I managed to get some new pieces prepared before our interview (last Friday). We are just putting some finishing touches on the poster/invitations. Here is our pic and the article (by Irene Seiberling):
An introductory jewelry-making class at Regina's Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre a couple of years ago was all it took. Laurie Walton and Laura Steadman were hooked instantly.
"The love of making jewelry won us over," the Regina jewelry artists agreed.
So they gathered together other like-minded artisans, formed a coffee group that met monthly, and started brainstorming -- exploring venues to showcase their creations.
"There are big shows like Bazaart and Our Best To You, but we're not quite there," Steadman explained.
"We thought 'wouldn't it be nice to have a place to show our work' for up-and-comers like we are," she said.
That's when Walton came up with the name for the group of novice jewelry artists -- JewelleryWon.
They started out by showcasing their jewelry at open houses. But as interest grew, the group decided to move their show and sale to a hotel. In May, about a dozen local jewelry makers gathered together to showcase their work.
Because the feedback was so positive, they've decided to do it again. Their next show and sale will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Holiday Inn Express in south Regina.
"We're hoping to have 11 to 14 (local jewelry artists) this time," Walton said.
The September sale is expected to feature everything from chain mail to silver to lampwork to copper jewelry.
Making jewelry is more than a hobby for both Walton and Steadman.
"It went way past hobby after the first year," Steadman said. "I fell in love with it."
In fact, she insisted she now couldn't image doing anything else. For Steadman, who recently left an office job to stay home with her children, making jewelry has become a part-time job. Eventually, Steadman hopes to make jewelry exclusively.
Steadman currently shares the skills she's developed with others by teaching classes.
"I teach how to fuse the little silver rings," she said.
For Walton, who continues to work fulltime in an office, jewelry making remains a passion to pursue in her spare time. She got into it because she was looking for a pleasant way to pass the time once her daughter headed off to university.
"It becomes addictive," Walton said with a smile. "The more you learn, the more you want to do."
In their introduction to silversmithing class, Walton and Steadman learned how to handle silver, copper and brass.
Steadman's metal and stone jewelry is defined by its texture and colours.
"I like the different things you can do with metal," she said, pointing to pieces pressed with leaves, and others that were hammered to create an interesting texture. "When I discovered metal work, I was smitten."
"I like sterling silver the best," Steadman said.
She makes necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets. Steadman's prices range from $30 for earrings to $300 for a large, labour-intensive cuff.
"I am more colour-driven," Walton pointed out.
Her jewelry often features semi-precious stones and lampwork beads.
She took a silver class to learn how to make her own chains.
"And I'm starting to like working in copper," she said.
Walton's jewelry ranges in price from $15 for earrings to $150 for pieces featuring lampwork beads. But the average price is $30 to $60.
"The more work that goes into something, the higher the price," she explained.
For others contemplating getting into jewelry making, Steadman encourages "Go for it!"
You might get hooked, like them, Steadman and Walton suggest.
"When you find your passion, you will know it," Walton said, to which Steadman nodded in agreement.
Here is the link: http://www.leaderpost.com/life/Jewelry+with+local+flair/3440310/story.html
Keep creating!! - PSC (Prairie Sky Creations)
