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Many of you coming to this site know me from the Farmers Markets where I host jewelry booths on a regular basis. Thanks so much for your support these past few years! Now, please read on to learn more about me and my passion—making beautiful jewelry! |
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About the Artist If you know me from the markets, we have probably talked about many things. You might have heard that I have a degree in Fine Art. I majored in Painting at PNCA in Portland, Oregon, and I am represented by the RiverSea Gallery in Astoria, Oregon. I have been working the past 15 years as a registered nurse, which has put many time constraints on my ability to create. However, now that my children are on their own, and with the support of many of you all, I'm going to give supporting myself as an artist a try. Many have asked if I have a web site and have encouraged me to offer my line of jewelry on line, so here we go.
What You'll Find Here I offer a varied selection of earrings, as well as bracelets and necklaces, most of which have matching earrings. If you don't see them on the website, please don't be discouraged. You can e-mail me. I am doing this in steps, and not all that I have is going to show up at any given time.
About the Materials I Use In My Jewelry Most of the materials I use are semiprecious stone. I also use wood, horn, bone, shell and glass. I've also made some polymer clay beads that may show up here and there. I hope to experiment with precious metal clay this winter. The ear wires I use are either sterling silver, gold-fill or niobium. Niobium is the best for sensitive ears. It's on the periodic table, so it's a pure element. It is anodized to make it different colors. I use a lot of copper colored niobium which I think looks great with stones. I use sterling silver lobster claw clasps on the bracelets and at times I use these also on the necklaces. Often the necklaces are joined with toggle clasps which are sterling silver, copper plate, etc. I'll try to let you know what the material is with the description of the piece. The copper colored clasps are most often pewter plated with copper. Depending on the stones I might use a copper colored snap with the bracelets. These snaps I test for stiffness to make sure they will stay snapped if you make sure you snap them all the way. These snaps are easier to put on by yourself than the lobster claws. I will also use very, very strong magnets. Do not wear these magnets on the same wrist as your watch! I'm not fond of using the stretchy material, but if you prefer I can make that adjustment.
What I Offer At the markets I make alterations on the spot. I will try to offer everything you know me to do at the markets. including replacing that one lost earring with another for a nominal fee. We'll see how it goes. If I get too busy — which just means you are making me a success — I might have to adjust some of my services, but I'll always do the very best for you that I can.
Gail Duncan |