Nancy Lee Designs: Handmade Jewelry and Objects

Thanks to my lovely and dear friend, Krista Bermeo of Krista Bermeo Studios, I was recently introduced to the owners of Arts A Poppin, a great, funky find in the heart of the Mass Ave Arts District. After a brief and torrid meeting with owner Jill Kinsinger and her sister, Lorri Potter, I became their newest jewelry artisan. Besides carrying some of my existing line of work, the store is also carrying a new line of lightweight, heavily hammered jewelry made from recycled aluminum and 14 karat gold-fill called “Matrix.” It includes wide cuff bracelets, matching earrings and pendants.

Our relationship may be new but all indications point to the beginning of something special. The duo of Jill Kinsinger and Lorri Potter both have the love for Art. They also enjoy supporting other artists so they joined forces of Art and Business – hence Arts A Poppin’. Here is a partial description, directly from their website:

With 98% of our product made in the USA and more than 170 local, regional and national artists represented in our shop you are sure to find that special gift for you or that special someone in your life. We take pride in providing quality handcrafted items that are unique, whimsical or just plan funky for everyone to enjoy. We offer recycled/repurposed items from billboard vinyl bags to clocks and jewelry made from antique artifacts. Let’s not forget the yard art made from just plain old junk tools and parts.

That fits well with my handmade work and my mission. But wait, there’s more! There is a classroom area in the lower level of the store, and I’ve been invited to teach there.  The classes will be kept simple and straightforward, and will probably begin in July.  This classroom area happens to be right next door to my friend Krista’s studio, so you may see her at work on her delicious handmade art glass jewelry designs as well.

I’m excited, of course, about expanding my presence in Indianapolis. The greatest part about it, though, is that this feels right. I hope you Indianapolitains who are reading this will stop in soon to see what’s shaking at Arts A Poppin’!

425 Massachusetts Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46204

317.822.1200

Hours:

Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–7p.m.

Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sun. 12 noon–5 p.m.
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A project of mine was accepted for publication in the newly minted “30-Minute Bracelets” book by Lark Crafts. I’m excited it is now out and available! This was my first experience as an artist working with a publisher, and it was a good one. Thank you, Marthe Le Van!

Interestingly enough, I worked at a mid-sized publishing house, JIST Publshing,  many years ago. While there, I had the opportunity to work with our editors on many occasions, establishing many delightfully warm relationships that have lasted to this day. Funny how the world works!

Shell Cuff, Nancy Lee, 2011

If you are an aspiring metalsmith, I hope you try out the book and the bracelet. If you take a picture of your completed cuff, I’ll put it on my website!

Thanks to the talented Paul d’Andrea of PDA Photography, here are some great new shots of some of my work which you can view as a slideshow.

It’s times like these that being a metalsmith and making precision work is so exciting. The above work is obviously much larger in the photos than in “real life,” so you can see detail that cannot be detected, even while using my bifocal/OptiVisor double-magnification workbench trick. So, if there is a flaw, you can see it. None of these photos have been touched up.

You can also see, hopefully, that my work is lovingly handmade, one at a time. Maybe one of my pieces is right for you…everything in the slideshow is for sale, even if it is not in my online shop yet. Please press the “Contact Me” button at the left if you are interested in purchasing.

It really does make a difference having a pro shoot your work and it just feel so good. Thanks, Paul!