The Metalsmithing Forum will be co-moderated by Brad Severtson (BJ) (Principal Moderator) and Jessica Dow & Mark Anderson (Co-Moderators)

Brad Severtson - BJ (copperhibiscus) has a bachelors degree in art education. With a couple of years experience as an Art teacher and just way too many years experience in the jewelry industry, in a wide variety of areas from retail through manufacture, to artistic individual custom crafted pieces. BJ has owned and operated two successful jewelry stores. The National Jeweler Magazine did an article about his small run production work in comparison to Balfour and Jostens.

Artists Statement

BJ is a Bench Jeweler, "I've always done the hard jobs for other jewelers. Because of that, my becoming a "jewelers - jeweler" or trade shop was a logical progression."

Jessica Dow and Mark Anderson (Different_Seasons_Jewelry) is an artistic union between Jessica Dow's organic, Art Nouveau-inspired designs and Mark Anderson's clean, modern and elegant approach to jewelry and lapidary arts.

Jessica Dow draws inspiration from flora and fauna and the organic textures of nature. Jessica's jewelry begins with her own intricately hand drawn designs and each piece is cut out using a jeweler's saw and piercing techniques. Jessica thrives on creating custom jewelry with personal significance for her clients and embraces every design project with enthusiasm. Jessica has a passionate spirit for designing wearable art jewelry with beauty and elegance.

Mark Anderson, a gemology student at G.I.A., specializes in fine rare gemstones and he cuts the majority of gems used in Different Season's jewelry. Mark is an accomplished Silversmith and Goldsmith who also works in platinum, palladium, hand engraving, gem carving, gem inlay and casts his own hand carved wax models in silver and gold. Mark is strongly influenced by the properties of the stones used in his work and his love for gemology is expressed through his discriminating eye for using only the best gems he can find. Mark has a unique talent for creating innovative designs using his broad knowledge in both jewelry design and lapidary arts.

Jessica and Mark have worked both as individuals and on a collaborative basis as contributors to both Lapidary Journal's Jewelry Art magazine and Art Jewelry magazine. They have recently finished their 5th full length step-by-step article within the past year. Their most recent submission will be published in the September issue of Art Jewelry magazine.

The Wire Wrapping Forum will be co-moderated by Delia Stone (Principal Moderator) and Lisa Ulibarri (Co-Moderator)

Delia Stone (Delia) is an award winning artist, currently residing in Pensacola, FL. She has been working wire since late 1990 and enjoys the process of using cold connections to create unique jewelry. Delia uses ancient Phonecian, Egyptian and Peruvian techniques in her work, as well as many modern techniques. She also used many textile techniques in her work, drawing on embroidery, lace making and basketry techniques. Delia insists that to be an artist, one only needs to take their work seriously and understand the value of bringing a vision to life. Delia enjoys giving others the one thing she didn't have starting out as an artist- hands on instruction. "Teaching is as much fun as creating for me" says Delia. She offers instruction for all levels on a group or individual basis. She has taught workshops in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and North Carolina. "What it boils down to for me, is simply doing what you love. This is my passion and through teaching I am able to share my passion with others. There is no greater gift than that."

Artist Statement

Delia was recently declared 'one of Pensacola's top jewelry artists'. "I was very flattered. What a wonderful compliment that was. But I'm not going to let it go to my head," she laughs. "I'm going to continue to do what I love and keep in mind that there's still much room for me to grow as an artist ... that's what keeps it fresh and interesting for me."

Lis Ulibarri (Springs Creations) Is a multimedia artist who is self-taught having created her whole life. She feels fortunate for the experiences (cover artist, art director and writer) along the way which have led her to where she is now. Of those her favorite has always been to teach others.

Artist Statement

My varied creations of pen, clay, wood, leather, metal, beads,….(many more) are inspired by my heritage, love for the fantasy, spirituality and foremost my beloved family and friends. Fellow artists, if you remember art is part of the heart you cannot go wrong.

The Chain Maille Forum will be co-moderated by Chris Bettini (Principal Moderator) and pending a (Co-Moderator)

Chris Bettini (Ikow Designs) Is the sole proprieter of Ikow Designs and has been creating chain maille for about 4 years now. Ikow Designs has been a registered business since January 2008, but has also been selling on Etsy since September of 2007. Chris started out making beaded and gemstone jewelry about 4-1/2 years ago, but then stumbled upon chain maille about 6 months into her jewelry making journey, while visiting Helen, GA during her son's All Star Baseball tournament. It was in a small medieval store in the heart of this Alpine village, where she first fell in love with a gorgeous Byzantine necklace. As soon as she returned home, she tracked down all the information possible on chain maille.

Artist Statement

I made my boyfriend a Byzantine bracelet as a Christmas gift. I was absolutely amazed at how all those tiny individual rings could be made into something so beautiful and intricate and I could do it. That was it. I was hooked! And I haven't looked back since. I haven't made a single beaded piece of jewelry since that first bracelet (unless, of course, it's in a chainmaille piece).

Chainmaille is my passion... my love and although I do still purchase my rings (from the best two suppliers out there), I hope to one day have the equipment and knowledge to make my own.

The Bead Work and Stringing Forum will be co-moderated by Lis Ulibarri (Principal Moderator) and Dee (Co-Moderator)

Lis Ulibarri (Springs Creations) (review above)

Dee Comer (Reflections In Glass) Has been making things with her hands since childhood. First with paper and cloth and counted cross stitch, then discovering and working with stained glass. Dee stumbled upon the art of wire wrapping and has been designing jewelry since about 2000. Her designs center around wire wrapping genuine gemstones with precious metal wire, however other jewelry skills and materials, including smithing and stringing, are sometimes used as well.
Dee works fulltime for the Delaware State Senate and lives near Kirkwood, Delaware with her significant other, Jerry, and "fur kids" Brutus, Brandy and Jeepers.

The Photography Forum will be moderated by Jami Denman

Jami Denman (Lola_D) is a teacher by profession. However, she has been a self-taught jewelry artist for the past 12 years. She works in wire, bead weaving, and poly clay. She also has been involved in photography for 15 years. She specializes in available light, landscape, and candid photos.

Artist statement:

"I love art. I write, make jewelry, take photos... art and creativity are the soul of people and culture, without it the world goes crazy! Creativity is my sanity. Thank God for tiny beads, quick shutter speeds, and computer keyboards!"

Some of these Artisans have also created groups.

Our Events Keeper is Sheryl Delaney. She's doing a fantastic job adding events. This is a time consuming task but she willingly volunteered to help me.

If you're interested in becoming a moderator for the pending positions, please submit your qualifications to JewelryGeek.