Finally, the winners of the Cool Tools Antique Mold Design Contest from May have been selected and we are anxious to announce them all!
We planned on only selecting one winner for each place, but we could not decide on 3rd! There were two pieces we loved, so we decided it was a tie. Both winners have won a $100 Cool Tools gift certificate!
The first winner is Amy Marez for her Fiesta del Sol bracelet. Amy used PMC STERLING for her mold components and combined it with sterling silver sheet and wire into a piece that is clean, beautiful and well made. This design showcases how well PMC STERLING and traditional metalsmithing techniques can be combined seamlessly in the right hands.
Below is Amy’s story:
“
I began making jewelry about 12 years ago, mainly stringing beads. I did this off and on until about three years ago when I decided I wanted to take jewelry making to the next level. I took a metalsmithing class and I was hooked!
Over the past three years, I have spent numerous hours experimenting in my work shop and along with fabricating metals, I have also been learning enameling and have recently been working with precious metal clay.
I love creating, and love it even more when others like my work enough to wear it!
The name of this piece is Fiesta del Sol, named after a variety of Mexican Sunflower. I was inspired by the floral sunburst pattern of the
Oval Concho Antique Mold. The bracelet was fabricated using sterling silver sheet, sterling silver wire, fine silver bezel wire, and Kingman Mine Turquoise.
The conchos were made from PMC Sterling. I started by making the conchos. They looked so pretty lined up together that I knew I wanted to make a bracelet! I soldered sterling silver tubes to each concho to connect them to sterling silver rings.
After fabricating the entire bracelet, I oxidized the silver and hand brushed it to reveal the details and texture. Finally polished it and set the turquoise cabochons.”
Congrats Amy!
Tied for third place is Kim Jakum for her Ravenna Pendant made from fine silver clay. Kim’s design is so simple, just the mold on an elegant shape, but what makes it special is that she echoed elements from the mold as embellishments that are so tastefully done and the finish is the perfect complement to the design.
Here is Kim’s story:
“
I’ve been a jewelry artist for almost 20 years but it was about 4 years ago that metal clay became my main focus.
I have been very fortunate to have studied from the best. I took levels 1,2, and 3 PMC certification with Irina Miech, Rio Rewards from Tim McCreight, one on one classes with Lisa Barth, and last summer classes in Vermont with Celie Fago!
I have recently been accepted into the Artisan Group which provides celebrities samples of their hand crafted products. At the moment, I’m busy making a special gift for Mila Kunis. My business cards will also be included in this years CMA awards gift bags.
I love working with metal clay because the possiblities are endless. I also teach metal clay classes out of my beautiful
Wisconsin studio and have an Etsy shop: www.metalmorphis.etsy.com.
To create the pendant I cut a shape from the Eastern Frames Jewelry Shape Template. The center element is made from the Ravenna Antique Mold. I added tiny metal clay studs for embellishment.
After firing, a liver of sulfur patina was added and the piece was polished.”
Congratulations Kim!
Help us congratulate both Amy and Kim for their beautiful Antique Mold Design Contest entries. We hope they enjoy their $100 prizes!
Stay tuned: 2nd place will be announced tomorrow!
