Hi Everybody!

A few years ago I walked innocently into an art gallery in Newport, Oregon.  I stopped to admire at a beautiful gold ring with a sparkling red stone in it.  My mouth must have been hanging open or there was a dazed look in my eyes, because in short order a salesperson was there telling me about the stone and the artist.  I wish I could remember the name of this jeweler.  What I do remember is; they had harvested the stone, fabricated the gold mount, AND cut this sparkling gem so it would fit precisely in the setting!

I was transfixed.  I bought a couple of pieces of what is called rough  (stones before they are cut).  This 20 minute encounter took me down a rabbit hole of tunnels I could not have imagined.  Mines and metals and tools Oh my!

I now view the world in jewelry.  Is there anything at this place that could be made into wearable art?  How about a plain ol’ ring (is there such a thing?).  Whats over that hill?  Whats down that alley.  No doubt something or someone somewhere that can help me on this quest of mine to learn about and learn how to make beautiful things to wear.

What about all the old stuff I have from my parents and aunts and sisters?  What about the environment?  What about child labor?  I was a girl scout after all, I want to leave the world a better place, not add to the problems.

I’m a curious learner, a wanderer, a wanna be blogger, a student jeweler, an absolute lover of creativity no matter its form.  My husband just tells people I’m a tool collector Ha ha, he’s right too.  My name is Linda, welcome to the rabbit hole…………