Hi! My name is Elizabeth and I am a jeweler and enamelist. Other words that I sometimes use to fill in "I am a(n)_______." are "creative", "bibliophille", "native Texan", "current Seattleite", "cat-lover", and "very curious person" (in more than one sense). I'm also the very first graduate of the Jewelry Certificate program at North Seattle Community College.
I love the feel of metal moving under my hammer, and I LOVE working with enamel and watching the powder turn to glass during firing. I also love carving, whether it's wax for casting or acrylic for a reproduction of an antique hair ornament. I've been making jewelry for 15 years and my favorite element to work with is color, from all the autumn shades copper goes through as it heat patinas to the rainbow pallette of glass in enamels and beads, to adding antiquing, stones or dye to acrylic pieces to bring out the details.
I draw inspiration from everywhere, but the older or more natural the source, the more I'm drawn to it. Favorite sources include illuminated manuscripts, medieval tapestries and ironwork, Celtic knotwork, Art Nouveau everything, and shapes or patterns I notice just walking around. I'm currently fascinated with antique and ancient accessories, and how to reproduce the richness and style in modern, durable materials.
I try to infuse elements of whimsy and fantasy into my work, from coloring a flower a little unusually to (in the Different Worlds series) creating whole new planets. To me, imagination is the most important element of design.
I hope you enjoy my work! If you have further questions, or would like me to make a custom piece for you, please feel free to contact me at info @ nightshaderose.com
Thank You!