About Me
I design and create fine silver, bronze, copper and steel Metal Clay jewelry and small vessels. I love all aspects of working with Metal Clay– the sculptural process and the endless opportunity for variation in texture, form, pattern, and now color that this material affords the artist. I established RU/LE Artisan Jewelry to show and market my unique collection of individually designed high quality and affordable jewelry. Since the base metals–bronze, copper and steel began appearing on the Metal Clay scene, I’ve enjoyed creating mixed metal jewelry designs that are contemporary, sophisticated and stylish, and allow me to use the medium to its full advantage. To further enhance the color, shape, form, design and texture of my metalwork, I incorporate cabachons of authentic Antique Ancient Roman glass, semi-precious stones, polished and unpolished beach stone and sea glass into my necklaces and earrings.
Originally from New York City, I moved to the Pioneer Valley to earn a Masters Degree in Interior Design and Planning. Having completed my degree, I worked as a Designer at a major University for 20 years before retiring and opening my studio. I began working with semi precious stones and beads–I found beautiful and unusual glass and resin beads, both vintage and imported, and created earrings and necklaces in unusual patterns and color palates. Eventually, I began to make my own playful, colorful Polymer Clay beads, and finally, the missing “link” was to create my own metal findings. Thus began my fascination with Metal Clay. I teach individual Metal Clay classes and hold small group workshops in my Amherst studio.
I am Art Clay and PMC certified in Fine Silver (PMC) and am certified as an Accredited Instructor of Hadar’s Clay. I continue to take classes with Metal Clay artists I admire.