Welcome to Artwork Elegance
Proudly Presenting Jewelry Art by Judith St.Claire
Design and Fabrication:
Learning to Design. As a young girl, I learned to make my own clothes and accessories. From my mother, an aunt, and a 4-H leader I learned to “sew a fine seam” (from Mother Goose’s “Curly Locks”), and to follow intricate pattern directions (not all that easy!). Later, I taught myself how to design, create and adapt patterns, and how to tailor.
One Design Experience. I have fond memories of creating a coat from piece of tapestry. The difficult pattern fought nearly every new idea for placement of seams. Over a span of 3 days, the fabric lay stretched out on my sewing room floor. Every few minutes, I’d rearrange the pattern pieces, walk away, and later return to study the layout and again move the pattern – sometimes just a smidge. On the fourth day, I cut and sewed the garment. The outcome: The tapestry fabric proved to be quite heavy and not very warm, but the garment was the most beautiful thing I had ever made – up to that moment. Quite worthy of “Project Runway.”
Jewelry Making. In the 1990s, I became serious about creating fine jewelry pieces. After learning to string and weave beads, and to bend wire, I decided to learn to solder. With silver! While I studied the craft, I created a line of silver and gemstone pendants called “Doodles.” Some were trimmed with gold.
Lately, I’ve developed an interest in filigree work. My designs evolve much the same as my tapestry coat. I begin with an idea, sketch it in several variations, walk away for a while, then return to rework the design. The process is repeated until I put on final touches just before cutting metal.
Experience:
Gallery Work. My jewelry has been featured in local galleries in Eureka, California, and Ashland, Oregon; and much of it has been shared with family members across the country.
Commission Work. On a few occasions, I have designed and fabricated pieces for clients. While creating a design from someone else’s vision is very challenging, I found the work most rewarding.
Retail. Although never from my own store front, I have sold my wares at local arts and crafts fairs. Additionally, I've had the flea mart experience, a very enjoyable adventure. I was sad when our building, an ancient plywood mill with environmental challenges, was condemned and the entire flea market became displaced. Currently, I have no store front, but if you are interested in a piece you see in my blog, or elsewhere on this website, please don't hesitate to contact me about making a purchase.
My Jewelry Blog. In addition to creating jewelry and art pieces, I will write about jewelry, my adopted cockapoo, Ellie, life in Eureka, and anything else that comes to mind. I hope you enjoy my stories.
