Susan Pauls Jewelry Design

Artist's Style

My jewelry designs are eclectic, from traditional and rather frou-frou to fun and funky. I like to do wire wrapping--it's a pleasant compulsion, actually--so you will find lots of wire wrapped dangles and coiled wire in my work. I also like taking age-old chainmaille designs and embellish or combine them in different ways.

Materials

My pieces combine sterling and fine silver, copper, and gold-filled metals with semi-precious gemstones, Swarovski crystals, handmade artisan lampwork glass beads purchased from bead artists, and other careflly chosen materials.

Durability is as important as beauty in a design. For strung necklaces and bracelets, I use professional-quality Soft Flex nylon-covered stainless steel cord. Wire guards add durability where the cord connects to a clasp. I use wrapped wire loops for dangles and some connections rather than simple loops that can bend open; heavier gauges of wire when possible; and double or triple rings or soldered rings for some connections. When possible and desirable, pieces are tumbled to polish and harden the metal.

Artistic Beginnings

My first venture into the art of jewelry making was at Christmastime in 2004, when I was looking for a unique gift for my sister-in-law. While wandering from store to store in downtown Lawrence, KS, I stumbled into a bead bar where a patient "barrista" helped me create my first necklace. I was fascinated by the vast array and endless combinations of beautiful beads and materials, and quickly became hooked.

Custom Work
I'd love to create new designs or modify existing ones especially for you. Although a one-of-a-kind design can't be duplicated exactly because of one-of-a-kind materials (such as artisan-made lampwork glass beads), I may be able to create something similar for you.

Memberships

Northland Exposure Artists' Gallery, Parkville, MO

International organization for Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designers (SRAJD)

Sample of Artwork

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Coiled and patinated sterling silver wire bracelet with cherry "quartz" (glass), handmade artisan lampwork bead, other semi-precious stone, Bali silver, and Thailand Hill Tribe silver.

Coiled and patinated copper bracelet with carnelian, ceramic, and handmade artisan lampwork coffee bean beads.

Embellished helm chain chainmaille necklace in copper with green aventurine, cherry "quartz" (glass), carnelian, and Peruvian blue opal.

Patinated sterling silver earrings with freshwater pearls.

Necklace with sterling silver, Thailand Hill Tribe silver, Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, and mother of pearl.