Meet Allie Perry Allie Perry is a contemporary goldsmith who lives and works in Connecticut. An avid nature lover, her one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are frequently inspired by her surroundings. With professional experience spanning decades, Allie draws on her knowledge and specialized experience to create custom, heirloom-quality jewelry that is meant to be worn and enjoyed….
Meet Sandra Lupo I became a maker in my 30’s while raising two children. I had worked in the corporate world for most of my 20’s and married. I discovered I liked to work with my hands and create after I had my best creations, my children! I didn’t enjoy the needle arts or sewing…
Heart & Hands of a Maker Francesca Watson is a passionate metalsmith and jewelry-making instructor. She, along with her beloved husband Nick who is also an artist, manage the operation of The Makery. The Makery is a working and teaching studio in Old Village in Downtown Bulverde, Texas where they host in-person and online workshops,…
Jen Cushman is a natural storyteller drawn to the imperfect, the quirky, the artsy, and the authentic. She’s spent 25 years as a mixed-media artist and instructor, authored two jewelry-making books, appeared on numerous DIY television shows as a guest artist, and has been published in national magazines. Currently, she is a contributing artist on…
In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker We’re talking with tool maker Chris Anderson of Lion Punch Forge. Chris has been a maker nearly all his life and embraces new paths and challenges without fear. Not only is he a tool maker, he is also a jewelry designer, lapidarist, and so much…
Tucson Gem & Mineral Shows Attract Collectors and Then Some! Tucson, Arizona, a city found in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, transforms into a global haven for gemstone and mineral enthusiasts every late January early February. What began as a small exhibition in the 1950s has burgeoned into the largest and most renowned gathering of its…
Meet Milagros Rivera a Mixed Media Artist and Instructor Milagros Rivera is, at her core, an artist. She breathes life into any material that speaks to her and empowers others through her words and imagery. Mixed Media is her passion! Milagros is also a business woman, operating The Paper Boutique Scrapbooking Studio in Puerto Rico…
Meet Jill Bartlett Jill Bartlett, dog wear designer at Scouterwear Jill Bartlett is the visionary and creative force behind Scouterwear and Thank Dog We Made It. Following her passion, Jill has found a way to combine her love for teaching others while also creating with her hands. Jill started out as a graphic designer and animator…
Meet Ann Tudor Ann Tudor is a lampwork glass artist, surface pattern designer, and avid knitter. She makes tiny creations of glass for knitters and crocheters in the form of stitch markers and progress keepers. Ann also creates notion pouches to hold her markers and all your tools. She has been a maker her entire…
A Handmade Holiday
a few ornaments made through the years
To this day, by this time of year, I have a plan for the ornament I will make for gifting to those on our list. By plan, I mean I have the idea and maybe I’ve started gathering the materials. The making usually goes right up to the finish line. Can you relate?
Often, the project I choose includes a new technique I want to try and is something I believe I can replicate before running out of steam. As I decorated our tree this year, it…
