Explore practical tips, material guides, behind-the-scenes insights, and lessons I’ve learned at the bench, not just in the classroom. Just honest tools for makers, artists, and curious creatives.
Metals
Here, I break down the properties of different metals, from argentium to sterling and beyond, so you can make informed choices in your work. I also cover practical topics like care, cleaning, and how different metals behave over time. If you’ve ever wondered why one metal works better than another, this is where those answers live.
Argentium vs Sterling Silver: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for fine jewelry or precious metal items, you’ll often encounter two popular options:Argentium® SilverandSterling Silver. While both are stunning choices for jewelry lovers and artisans alike, they have distinct properties that make them unique. Let’s dive into what sets these two types of silver apart and which might be the right choice for your needs.
How to Clean and Care for Metal Jewelry
Proper care can preserve the beauty and longevity of your pieces, whether they’re made from copper, brass, sterling silver, aluminum, gold, or stainless steel. Each metal has unique characteristics that require specific maintenance. Here’s a detailed guide on how to care for each type of metal.
Choosing the Right Metal for Jewelry Making
This guide breaks down the most commonly used metals in studio practice, so you can make informed, intentional choices that align with your creative vision and lifestyle.
Methods
From foundational processes to more refined approaches, this is a look at how ideas become finished pieces. It’s less about theory and more about hands-on making, with an emphasis on what actually works, what doesn’t, and why.
Crowns, Tiaras, and Diadems: The Royal Rundown
When it comes to regal headwear, the termsdiadem,tiara, andcrownoften get tossed around interchangeably — but if you’re an artist or lover of all things royal-inspired, you know these pieces carry distinct histories, styles, and symbolism. As a creator of exquisite headpieces, I want to share a little clarity on what makes each one unique, so next time you see a piece, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at.
What Is Shell Forming? A Gateway to Sculptural Metalwork
Shell forming is a dynamic, sculptural technique in metal fabrication that brings movement and dimension to flat sheet metal. Developed by renowned Finnish-American metalsmithHeikki Seppäand introduced in his influential bookForm Emphasis for Metalsmiths(published nearly 40 years ago), this method allows artists to create flowing, organic shapes that mimic nature.
Exploring Opus Interrasaile: A Fusion of Past and Present
I am always exploring the deeper meanings and inspirations that influence the art I create. One fascinating technique that I use a lot in my work is Opus Interrasaile—the fusion of the raw, imperfect beauty of nature with the precision of craftsmanship.
The Magic of UV Resin: How I Create Dewdrop Effects
There’s something enchanting about the quiet shimmer of early morning dew, those tiny droplets that rest on leaves, petals, and spiderwebs, catching the light just so. It’s that same sense of wonder I aim to capture in my work at Ravena Metalworks, and one of the ways I do it is with UV resin.
Musings
Musings is a space for everything that doesn’t fit neatly into a category. Here, I share thoughts, observations, and curiosities sparked by art, craft, and the world around me. Some posts may be reflective, others exploratory, but all of them connect back to the creative life in one way or another.
The Artist’s Role in Times of Crisis
With everything happening in the world right now, violence, injustice, ecological collapse, political instability, collective grief, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure, even powerless. As an artist, I’ve been sitting with a difficult question lately:What is our role in times like these?
Guilds, Galleries, and the Digital World: Why we need all of them
Lately, there’s been a lot of noise about how art guilds and galleries are outdated, obsolete, and irrelevant in today’s digital world. Some artists claim that the traditional model is dead, that applying to juried shows or working with galleries is a waste of time, and that real success can only be found through online platforms and self-promotion.
Using AI as a Creative Tool: Navigating Possibility with Intention
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now, and if you haven’t already thought about how it fits into your creative process, it’s time. But before we get caught up in the hype or the fear, let’s take a breath and get clear on what AI reallyis: a tool.
Finding Beauty in Nature: The Inspiration Behind My Work
Growing up in the heart of Appalachia, surrounded by the rolling hills and lush forests, nature was more than just scenery—it was a part of my soul. These experiences have deeply influenced my journey as an artist, especially in the creation of nature-inspired art and jewelry.
The Timeless Allure of Feathers in Art
Feathers have long captivated human imagination across cultures and centuries. Their delicate form, intricate patterns, and connection to birds — symbols of freedom and transcendence — have made them a cherished motif in art worldwide. At Ravena Metalworks, I create metal feather jewelry and sculptures inspired by this universal fascination, transforming fragile beauty into enduring strength.
Ginkgo Biloba: Unveiling the Enchantment of Nature’s Living Fossil
In the realm of ancient trees, Ginkgo biloba stands as a living relic, a testament to the resilience of nature and the passage of time. This unique tree, with its fan-shaped leaves and fascinating history, holds both scientific significance and cultural allure. Join us on a journey to uncover the facts and mythology surrounding Ginkgo biloba, a botanical marvel that has captured the human imagination for centuries.