Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Steinhauer.
Hi Beth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a liking for jewelry that is a little edgy or different. But most earrings were too heavy for me to wear. My friends were learning how to make their own jewelry and it sparked an interest for me too.
Shortly after a few ‘make and take’ get togethers with my friends, I found myself drawn to gemstones beads and was on the search for them everywhere I went. Even on vacation, I would be on the lookout for a local jewelry store or gemstone bead store.
My interest grew into wanting to make my own ear wires from sterling silver and a big interest in making my own edgy artisan hoops. I got an inexpensive hammer and anvil and some of my own sterling silver wire.
On a beach trip, I took these items and made my first twisted pair of spiral hoops as I played around with hammering and shaping sterling silver into hoops. I was hooked! I loved my hammered hoops and started to dream of what else I could make.
I began to take online classes through Craftsy, buy books (and magazines) to read, learn, and practice different techniques. I started simple soldering with a butane torch, and also got into working with precious metal clay. Eventually leading me to taking classes in Washington and Oregon getting certified as an instructor in precious metal clay jewelry creations (PMC and Art Clay). In addition, we traveled to North Carolina where I entered a gallery and took multiple days of classes at Sawtooth School for Visual Art. What a cool experience!
Further, I took metalsmithing classes in Newport, Oregon that helped shape where I am today as a jeweler and silversmith. To this day, I am still learning. I am a member, and take online classes, from a seasoned professional jeweler in the UK- Andrew Berry At The Bench.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Over 13 years, I have slowly built the skills that I have today. Sometimes I felt too busy or had to put my jewelry creations on hold for my career as an elementary teacher. I would work on things in the evenings and on the weekends eventually opening up my own Etsy shop to sell my creations and doing some local Christmas bazaars. It has been a slow progression leading from hobbyist into aspiring jeweler to a silversmith.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist with a passion for beautiful handmade modern jewelry. I am known for my artisan lightweight earrings. Earrings that you can wear all day comfortably. Fun unique hoops. Jewelry that has an artisan feel and made of quality materials that will last.
I have an interest in these styles: tribal, nature, industrial, and geometric. I love to incorporate real plant impressions in some of my jewelry. Capturing beautiful leaves and flowers.
More recently I have become known as a permanent jewelry artist and a local custom designer for simple jewelry projects. I also do some jewelry repair helping people still enjoy their beautiful sentimental adornments.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Keep tinkering with the hobby that you love! Find books, magazines, and online classes to grow your skills. Have fun with friends as you learn and don’t stop exploring!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://twisteddesignsbybeth.com
- Instagram: Twisteddesignsbybeth
- Facebook: Twisteddesignsbybeth
