Becoming A Self Taught Silversmith

March 19, 2025

"How did you get into this?"

This is a question I am often asked at markets, pop ups, or just when sharing what I do for a living. I am a Metalsmith, specifically, a Silversmith, meaning I primarily work with fine and sterling silvers, making one of a kind jewelry and wares. It was once a hobby that quickly turned into a passion, and then profession.

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Soldering a ring band in my home studio back in 2023

So How Did I Get Into It?

I suppose it all began with my upbringing in the Southwest. I was born and raised in West Texas where I resided until I was 18. Art has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It's something I was exposed to at a very young age, and always wanted to pursue. I never felt particularly good at any medium, but I always loved to create.

While growing up in West Texas, being so close to the New Mexico border, I would often travel there with my family for vacation. Both my parents, even after they split in my teens, loved to go to Santa Fe to check out the Galleries, collect art, and appreciate the culture and beauty of the desert mountains.

It was there in Santa Fe, I would begin collecting sterling silver jewelry and fall in love with traditional Southwestern/ Native American design. I admired the style and craftsman ship. Every time I would visit, I would try to collect a new piece to add to my jewelry box... a new beloved talisman.

I moved to Northern Colorado when I was 18 to pursue my degree in Psychology. Although I did put that degree to use for a few years, I soon was emotionally drained and realized it was not quite the path for me. My father had passed away from a trying battle with cancer, and I was still in my early 20s feeling rather lost and shaken with grief; I was unsure where my life was headed. For many years I wondered if I would ever find my calling in life. Could it happen for me? Would it happen for me?

"Could it happen for me?

Would it happen for me?"

Soul Searching in Utah, Summer 2018

Fast forward to 2020, we are in the middle of the Covid pandemic. I had been working as a waitress for a few years at a very high volume restaurant in my area, making good money and comfortable, but still looking for something more meaningful. I was sitting at the bar after a long shift one night, hanging out with my coworkers as we often did, and right then and there I just decided I was going to do something different. It was time.

Covid had shown us how impermanent everything was. For me it was a wake up and a reminder of how short life is. And hear me out, there is nothing wrong with waiting tables. It's a hard job and I respect the hell out of those in the service industry, but I knew it wasn't where I wanted to stay forever. It wasn't giving me the meaning and purpose I was seeking.

"Why Can't I Do That?"

I had been following a few silversmiths on social media, admiring their work and thinking, "I wish I could do that." And then I sat back and asked my self, "well why can't you!?" Why can't I do that? What is holding me back from learning? What else am i doing right now? I have a flexible job, I make decent money, I have time for classes....I can do that. The only thing holding me back, is ME. *Cue lightbulb*

And so I did.

Now there are many online courses, and if your lucky, maybe even some in person courses in your area. For me, I found an online based Module course through Crested Butte Jewelry School, which I really enjoyed. Of course, diving into this venture was an investment. If you are doing everything at home like I was, you have to acquire a lot of initial tools just to begin, and that's a bit of an upfront cost. So, when I took this investment, I promised myself I had to really commit to doing it. LIKE really commit. Lucky for me, when I started metalsmithing, I was hooked instantly! I fell in love with the trade.

I initially started with the most basic tools, working at my kitchen counter for months. I made simple rings, and gradually over time began making earrings, bracelets, and more complicated designs. I researched and took note of styles I liked. I would study other jewelers I liked and see what techniques they were using. I would reach out over social media to other silversmith and ask questions! I did not hold back. If you want to succeed, don't try to invent the wheel by yourself. Turn toward mentors.... experts, youtube, books, etc. There are so many free resources, as well as incredible online classes. I still feel like there is so much I want to learn, and that's something I love about this trade.

Where I am Today

From creating my website, doing hundreds of shows, making and selling countless pieces, it has now been 5 years of beautiful growth and I still feel like I am just beginning. Although this journey is filled with many up and downs, I can say today, I have found my calling and I understand that I was born to create. This alone has made it all worth it!

There is so much more to my story and so much I could write about in terms of starting a small business. I like to think of myself as an open book and am happy to help those that have any general questions. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at info@cosmicheartarts.com or subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date with the journey.