After years of moving around the country as a little girl with my family, going to college in Wisconsin, working for a large bank in Texas, and working in the restaurant business in Las Vegas, I landed and set down roots in Grand Junction, Colorado. I met my wonderful husband here 10 years ago, and am stepmom to his (now) teenage boys. I have been fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom and needed a creative outlet. I have progressed from simple seed bead stringing to creating one of a kind sterling silver art pieces.
What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
99.9% of my work is done in Sterling Silver. I do, however, incorporate copper and brass in some of my forged designs when the mood strikes for a little diversity. I am also a huge fan of Fine Silver because of its non-tarnishing and fusing ability for my handmade chains.
What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
About 8 years ago, I was watching a woman make hand beaded necklaces in this funky shop in Ouray, Colorado. She was surrounded by beautiful beads, and I was fascinated. My first purchase was 3 tubes of seed beads, some cheap clasps and beading thread. I soon started incorporating Swarovski Crystals, natural gemstones, and precious metal findings. In late 2002, I literally jumped into the world of metalsmithing, and have been designing one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessory pieces ever since.
How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
I have had an etsy shop, www.casualgal.etsy.com, for a little over 2 years. My favorite thing to do, however, is to see and meet people face to face. I have done festivals and farmer’s markets locally for 3 years now. You can find me at the Palisade, CO farmer’s market on Sunday mornings all summer long, the Palisade Peach Festival in August, the Art & Jazz Festival in downtown Grand Junction, CO on Mother’s Day weekend, the Fruita (CO) Fall Festival in September, and various Christmas fairs during the Holiday season. I also put on my own shows during the year – Handmade Holiday – they are usually planned for special holidays. Our next one is Valentine’s Day weekend in an empty store in our local mall.
What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
I don’t always have a plan for my creations, and most of the time, that works out best, because I end up with a design that is truly unique. Honestly, I kind of let the metal do what it does when I take my torch or tools to it. I like straight lines as well as abstract – kind of a contradiction, I know. My husband says that I like things “askew.” I am really drawn to the beautiful flower shapes that are so diverse in nature. Stained glass windows and quilt blocks are also a great inspiration. There is really so many things, I think they get all mixed in each of my designs.
Why Handmade Jewelry?
Heck if I know!! Growing up and until 8 years ago, I wasn’t a big jewelry wearer, and didn’t pay much attention. I was one of those girls that wore the same matching earrings and pendant/necklace all the time, 24/7. I guess to answer the question, it was the nice woman in that funky shop in Ouray, CO that I was so enthralled with, that started it. The silversmithing came about because I wanted a more creative outlet than just stringing beads. I guess I have never been one to conform, and even before I got into handmade jewelry making, I designed my wedding set and a 14k opal and diamond pendant and earring set. I wasn’t able to make them myself, but I found a local jeweler who created them for me from my vision. So, maybe it’s always been in me and just came out recently.
Find me on:
www.casualgal.com
www.casualgal.etsy.com
Featured Jewelry Artist: The Jewelry Observer Interviews
Renee Gibson Copyright © 2011 The Jewelry Observer All Rights Reserved.
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