About Metal Urges

About 25 years ago I wrapped a stone in sterling silver for the very first time. Awed by the way that metal moved in my hands, how I could manipulate it with my tools, I had to know MORE. I found my first teacher through sheer fate, (Barbara Jeanne, you'll always be my first!) and she inspired my passion, taught me how to use FIRE and create with my soul.

Then the heavens gave me Bill Howard and The Howard Academy. Bill's an Old-School Master Goldsmith of 40+years, with a huge heart and a gift for teaching. He taught me the value of crafts(wo)manship and the secrets of working with precious metals. He trained my hands and my eyes in perfection and expected nothing less. I'm proud to have been trained by such a Master of the Art and proud of the work I can do now, because of these two wonderful people! Another good friend of mine doing metal art work can be found at Prairie Art Metal.

Metal Urges started officially in Madison, WI in February 1999, in the back bedroom of our apartment. At that time I was still working with Bill some, and also doing repair and custom design work for Burnie's Rock Shop on the Isthmus in Madison. Knowing that we would be leaving the area for the North Woods soon, I wanted to be prepared with the business already established and running. In February of 2000 my husband Tod and I packed up the cats and headed to my old stomping grounds, Eagle River.

I've had the opportunity to do both repair and custom design work for a variety of different people in Stoughton, in Madison, and now in the North Woods. Due to the view out of my studio window, I pick the North Woods as my favorite! I take pride in making old-school, handmade jewelry for real people. I am honored by those who buy my work, and by those who trust me with their treasured heirlooms to restore, fix or change to their liking.

The best part of all of this, I've come to understand, is that no matter how much I know, each time I sit down at my bench I learn a lesson. I look forward to years of lessons to come.