Jen Lawler
www.jenlawlerdesigns.etsy.com

I am a silver and goldsmith, trained by many talented Metalsmiths throughout Iowa.  I have a BFA degree in 3 Dimensional Design from Iowa State University, after taking metalsmithing courses at Drake University, University of Iowa and finishing at Iowa State during my undergraduate time at school.  I worked for and trained with a professional goldsmith for 12 years post college before creating my own business.  I have also had special training by a master jeweler out of Tennessee.

My jewelry is contemporary hand fabricated works of wearable art.  I do not use any molds in creating my pieces to keep them original and fresh.  Each piece of jewelry is created as a one of a kind wearable sculpture by using raw sterling silver and gold materials, hand forming all of the components using traditional metalsmithing techniques.   I primarily use sterling silver as my metal, adding in yellow and white gold when desired. I also include natural pearls and gemstones to add that vibrancy of color when it suits the piece.  I use many textures in my designs to create depth and variances in the metal.  Several of my pieces of jewelry  are completed with a blackened and brushed finish for a more rustic and dynamic feel to it, while other designs call for a high polished, smooth finish.  I am inspired by the clean smooth lines in modern architectural design just as much as the textured irregularities formed by nature. I do also include natural pearls and gemstones to add that vibrancy of color when it suits the piece.

When creating my one of a kind pieces of jewelry, I first sketch each design with a concept and sometimes a gemstone or two in mind.  I pay close attention the details of every piece that I create and scrutinize each finish, making sure it is ready to be shown and worn.​

Kelly Moore

My name is Kelly Moore and I love to make jewelry. I started out cutting the ends off of old silverware forks or spoons and making bracelets, earrings, and pendants for necklaces.  I am always experimenting and trying new things,(plus i get bored easily,) so I have expanded into using copper and brass, porcelain, glass, rocks, and other found objects in my pieces. I also use my soldering iron or torch to fuse pieces together, have sliced hollow handle butter knives to make rings for necklaces and earrings, and used my diamond blade band saw to cut flattened spoons into the shapes I want.  Really its a lot of fun!  I love it when people bring me their old silverware and ask me to make them something cool.

Heather Morphew Nelson
https://www.facebook.com/MorphewDesigns

Much of my inspiration comes from the beauty of the natural world: the oceans, lakes, forests, mountains, stars, planets, galaxies...the magnitude of this universe. I am always amazed.

I have a passion for creating and strive for originality, quality and craftsmanship.

I specialize in incorporating metals with natural stones and applying various techniques to achieve unique colors, textures and designs. All designs are original and many are one of a kind.

Copper is my favorite metal for its warmth and character. It is the most versatile metal for exploring texture and patinas. Copper is also hypoallergenic, like its sister metals -- gold and silver. Some of my other favorite materials include turquoise, freshwater pearls, and earthy semi-precious gemstones. My pallet is a reflection of the color schemes, forms and textures found in nature.

Mary Nelson
paulinesjewelrybox.com
​https://www.facebook.com/PaulinesJewelryBox/

My jewelry reflects my passion for antiquing & recycling.  I love working with broken vintage jewelry & charms, found objects (e.g., old bottle tops, transit tokens, typewriter keys, electrical resisters, etc.), leather, metal (especially copper), & gemstone beads to create something new & fun to wear.  

I use a variety of techniques in my work, including cold connections, wire-wrapping, enameling, resin-casting, texturing, forming, soldering, & crocheting.  I take jewelry classes at the Des Moines Art Center, & enjoy learning & experimenting with new techniques.

Each piece of jewelry I design is unique, & comes with a story that describes the origins of the materials I've used or the message/meaning of the work as a whole.  

Connie Rodgers

My artwork is a representation of my favorite pastimes.  I get most of my inspiration from nature, my extensive gardens, and a love of all things art nouveau.  Vintage treasures collected on my travels abroad every year highlight my work.My designs combine brass I manipulate to make my own settings and hand age with my lamp worked beads I make from Moretti glass collected in Italy. I make my own findings and paint, texture, wirework, patina, and solder brass. Pearls, crystals, vintage  gemstones and handmade Czech glass beads complete the garden inspired designs.

​I took my first art class in the summer between 3rd and 4th grade in elementary school. Many classes later I'm still learning and now mostly self taught which gives me great freedom to create my own way. I am a Iowa master gardener and get  much inspiration from my extensive gardens. I share a home with 12 cats and the love of my life, my husband Dave who helps me do my shows. We travel abroad every year seeking tiny vintage treasures to transform into beautiful wearable art.

Casey Schaefers

During my cancer journey in 2010, my love of beads and jewelry proved to be a comforting distraction from my treatments as well as a release for creativity.  Since then I've collected treasures from around the world, creating unique statement jewelry.  Many pieces tell a story, whether it's using glass beads made by a tribe of women in Ghana, or old brass pendants from India made using the Lost Wax method.  I fall in love with not only the piece of jewelry, but the story behind the components. 

Karen & Emma Vincent
www.facebook.com/swallowtailjewellery

We are a mum and daughter partnership who love to design and make unique pieces of jewelry.  Our journey into all things beaded began in 2010.  We have always enjoyed creative projects such as knitting, sewing, art and pottery so our venture into jewelry was a natural progression.  Our love of crafting and our quest for new techniques continues to flourish.  Our jewelry is inspired by nature.  We love earthy colors and a rustic but elegant look.  Most of the pieces we design are one of a kind and incorporate different mediums such as, patina, acrylic paint and alcohol inks.  We work with copper and brass and use a variety of techniques such as etching, riveting, hammering, texturing and enameling.  High quality Czech glass beads and Artisan lamp work beads are our beads of choice.  We love our creative journey and feel like we have only just begun! 

Abigail West
WWW.earthwindandwaterdesign.com

II strive to bring to light, the beauty that millions of years have brought forth in a stone. I mix these stunning stones with man-made treasures, treasures that have been forgotten and discarded by others. I love creating works of art that can be displayed by their owner no matter where they go. Jewelry is a work of art that is not limited to a wall or a nook in your house. It can go anywhere….and is free to express itself and the possessor in a glance.

Most of my designs are created with gemstones, found objects and comprise mixed techniques. Just a few of these techniques comprise of metal fabrication, resin pouring, enameling, glass-soldering and hand-sewn fabric. My gemstones come in various forms, such as fine beads, unique cabochons, and polished or rough stones. Whether it is a rock on the beach or a finely-cut precious gem, my goal is to turn each gift of nature into something that can be enjoyed and beloved. 

By looking at Earth's natural elements and the lost treasures of man together, in a distinctive manner, I can bestow new life into them. My theme is never premeditated yet revealed when surrounded by all the colors, textures and shapes that the various objects of art and gemstones offer. I find inspiration in everything around me, and often within myself.

I have beaded since I was a little girl. I was so enthralled to make something beautiful from a few beads. When I began making jewelry professionally, the joy I felt as a child came back to rejuvenate my spirit. In the course of making jewelry, destiny brought me back to the gemstones I once collected as a child. I have come a long way in my pursuit to express my self and my love of the old, dusty and forgotten. I love creating and learning new ways to do so. Every lesson learned gives me the capability to express myself clearer and set free all the forgotten relics.