I was recently approached by a client at a party, his wife's birthday was fast approaching and he wanted me to create a whimsical charm for her that was based off their last name.  Their last name, if spelled incorrectly could mean something completely different.....Kohr vs. Core.  I loved the idea of doing an apple core and knew exactly what medium I wanted to work in, bronze metal clay.  At first, I wasn't sure how to proceed, but soon decided I should start with a solid cylinder of dried metal clay and carve out my apple core.  

The perfect tool for this project was a wooden toothpick. 

Almost finished, just need a few more details.

After my charm is fired in a kiln, it is now solid bronze. 

I just needed a few more finishing touches to bring the charm to life.  First I polished the apple skin to a high shine.  Then I decided to keep the apple flesh unfinished for more visual interest.  Finally, I used liver of sulfur to blacken parts of the charm and bring out the details.  

The final product, beautiful!

If you are interested in a custom product please visit our collection or contact us with your ideas.  

My next workshop will be held at my friend and fellow artist, Richelle Dourtes  Metalledwith studio in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.  I have always admired Richelle and her work.  She is not only a jewelry designer but a certified naturalist.  Her love of nature is not only reflected in her work but in her lifestyle as well.  Even though there are plenty of things happening in and around her studio from her latest creations, to her newly planted garden to her ever-growing family of chickens.  Richelles calming and endearing aura is always at the center and I enjoy being around her.  

Richelle Dourte

Richelle chooses the first bud of the season and preserves it in a crystal resin. For this necklace she encases the leaves within a filigree design of fine silver. 

I love how the copper wire mimics the shapes of leaves in this piece.  Richelle then adds amber beads,  giving the reflective light in the necklace a translucent golden color  

The Metalledwith Studio will be hosting my next workshop.  We will be designing and creating a leather wrap bracelet.  I will be teaching you the basic skills of leather working from cutting, punching, stamping and painting.  Class will be held on June 14, 2018 at 6 p.m. in Boiling Springs Pa.  Class fee is $35 with a materials fee of $10.  Just click on the link for more info. 

Leather Wrap Bracelet Workshop