A Day with Jerry Faires

I was fortunate enough to witness a day-long demonstration by Jerry Faires, a well known silversmith and musician from Santa Fe.

He came to my silversmithing class with a bag of sterling silver spoons, some tools, and his guitar.  We had been told by our teacher, Greg Harris, that we wouldn’t want to miss this day of class, and boy was he right.

I was intrigued from the moment he walked into the studio. He wore a plain gray tshirt and  jeans with a hand-sewn back pocket. He was decorated with numerous turquoise necklaces, a concho belt buckle, and two GORGEOUS  thick turquoise bracelets.

Jerry is what a silversmith would call a first phase smith, meaning he creates his jewelry pieces using the same techniques as silversmiths used in the early 1900s.  Conchos were routinely used to adorn equine tack as well as belts and other jewelry.  Here is an example of some conchos made by Jerry Faires:

Conchos by Jerry Faires

As Jerry slipped on his blacksmith apron with brown leather with fringes, he told us he would be creating a bracelet.  As he gathered his tools, he began to recite a poem- the first of many that day- describing old west trade, silversmithing, and love.  Totally captivating.

Jerry began the process of creating the bracelet by melting his sterling silver spoons in a crucible, then pouring the molten silver into a mold.  He ended up with a long rectangular band, which he hand-filed smooth and straight.

Using a large hammer and a chasing tool, he pushed the edges of the silver outward, creating high ridges on the outer edges of the band, as well as in the middle.  Believe me when I say he made this laboring work look EASY.

process of chasing

chasing tools

He then used a type of metal stamp to create a rope-like appearance to the raised ridges… he eyeballed the distance between stamping- I estimate each side (and the middle) required between 30-50 stamps…

He stamped to a “beat” with the rhythm of tap, WHAM…  tap, WHAM.  The stamp to silver like a knife in butter.  Truly amazing to watch, and also perfectly spaced.

He used a chisel and large hammer to cut through the silver between the middle ridge and outer two ridges.

He then used a special tool to separate the bands, creating two open splits in the bracelet.  The “silver separator” is a retired tool that orthopods formerly used to break apart plaster casts, how interesting!

plaster cast splitter

When watching Jerry, one can tell that he obviously has a relationship with each of his tools.  Most of the tools had been handmade either by Jerry or one of his close friends.  Several of his tools were decorated pieces themselves, with coins and stones, and he had a story to tell about each one of them.

During our lunch break, well…  We had a live music session…  Jerry’s music is just as well thought-out as his jewelry.  I could tell that Jerry’s musical inspiration had come from his own life events.  What a great way to learn more about a person…

After lunch it was time to set the stone.  Jerry created a silver backing for a large piece of Colorado turquoise (that he cut himself) from the end of a silver spoon.  He annealed the spoon (heated it) and then rolled it flat with a rolling mill, creating a flat circle.

He then made his own bezel, the piece of silver that surrounds the stone, by rolling another piece of silver out long and flat, then cut it to size with leather shears.

His soldering capabilities were incredible- to say the least.  From start to finish, this gorgeous piece of jewelry was created in 5 hours.  AMAZING.  And it looks like it stepped out of the beginning of the 20th century.

Turquoise Cuff by Jerry Faires

Turquoise Cuff by Jerry Faires

It gets better… Jerry gives lessons in his shop…  bet you can guess what I’ll be doing this fall!

Read more about Jerry Faires at  http://www.JerryFaires.com

Jerry Faires

Jerry Faires singer-guitarist-storyteller of Santa Fe, New Mexico…

this poet and performer has created a portrait of the world and it’s people with heart and humor, wit and wisdom. An artist in precious metal and beautiful stones as well as melody and words, Faires’ long journey from South Texas, through Oklahoma coffeehouse days, inner-city St. Louis to Santa Fe’s hippie honky-tonks has provided him with a rich and colorful pallette for a poet-singer

“Mind Over Matter”

A dear friend asked me if I would be interested in donating a piece of jewelry for a silent auction at our local hospital here in Santa Fe, the Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center.  The silent and live auctions are a part of the 2011 Glamour and Gauze, a Gala that  is organized for the hospital every year.

Because of my past experience as a CT technologist, I immediately began to think of ideas for a piece of jewelry that I could create to help raise money for the trauma program at St. Vincent’s.  I am now a full-time jewelry artist, and decided I would combine my professions to create a piece of art that would mesh perfectly with the theme of the event.

I worked in CT (Cat Scan) for about 6 years before moving to Santa Fe.  During that time I met tons of wonderful people and created many lasting friendships.  A neuroradiologist agreed to give me some of his old “teaching files” with which I was able to create this unique necklace that was later named, “Mind Over Matter.”

Using original films from MRI imaging of the brain, I cut out the desired images and intricately weaved them together with sterling silver-filled wire, creating a wave effect that is quite stunning.  I finished the piece with Sardonyx gemstones and swarovski crystals, and of course a handmade clasp and chain.

"Mind Over Matter"

When I was finished with the piece, I posted pics on my facebook fan page .  I then asked for ideas of names for the necklace and was elated to see all the creative ideas from my fans.

I chose “Mind Over Matter” because of its dual meaning…  It is a picture of the brain (mind), and when worn, rests over the body (matter).
However, the coolest thing is that “Mind Over Matter” is actually a MANTRA FOR HEALING… which is RIGHT ON with the whole reason I created this piece.
THANK YOU CHELSEA for this awesome play on words.

Then I began to think about the display.  It would have to be like a lightbox- one like a radiologist would use to read films.

I took my trademark display idea (displaying my jewelry on vases) to a new level by using the glass from a wall sconce.
The shape of the sconce was perfect as a necklace display and allowed me to shine light up from the bottom, creating my “viewbox.”  COOL, right?

Here is a photo of the supplies I used to make the display…

Supplies for viewbox display

I then sprayed the sconce with a “glass frosting” spray…

sconce for display

Painted the box black…

Box for display

Put it all together and this is what you get!

Now we’re ready!  Bring on the Gala!

Super Special Celestial Bangle

My Super Special Celestial Bangle

by Kimberly Becker Long on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 7:25pm

This beautiful Celestial Bangle was specifically created and personalized just for me.  The creator of this masterpiece, Sabrinah McCaffery, accepted the challenge of piecing together a unique design based on my interests and needs. After discussing my request with Sabrinah, this is the email she sent me about her ideas.

I can’t tell you how eager I am to create this piece of jewelry  for you.  I believe that gemstones contain very strong healing energy to those who will accept it.  YOU are the reason I love creating jewelry and I know that I can make something that will be very meaningful to you.

I have a small rainbow moonstone gem that has a face carved into it.  It is quite interesting and I think you could benefit from having moonstone as a part of your jewelry.   It will help you unite with your inner goddess as well as keep you calm. Moonstone soothes emotional instability and stress and provides deep emotional healing… not to mention it focuses on alleviating disease related to the female reproductive system.  It also helps to eliminate toxins, and is an excellent aid for conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and breast feeding

It is highly energized and activated during a full moon, which I am sure you will find interesting.  From what I’ve read about moonstone, you may want to leave it in the moonlight during the full moon as opposed to wearing it during this time.  It will give it time to “recharge.”

I immediately thought of this stone after reading your story as well as your interests… However, I did not realize that moonstone contained so many qualities relating to your request.  These “coincidences” (although I believe them to be “intentions”) make me feel that I am doing what I am meant to do with my life.  Thinking back, I truly feel that when I purchased this stone it was meant for you- I just didn’t know it at the time.  I am so glad that it has found it’s way to you!

My idea is to incorporate this stone into your bracelet as the actual moon-  with some stars surrounding it.  I was thinking I would use blue zircon for the stars.  Blue zircon is a vibrant teal blue, but also has transparency.  Zircon is known for it’s healing properties.  It should help you overcome your loss and make way for a new beginning.  Specifically blue zircon balances, uplifts, and stabilizes the mind and emotions.

Just reading Sabrinah’s ideas moved me to tears.  I was so touched that she was willing to take the time to design a masterpiece specifically for me.  Sabrinah sent me pictures of the completed bangle and I was once again moved to tears.  I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect!

My bracelet arrived in the mail today, beautifully packaged I might add, and I couldn’t be more pleased!  When I placed the bangle on my wrist, it felt like it was meant just for me.  It fits perfectly, and feels so wonderful against my skin; I can barely tell it’s there.  The bracelet is so stunning, I can’t help but continue to look at it on my wrist.  I look forward to the healing and soothing powers of the stones Sabrinah specifically chose to meet my needs.  I am so touched, I can hardly find the words to describe it.

If you are looking for “that” piece of jewerly for yourself, or someone special, I highly recommend the artistic and creative talents of Sabrinah’s Artisan Adornments!  God has blessed her with a wonderful gift and she is using it to do wonderful things.

Celestial Bangle

Celestial Bangle

Kim,

I wish I could express to you how absolutely amazing your story is to me.  I am honored to have been selected to create this jewelry for you.

Thank you for believing in me, and in my art as a form of healing.  I am sure that your bangle and gemstones will bring you great joy, not only through their beauty against your skin, but also for the benefits they will give to you freely.

I have a strong feeling that they will exceed your expectations.  I look forward to hearing some very good news from you!

~Sabrinah

Druzy for Susy

So there is quite a story behind this Druzy ring…

I took a class from Kim St Jean, who taught me how to bezel set gemstones and back them with sterling sheet.  After finishing the day-long class with my BFF, Amanda, I had a druzy ring set on a shape of sterling silver sheet in which I punched some random holes. 

Upon returning home, I realized that my ring needed some wire-  I am obsessed with wire after all…  So, I configured a unique design to wrap the wire around the bezel, which worked perfectly.  I took some photos of this ring and posted them on my facebook fan page:    http://www.facebook.com/SabrinahsArt

Original Druzy Ring

 

My fiance’s uncle noticed the ring and decided that he wanted one made for his daughter Susy- my soon-to-be cousin.  I made a similar ring and sent it to him.   He decided to give the ring to her as a birthday present, and he was pretty darn excited.  I was too!  I really couldn’t wait to hear what Susy thought when she opened her gift.

As it turned out, Susy totally LOVED the ring.  She was thrilled to tell me that she had seen a ring with the same type of stone when she was traveling in Costa Rica.  The Cost Rican ring was something she’d thought about many times after leaving it behind, and here it was… her birthday present.

Druzy for Susy

She had not told anyone about the ring in Cost Rica, but the girls she had been traveling with had seen it too.  They were delighted to find out that this stone had somehow made it’s way back to Susy’s finger.  Susy sent me a copy of the business card that the jeweler in Costa Rica had given her.  It had the name of the stone written on the back, as proof that it was really HER stone.

Once again, a gemstone has found it’s person.  We are attracted to stones for very specific reasons, and not just because they are beautiful.  Gemstones offer unique properties that can assist in healing and self-reflection.  Sometimes, these stones will not leave us alone until they can give us what we need.

Isn’t jewelry just WONDERFUL?