More than a membership
Our community at Alloy is made up of individuals from all walks of life, and we strive to be a valuable resource to their unique needs. This month, I reached out to a few of our members and asked them to share how Alloy has benefitted them throughout their personal metalsmithing journey.
Meet Lee!
Owner of Bloom
Social Member since March of 2025. Follow her @bloom_by_leejarrell
Lee has been married to her husband, TJ, for 30 years with whom they share 3 adult kids. She has always had a love for art, photography and gardening (including a mild succulent growing obsession!)
After being laid off 2 years ago from her career in sports management with the National Soccer Coaches Association, Lee was searching for a new direction. She stumbled into metalsmithing by chance and after completing an online class she says she was “hooked”!
Lee is now working full-time as a private jeweler creating custom fine jewelry designs 1 on 1 with clients, silversmithing on the side and has even started teaching mobile jewelry making classes! It’s inspiring to recognize just how far Lee has come being primarily self-taught, and we look forward to seeing where her journey takes her. We just love her warm and welcoming disposition along with her beautiful silver and turquoise designs!
Jumping into selling
“…After I took a class in February with Kelly on bezel setting, I knew that I was hooked. I joined as a social member, participated in my first sale as a vendor at the Livestock Exchange Building Open Studios event and loved every minute of it.”
Lee finds value in what alloy brings to her growing business.
“Being able to meet local KC artists, share ideas and techniques and to gain confidence in my own art is such a priceless opportunity…I have a home studio but I love knowing that the owners and members of Alloy are available to me and ready to help in any way they can.”
Meet Allen!
stay tuned for an upcoming website!
Shared Member since March of 2025. Follow him @richterringss
Allen is a hard working diesel mechanic with a background in metalsmithing. He acquired a solid foundation through a city run program he attended weekly in Wichita. After moving to Kansas City to be closer to family and pursue a job opportunity, he wasn’t sure he would find another place that would meet his needs until he found Alloy online and met us at the KC Gem & Mineral Show. After touring our studio, he was ready and excited to get back into creating!
Allen often comes in after work to tinker on the latest technique or project that has sparked his interest. He always brings in ambitious ideas but maintains a steady and disciplined approach to learning. He recently completed a very challenging project that involved a unique stone setting technique. He created several template versions until he was satisfied and ultimately brought his vision to life! We enjoy having his calm and friendly personality in the studio.
A Crowning Achievement
Allen had an idea to create a meaningful gift for a friend with an affinity for crowns. He scaled his design down into a more approachable vision in the form of a beautiful Sterling Silver ring uniquely set with a Ruby.
Allen continues to expand his knowledge through our ongoing educational programs.
“Going to an Alloy event is always fun…I recently went to the ‘Soldering Beyond the Basics’ mini workshop…I learned some really good techniques that helped me with my current project...”
Meet Teri!
Owner of Rattlebone Design
Designated Member since March of 2025
Teri is a multi-media artist working full time as a musician and community health worker in addition to their developing jewelry business. Growing up in a small town in Michigan, Teri started creating and selling handmade jewelry in high school to afford their first car. After bouncing from academic musical studies, to serving, they eventually came back around to jewelry making. However, those earlier designs with beads, bones and wire left them craving something more challenging.
Teri decided it was time to embark on a new adventure into metalsmithing! A call-out to friends online led to (member) Tarrah Anderson of Whiskey & Bone, suggesting Alloy as a good starting point. Teri jumped right into our Beginning Metalsmithing for Jewelry class and became a Shared Studio Member immediately following!
With a focused drive to learn, Teri’s jewelry brand Rattlebone Design has grown into a cohesive body of work and continues to reflect their unique artistic perspective. Teri works hard to continue developing skills and can often be found working at the studio late into the night, taking a project from beginning to completion in one sitting. We admire Teri’s fearless proclivity to jump right in and figure things out!
from beads and bones to metal and stones!
“I have been a member at Alloy for about a year and a half now, and with consistency and access to Alloy's wonderful community studio, my skill level has improved and my work has leveled up. I am addicted to being in the studio and wish I had more hours in the day to create and play.”
Teri has big plans for Rattlebone designs!
“I am currently working on making more intricate, smaller pieces! Right now I am continuing to experiment and play to see how my style shapes. I am also working on leveling up as a jewelry business by working on a website, re-branding, and booking upcoming pop-ups! I try to attend as many Alloy classes as I can to continue to learn.”
We really do have the best members!! I hope you can see that Alloy is ready to meet you where YOU are. With new programs and offerings being added regularly—there is something here for everyone. From newbies, to metal-masters and everyone else in-between, it’s more than just a membership. We’re a community!
We know it can be overwhelming trying to determine the best place to start, so let’s break down our offerings a little bit! Bench Membership is the perfect solution if you are ready to start smithing but need a studio space to work in. Read more about the differences in our bench memberships HERE! If you love taking allllll the Alloy classes, our Maker Membership is maybe more your speed. If you’re just looking to stay in touch and be included in the fun outings and events we plan each month, we’d recommend checking out our Social Membership!
Our Designated Studios are currently at full capacity. To add your name to the waitlist, click HERE.
