Nancy Lee Designs: Handmade Metal Jewelry, Objects, and Instruction

"CC Electro" Custom Logo Brooch with Black Pearl

It’s January 9, and this is my first post for 2012. Huzzah! It’s been a whirlwind fall and wonderful early winter, and I cannot thank my friends, family, clients and fellow metalsmiths enough. This summer was a difficult one for many reasons, but the past few months have more than made up for it. My faith in my ability to stay on this creative path has been renewed, and the New Year has served to energize me with enthusiasm that is fairly crackling!

Specifically, my dream journal is full words that have been translated into meanings, and meanings are translated into imagery. The birth of a new line, even a new direction in my work, might be taking place. Who knows where this will lead?

In 2012, I hope you are full of renewed enthusiasm as well, and inspired to rededicate yourself to your dreams, whatever they may be. I wish you peace, health, and all the energy you need to follow your path.

Please keep in touch, share your journey. Comments are welcome. That is what blogging is about!

My dear friend and gallery owner Ginger Meek Allen sent me an email today with info about an exciting new show opening in her North Carolina gallery on Friday. I’m thrilled both for her and for me! It’s great to be a part of the show and wanted to share with you her clever interactive ring idea along with the many other talented artists that will be participating in the show! Here’s Ginger’s news:

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Hello from LEDE Studio & Gallery in Downtown Wake Forest NC USA

We have something very special to show you!

Nancy (that would be a different Nancy) remarked in the studio on Monday afternoon that this may just be our best show yet.

How can that be?

We’ve had some wonderful shows. Last month’s India show was amazing, and some pieces are still available online, by the way. (here) The Lavaliere show we had last fall was a doozy. And our grand opening was a marvel.

But this, this is special.

Full Circle | A Celebration of Rings features upwards of 160 different rings by 14 different jewelers, some of whom are showing at LEDE for the first time. And, we use the word “upwards” quite intentionally, as all of those amazing rings comprise an interactive installation in the gallery that we really hope you will come to see in person so you can enjoy the full experience.

There is such a variety of rings in the show – from simple bands to conceptual pieces. Some are wearable on a daily basis, and some are, well, for special times. They are all part of two large suspended structures, which allow you to interact with each ring.

And, as if all that weren’t enough, we have a special treat for you created by our very own Leigh Salmon. Leigh has created a ring monument using a fist-sized faceted piece of glass, set in a chased brass bezel, atop a nickel silver shank. I don’t want to spoil the reveal of the finished piece, but here she is using a baseball bat to shape the stone setting.

Here’s a smattering of what you’ll find suspended in the show:

Turned Ebony by John Beamer

Exotic Wood Inlay by Brett Mundy

Hidden Atmospheres by Tavia Brown

Bezel Settings by Margaret Thiele

Chased Bands by Liz Mosier

Two-Finger Rings by Leigh Salmon

Vintage Crystal by Cindy Forrester

Posies by Nancy Lee

Gargantuan Structures by Maureen Brusa Zappelini

Jane Jetson’s Ring by Ginger Meek Allen

Ringing Anvil by Jeremy Maronpot

And. So. Much. More.

Visit the show page on the LEDE website here to see some of the portfolio images of rings in the show, and to read a little more about it. We’re throwing a party Friday night to celebrate. Join us!

Sincerely yours,

Ginger Meek Allen

Opening Reception April 8th, 6 – 9 pm
Exhibition April 8 – May 7

LEDE Studio & Gallery
504 South White Street
Downtown Wake Forest NC USA
(919)435-6984

http://tinyurl.com/44pyah5

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If you are in the Wake Forest, NC, area, be sure to visit this great exhibition. And thanks for the wonderful post, Ginger!

A windfall landed on my studio doorstep a couple of  weeks ago – copper-  thanks to my friend and new showroom-mate, Skip of Back Alley Studios. Lucky me! This windfall came in the form of waste cut from copper roof flashing – big, long, uneven strips. The moment I saw it, it called to me, like a song, “bracelets, bracelets, bracelets!” Armloads of them! Betwixt and between other duties, I worked on these babies.

Copper Cuff Cavalcade Progress Photo #1

The metal was thin, so double-layer cuff with a fold-formed element over the top became my design direction. Every cuff would be a different height. Perfect! Eight strips were cut from the long pieces, annealed (heated with a torch to soften the metal), and imprinted with several different patterns to create texture on the “base” cuff”.

Copper Cuff Progress Photo #1 – In the photo at left, you see the textured “base” cuffs formed up into proper bracelet shapes. The pile of copper strips at the top of the photo will create the “top” layer of the double-layer cuffs.

The FUN part was doing the fold-forming on the next eight strips of copper, which would then create my top layer of the double-layer bracelet. For this, I got out my 2-pound forging hammer – a massive, highly polished hunk of steel on a stout hickory handle cut to just the right length for me. Wailing away with just enough precision to get the job done, let off some steam, and not crush my moneymakers, life was sa-weet! Then…

Copper Cuff Cavalcade Progress Photo #2

Copper Cuff Cavalcade Progress Photo #2 – In the photo at right, the smaller top layers of the double layer bracelets are finished and matched up to their best mates. Pretty mates all in a row.

After Photo #2, ahead of me lay four more hours of riveting, final filing, sanding, and protecting the lovely patinas with a nice layer of Renaissance Wax. Created to protect the British Crown Jewels, doncha know! Kate Middleton approved! Nothing is too good for my peeps.

Have a look at the final results. I think these will look good on the models in an upcoming runway show that my work will be in, called “Art in the Round.”  You’re invited. You can say hi and tell me what you think in person! Or post a comment below. Either way, I’d love to hear from you.

Cuff Big Red IV

Copper Cuff Cavalcade by Nancy Lee