forming and soldering silver into basic band rings for carving, texturing or adding gemstones.

I also offer private lessons at my home studio, beginner or advanced level. Please contact me to make individual arrangements.

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour

I'm very excited to be participating again in the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour on September 24 & 25. Organized by the Art Gallery of Peterborough, the tour features 37 talented local artists. I will be exhibiting at a downtown location at the Art School of Peterborough, in the Charlotte Mews, along side Jenni Johnston and Rob Niezen.

Kawartha Tourism Carries Jewellery Line

A selection of my jewellery is now available at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Office, as well as at The Art Gallery of Peterborough gift shop. Drop in for a browse. If you have special wishes, please contact me to discuss. I can customize the design, make any length of necklace or bracelet, and make rings to size.

Be informed when buying jewellery

Have you heard of the new "tarnish resistant" sterling silver that doesn't require polishing? Do you know the difference between karat gold, gold-filled and gold-plate jewellery? Are you allergic to some metals? Learn how to avoid metals like nickel in jewellery. So many gems are made artificially, how do you know what your are buying?
....if you've got a question about jewellery, I'd be happy to advise.

Contributing to a Sustainable Environment

Like many people, I feel a responsibility to reduce my impact on the environment and I strive to do so when producing my jewellery. It's interesting to note that metalsmiths have been making objects and jewellery for thousands of years, yet electricity has only been available for the past one hundred years or so. Thus, much of a goldsmith/jeweler's work involves skill and knowledge and basic hand tools.

I prefer to focus on traditional techniques such as piercing, cold forging, roller printing, forming and texturing, which do not require electricity. I do not use mass production techniques such as electronic lazer welders, computer-aided design/manufacturing, electroplating and other energy dependent methods.

Some of the ways I reduce my impact are by: choosing to use metals that have a high percentage of recycled material (silver and gold), replacing harsh chemicals such as nitric and sulfuric acids with less harmful alternatives like citric acid, and sourcing gemstones from ethical suppliers.