Monday, May 20, 2013

JET Artisan Profile:
Lisa Alcala of EmeraldPixie

Hello! I'm Lisa Alcala, and my Etsy shop is EmeraldPixie. I make handcrafted sterling silver, 14K gold and gemstone jewelry.

I became inspired to make jewelry in high school. I could never find jewelry that suited my style, so I would get pieces from thrift stores, take them apart and create new jewelry designs with the components.

The very first piece I created all on my own was out of beads when I was in college. There was a local bead store that allowed people to create
Rhodolite Garnet and Silver Stud Earrings
their own pieces. Tried it once and I was hooked on jewelry making.

I learned how to bead on my own. When I moved on to metalsmithing I read books first, then while watching a jewelry making TV show on DIY, I watched master metalsmith Carl Stanley create a stunning cuff bracelet.

I looked him up on the internet and discovered that he teaches workshops at Farrin O'Connor Design Studios in Pasadena, Ca. I have learned metalsmithing from wonderful teachers like Carl Stanley, Margo Farrin, and Sue Matz.

My favorite materials to work with are sterling silver, gold and gemstones. Gemstones influence my creative process. Many of my designs are minimalist styles, because I want to show off the stone - not the piece that holds it.

I work my creations around whatever gemstone I am working with, like the Geometric Cut Blue Topaz in Sterling Silver Ring pictured on the left. I love setting unusual, freeform gem shapes.

I make earrings and pendants, but my favorite jewelry items to make are rings. I would make rings all day long if allowed.

My favorite tool is the flex shaft. It allows me more freedom because it's such a versatile tool. Although, I would have to say that the tool I could not function at all without is my torch.

I recently learned flush setting or gypsy setting gemstones. This method of setting allows me to offer
an entire new range of items like the beautiful Shooting Star Sapphire and Silver Ring at right.

I would eventually like to learn the lost wax casting technique.

Please visit my shop on Etsy:
http://www.emeraldpixie.etsy.com

I'm here on Facebook ...
http://www.facebook.com/emeraldpixiejewelry

And you can follow me on Twitter here:
twitter.com/Emeraldpixjewel




 

16 comments :

Rene Rydell-McIntyre said...

Love your Story! Your jewelry is not only gorgeous but inspiring. xoxoxoxo

LoveStoneArts said...

I admire all of your work Lisa. What fun to learn a little more about your art!

Michele said...

Another great story, Lisa it was nice knowing how it all started. Lovely shop also!!!!

DG Jewelry Designs said...

Wonderful to get to know you Lisa. Your creations are so beautiful.

Mollie Ann said...

Hi Lisa! I love your jewelry and your story! Thanks for giving us a peek! :)

Unknown said...

Your jewelry creations are fabulous, thanks for giving us a peak on how it all began!

Beadsme said...

Absolutely stunning designs Lisa.

TheSilverBear said...

Your rings are just gorgeous, Lisa. Thanks for sharing.

Brooke said...

Lisa, I enjoyed learning more about you and how you got into metalsmithing. Lovely jewelry!

SatinDollCo said...

Love your story and your jewelry is amazing.

Unknown said...

I love you jewelry! Your setting for the Geometric Cut Blue Topaz Ring is beautiful. How amazing that you were able to learn from someone you saw on TV- it must have been meant to be!

SendingLoveGallery said...

beautiful jewelry, Lisa! enjoyed reading about your jewelry journey.

JillreOzmay said...

Your jewelry is beautiful and I enjoyed reading about how you came to be a designer/maker :) Thank you for sharing your story!

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

Lisa, your work continues to evolve and become more lovely all the time. Who is that little face! Beautiful!!! It is really nice to learn a little more about you and how you learned your craft.

MadeByTammy said...

I love reading and learning more about you, Lisa! It has been my pleasure watching your jewelry and skills progress. Your rings are stunning! Can't wait to see what you do next.

jemsbyjb said...

Love reading your story. Beautiful work in your shop. And your kids are the cutest!!