Framed Adornments — Sculptural Neckpieces in Metal
July 10-12, 2026
In this three-day, hands-on workshop, we’ll dive into the world of neckpieces—really exploring what happens when structure and statement come together. Forget the usual pendant-on-a-chain format. Instead, we’ll be creating integrated designs where the frame, neck ring, and centerpiece all work as one cohesive, dynamic form. Think of it as wearable architecture—pieces that move with the body and feel alive when worn.
We’ll start by forging heavy-gauge wire to build sculptural frameworks that set the tone and rhythm for your design. I’ll walk you through advanced soldering techniques suited for larger-scale work and show you how to engineer joints and connections that allow movement and comfort without sacrificing strength. A big part of this class is about finding that sweet spot between design and wearability—how the neckpiece sits, shifts, and enhances both the visual and tactile experience.
You’ll have lots of room to play with proportion, negative space, and articulation as you develop your own design language. We’ll even touch on kinetic mechanisms and subtle hinges to bring a sense of fluidity and motion to your pieces.
As always in my classes, the real magic happens in real time—following your ideas as they evolve, experimenting, problem-solving, and letting your materials guide the process. Along the way, we’ll dig into design development, soldering strategies for complex builds, finishing methods, and practical ways to bring your creative vision to life.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll come away with a stronger understanding of how to merge structure and ornament, —building a neckpiece that is truly a statement that celebrates metal in motion.
THE FOLLOWING CANCELLATION FEES WILL APPLY UNLESS WE CAN FILL YOUR SPOT FROM THE WAIT LIST.
$50 CANCELLATION FEE APPLIES TO ALL CANCELLATIONS.
$100 CANCELLATON FEE APPLIES TO CANCELLATIONS UP TO 1 MONTH PRIOR TO CLASS.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR CANCELLATIONS 14 DAYS PRIOR TO CLASS.
Bio
My art is an avenue for expressing memories and experiences. Without preconceived concepts, I observe minutiae through my sketchbook and camera, often sparking unforeseen ideas during my explorations. This cycle of conceptual birth, development, and re-birth energizes my creativity.
Discovering metal was unplanned; I collected 20th-century American Arts and Crafts metalwork, studying its design and production. Learning that centuries-old techniques persisted fascinated me, leading me to experiment with obscure hand metalworking methods. Integrating metal into my fashion design background felt natural, offering a new medium akin to fabric's fluidity.
Transitioning from collecting metal objects to creating them , I channeled my energy into producing unique jewelry. Drawing inspiration from nature, my bold pieces emphasize material and surface. Incorporating diverse materials—gems, glass, rock, and patina techniques—injects color and character.
Moreover, I experiment with raw textures, adding authenticity and interest. My jewelry is the convergence of unexpected mediums, showcasing both metal's malleability and fabric's fluidity. This fusion encapsulates my artistic evolution, fusing nature-inspired design with material exploration.
