Ladysmiths of ATX

ICYMI...
There's a new maker space coming!
(which includes some Ladysmiths of ATX on their leadership committee) is opening soon at .
Make sure you are following them for updates and click through their bio to contribute to their Go Fund Me.
These folks have worked hard to make the vision of a cooperative jewelry space a beautiful reality in Austin. Let's support and celebrate them!

We asked What is your making process like?

“My studio is setup in my home garage which comes with challenges and benefits. For example on the plus side it's really convenient but sometimes it's hard to turn off the maker mode and go to bed at a decent time. My studio space has three basic stations (jeweler's bench, soldering board & forging stump). Typically I start by selecting a group of gemstones and I play with layouts until something really speaks to me, then I have to work out how I'll secure the stones in place. Sweat-soldering, fusing, forging, fold-forming, and gem-setting are things I truly have a passion for. I'm lucky to have inherited a small anvil from my great-great-grandfather and a hammer from my great-grandmother. These tools have become the center of my brand and I'm deeply honored to use them in my jewelry creations. I work part-time cleaning swimming pools which keeps me fit and allows me to enjoy time outdoors. Having a side job alleviates the pressure on my jewelry business so I'm not dependent on it for paying bills while I mature as an artist and fine tune my business plan. I've been selling at art markets since about 2015 and eventually I will grow my customer base so I can focus solely on custom orders and my website sales.”

If you haven’t yet, check out Laura Barrett’s full interview and interviews with other Austin local jewelry makers through the blog on our website. Link in bio.

Have you checked out this months interview? Read ‘s full interview on our blog.

How did you get into making jewelry?

I have a long history of creating, crafting and making art. As a kid I remember making macramé friendship bracelets and plastic beaded necklaces. In college I studied various artistic mediums but nothing really felt like my "thing". My venture into metalsmithing developed slowly along with many other hobbies in my life including woodworking, print making, sewing, crochet/knitting, painting, etc. I taught myself wire-wrapping and bead weaving but I really was drawn to making more substantial designs. I admired classic jewelry from my art history books and wanted to create something timeless. Eventually I realized that traditional silversmithing was the path for me so I invested in a torch & jeweler's bench along with a few instructional books. I think my first silversmith creation was a cocktail ring with sterling silver, copper and a big oval Lapis Lazuli. I am inspired by ancient metal jewelry and Native American craftsmanship so I started imitating what I adore, making simple gemstone projects with copper, brass & silver. I'm proud to be a self-taught jeweler as it allows me to follow my own unique path and explore techniques that most peak my curiosity.

Check out our full interview with Angell Jazmin of on our blog this month.

“Why do you make the kind of jewelry you do?”

I think I mostly make the jewelry that I make because it’s what I like to wear. I like classic and simple designs where the gemstones take center stage. I also like being able to replicate designs in whatever metal the customer desires. I don’t think you need to be rich in order to wear mine or anyone else’s jewelry. I know my designs can’t be for everyone but I hope when the right client or customer comes along they connect with it as much as I do.

Have you checked out this months interview? Read ‘s full interview on our blog.

We asked Angell Jazmin:
How did you get into making jewelry?

“Since I can reminder I’ve always loved fashion so once I graduated high school I enrolled in a small, private liberal arts college as fashion design major. I went in knowing some basic self taught sewing schools but eventually I became so overwhelmed by their rigorous program. Unfortunately, I failed my garment construction I class and immediately changed my major. The next four years I focused on finishing school so that I could move to California with the intention of creating a career for myself in fashion but, my own way. At the time I didn’t know what that looked like but I remember being so determined. At first I was waiting tables and hostessing while I set up my first Etsy shop selling some of my first pieces I ever made. They were just simple jump ring and chain pieces. I think the materials were from hobby lobby hahah. Anyways, I finally hit the lottery because I found a jewelry assembling job for a very well known LA designer. This position was such a resumer builder because after that gig I moved up to working with 14k gold. I went from jewelry assembling to production assistant and later production manager working with amazing designers and jewelers. I soaked up everything I could about making jewelry and running a small business. It was only a matter of time until I started making my own again. I am completely self taught but I have to give credit to all the jewelers I worked closely with. True artisans and I can’t wait to get to the level of craft some day. I am also self taught through “ Youtube University”. If it wasn’t for these YouTube content creators I wouldn’t have been able to learn without paying for school again. Overall, I am proud of myself for sticking with fashion, one way or another and not being discouraged by my failures. I just had to do it my own way ;)”

"I work out of the B Golden Jewelry School in Austin, TX. As a member I have 24/7 access which is especially helpful when I am working to a wholesale order fulfillment deadline. Because I work in stainless steel and I have mostly stamped messages on my jewelry my favorite tools are the Bonny Doon hydraulic press and the Orion micro pulse welder." - Alaine Hutson of

Have any of you worked with an Orion Micro Pulse Welder? It looks like magic right? Read more about Alaine and her process in our interview with her on our blog!

We have a new Journey of Jewelry interview up in the blog this month! Meet !!

We asked Alaine Hutson: Why do you make the kind of jewelry you do?

“I started Social Justice Jewelry as a way to protect myself against people telling me "jokes" or statements that denigrate others. It started getting intense in 2016 and I wanted it to stop. Using my training as a metalsmith, I created the “Allergy” cuff as a way to let others know, like a medical alert bracelet, that social injustice is bad for your health. I also created my logo by incorporating an African Adinkra symbol with a cadeus vibe in it.

I make it with stainless steel because it lends itself to clean forms and is a tough metal for everyday use that is used in high end watches but isn't an expensive metal (I am allergic to income inequality!)

I am intentional to try and always tell a story or infuse meaning into as many aspects of my pieces as possible. I want my line to always reflect my core values of integrity and inclusion.”

To read more of Alaine’s interview, check out the link in our bio!

If you haven't had the chance to check out our interview with Audra of , get on over to our blog! I love this advice she gives other makers. How about you? Do you have any classes you would recommend? locally or online?

Ladysmiths of ATX: What advice or recommendations do you have for a beginning jewelry maker?

Audra: "I recommend taking classes in what you love. There are lots of local shops that teach what they specialize in. Also I spent a lot of time online, watching countless videos to learn how to make my jewelry. Just be gentle with yourself and know it's a process figuring out a new skill. You will probably not be happy with your initial pieces, but know that your pieces will evolve over time as you do"

Summer is almost over (well, at least on the calendar - who knows how long this heat will be around) and we're trying to get that "back to school" energy to kick in.

Join the Ladysmiths of ATX for an online coworking session, August 31 at 5 pm CDT, and on the last Wednesday of the month in September and October.

No agenda or need to register in advance - the Zoom link will be available on our Slack (join through the linktree in our bio) and if you request it by DM. Bring your sketchbook, to do list, or just your late afternoon beverage of choice to check in and catch up.

We love being able to highlight our community members - both makers and connoisseurs - of fine craft jewelry. That's why we have started a new series over on our blog called, Journey of Jewelry. This month we interviewed Audra Puffer of Heart Bloom Designs. Here is a snippet of what she had to say. For the full interview, follow the link in our bio.

What are you excited about?
“I am a geek for glass. I get so excited walking into stained glass shops and looking at the colorful varieties. I love how much different sheets of glass contrast in color, clarity, thickness, iridescent finishes, textures, and ease to work with. I am a huge fan of Blue Moon Glassworks and the classes they provide the community in such a unique art.”

Have you checked out our new blog yet?
We interviewed Debra Haas about her jewelry collecting. Did you know her love of jewelry led her to learn to make it? Follow the link in our bio to read more about why Deb started collecting jewelry.

Here are a few of the pieces in Deb's collection and what she has to say about them.

Photo one - turquoise:
"Turquoise is probably my favorite stone. All of these pieces were made in classes at Creative Side Jewelry Academy (now ) in classes with Deanna Pastel and Steve Kriechbaum."

Photo two - wedding rings:
"I don't have many rings in my jewelry collection, because I wear these - my wedding rings and 10 year anniversary ring - all the time."

Photo three - mother of pearl:
"I love to mix old and new pieces. I made the pendant, and paired it with earrings purchased on Etsy, made from vintage cufflinks."

Photo four -
"These earrings were made in a class with Argentium master jeweler, Ronda Coryell and I paired them with a necklace which is a souvenir from a family trip to Hawaii."

We had a great time meeting everyone who came out last night! Thank y’all for sharing your jewelry origin stories, vending experiences, maker space dreams, teacher/class recommendations and so much more.

We are already looking forward to the next one! When is good for you?

Let's get together! Whether you are a jewelry maker or jewelry lover, let's get together and talk jewelry! This hang-out will be super informal. If you have never been to a Ladysmith's of ATX social event, we might ask you about what you make or whose jewelry you love. If you've been to a Ladysmith's of ATX event before, we can finally catch up (it's been a minute, right?) We will be there between 5 and 8, but come whenever you can, leave whenever you want!

Check out our latest highlights to learn more.

Y’all. We started a blog. We have loved hearing about you, your jewelry-making stories, and your love of jewelry in our Sip & Smiths. We loved your stories so much we were inspired to create a space for others to read about your story too!

Our very first interview is with Debra Haas . If you haven’t had the chance to meet Deb yet, let’s make it happen because she is truly a remarkable human. She has been a core member of Ladysmiths ATX since we had a brick-and-mortar at Canopy. Though she also makes beautiful pendants, we asked her about her love of jewelry and collecting!

Follow the link in our bio to read it and let us know what you think!

P.S. I’m serious about that whole “you’ve gotta meet Deb” thing. She will be at the Ladysmith’s meet-up Wednesday, April 20, and if you are new to our crew, she makes you feel like you have always been here - I say this from personal experience! Tap the button in this post to get a reminder. ♥️