How Do I Begin? If you’ve got your heart set on iron, visit the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America (abana.org) for a wealth of information, not least of which is a link to organizations in your state that can get you going.
As for jewelry, personal adornment stretches from head to toe – from hairpins to toe rings. Before you decide on your starting project do what you’d do with any craft: do some legwork.
Jewelry is very much a matter of personal style and taste. For a wealth of imagination and ingenuity, check out some of the Lark Books – particularly 500 Necklaces, 500 Bracelets, 500 Earrings, 500 Brooches, and (for good measure) 1000 Rings. Your project can be a simple silver pin or necklace, or a more complex piece, incorporating jewels and beads. Sometimes these are strung alongside silver ornaments; sometimes they’re an integral part of the metal, using settings. Sometimes, too, the jewelry incorporates what are called “found objects” – from coins and amulets to pieces of stone or seashells. Even bottle caps and dominoes.
Jan Yager, American Collar II, 1996, altered 1999, City Flotsam: The American Deal Series, Jack Ramsdale photograph, Courtesy of Robert K. Liu
A student of metalsmith Tom Joyce gathers found metal from the banks of the Rio Grande River, Kate Joyce photograph
Found metal forged into plate-sized billets for Tom Joyce’s Rio Grande Gate panels, Kate Joyce photograph
Visit craft galleries in your communities, or museums that may be showing jewelry as part of an exhibition. Pick up copies of Ornament and Metalsmith magazines for ideas and resources. See what’s possible – be inspired – and then design something of your very own.
Many communities offer organized classes; some jewelry craft artists offer private, one-on-one lessons. Depending on your preference and budget, take advantage of these opportunities.
Jewelry supplies can often be found locally, and there are several sources online that can send you catalogues to browse through and order from. In addition to metaliferous.com, there’s also firemountaingems.com, and riogrande.com. From them you can buy your tools (saws, punches, drills, chasing tools, and more), findings (pre-made clasps, rings, etc.), and beads and semi-precious stones. As with any craft, you should buy the best tools you can afford. In the end, they’ll outperform, and they’ll make a difference in how your piece comes out.
As objects of personal adornment, jewelry has a rich history. By making your own, you’ll be making your mark.
Director of the Jewelry center at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Jonathan Wahl, talks about the thrill of teaching beginner students to make jewelry.
Tom Joyce, metalsmith and MacArthur Foundation genius grant recipient continues a millennia-old tradition of working raw metals into striking public installations - See the Artist’s Bio and Work HERE
We filmed jeweler Jan Yager for the LANDSCAPE episode. Purchase the DVDs or view the programs online
See objects from Craft in America: Expanding Traditions, a seven-city traveling exhibition that ran from 2007-2009, and other Virtual Exhibitions
Want to make a tiara from precious metal clay? Download a lesson plan HERE
Important craft artists are featured in the Book. Learn more
Click to see a list of over 4 hours of video available online
