Alloy Field Guides

Making has always been part of who I am, from childhood crafts in my basement to studying sculpture and art education at University of Kansas. As a high school art teacher and practicing metalsmith, I love sharing the process of creating by hand. My work centers on fabrication and cabochon stone setting, and I enjoy guiding students as they learn new skills and discover their own artistic style.

I’ve been making jewelry since my 9th birthday party at the Bead Merchant in my hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma. I moved to Lawrence in 2003 to study music, but transitioned to a degree in metalsmithing. The first time I held a torch was the last time I strung beads. After school, I started an apprenticeship at Jewelry by Design in Prairie Village. I specialize in casting, diamond setting, and all things goldsmithing. My favorite part of teaching at Alloy is experiencing the collaborative energy of a metals studio filled with students and makers at work.

Growing up in a home where artistic expression was highly valued, I have been making art since childhood. In February 2020, I decided to turn my creative passion into a career as Golden Hours Jewelry. Although I have been primarily self-taught, I carry the common thread of determination and stubbornness that all good metalsmiths have. I am inspired by nature, history and stories. I love to share my creative enthusiasm with others!

I love making and creating. Once I found metalsmithing in college, I was hooked. For me it is the perfect pairing of creativity + science. I graduated with a BFA in metalsmithing from KU in 2003 and spent 2 years apprenticing as a bench jeweler at Kizer Cummings Jewelry. The combination of school learning and hands-on training in a jewelry store has given me a solid base of skills and knowledge from which I have built my own career in metalsmithing, as MeritMade. I love hand-fabrication and specialize in mixed metals and hollow forms.

I am a full time self-employed metalsmith/jeweler who works out of my home studio in Smithville. In 2012, I discovered my deep fascination for rocks and gemstone specimens, wherein my metalsmithing journey began. For me, jewelry is all about finding the most magnificent gems and getting them to the right person. I specialize in custom fabrication and repairs/remakes.

Creating with metal is where I feel most at home, especially when doing it alongside others. My path with silver started in 2004, and after earning a Studio Art degree from St. Olaf College where I pivoted to large-scale steel sculpture, I returned to jewelry through an apprenticeship at Creative Side in Austin. I love a technical challenge and thrive on helping students take their biggest, wildest ideas and figure out how to bring them into reality.