I began jewelry making in 2001 in San Diego after wandering into The Shepherdess looking for leather cord to string on silver pendants that my partner and I imported from Mexico. After a quick lesson on attaching findings on a cord I noticed some jewelry samples for classes and expressed an interest in a beginning silver wire class. I found myself enrolled the next day in the silver wire class and I have never looked back.

I spent the next several years exploring various classes at The Shepherdess and then with Connie Fox. In February of 2005 I became an Art Clay Silver Certified Level I Instructor, under the tutelage of Jonna Faulkner, and have since made a commitment to expanding my knowledge about working with various media and finding different sources of inspiration everywhere I look. The goal is to help ensure that my artistic expression in making jewelry has balance between material, creativity and quality.

In 2005, to further stretch my abilities, I enrolled in a metalsmith class taught by Deb Jemmott which has opened new avenues in my style. I am a semi-retired graphic designer of over 25 years and currently have my own practice as a Holistic Health Practitioner 2-1/2 days a week and on the off days I am a wire jewelry artist and ACS designer. Currently I am a member of the Art Clay Society, Metal Arts Society of Southern California, and Bead Society Of San Diego County.

website: www.pattiephipps.com