Kathleen's work is rugged, yet refined.  Featuring large natural gemstones and sterling silver,  her natural eye for shape, texture and color is matched by her talent for metalsmithing techniques.  Here, she talks about her work...

What are your favorite materials to work with?

Stones….almost any Jasper is at the top of my list, such as Red,  Royal Sahara, Cobra or Carrasite.  They have such wonderful colors and landscapes in them.  I’m also seriously addicted to Picasso Stones and Chinese Writing Stones because of the great lines in them that remind me of trees. 

I think I’m always looking for ways to emulate nature in my work and that is why I gravitate to these stones.  Nature truly inspires me in its beauty.

For the majority of my work I use Sterling Silver.  It’s very important to me to extend the textures I see in the stones into the metal.  This is one of the reasons why sterling appeals to me because when it is oxidized, it really enhances those textures that I carry through from the stones.

I also enjoy working with Keum Boo because I think it adds a real touch of class and elegance to a piece.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?

My favorite design is something that incorporates both movement and subtle textures. I really like creating pieces that move as someone wears them. 

In my Soul Searching series, I utilized Keum Boo accents and textures to compliment the beauty of the stones.  The public's response to my Soul Searching Series, that involves pendants and earrings, has been most favorable.  The earrings tend to be my best sellers.

How did you first get into jewelry art in general?

I started making glass cabochons using a combination of dichroic frit and stringers, creating amulets or talismans.  I would wire wrap these glass cabs in Argentium Silver to make them stand out from those where bails had been glued on the back.  Moving into the world of metalsmithing seemed to be a natural progression and growth for me.

Do you get more excited about the design or technical aspects of jewelry art?

Both actually.  The design process can be challenging, because there are things you can create on paper that may not be achievable in reality.  Once I have a design that captures the essence of something I want to create, the technique required for the piece can bring a whole new level of 'how do I do this" to it.  I need to be challenged and I believe that keeps my work fresh.  These aspects generate growth in ones work and I think it is invaluable to continually challenge yourself.

For more information about Kathleen, visit her website, her metalsmith/art jewelry blog or the studio website that showcases her work and that of her photographer husband.

Feeling social? Catch up with Kathleen on Facebook    or Twitter @KathleenKrucoff

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