New Member Profile - Jen Lawler

This week I have one new member to introduce you to. Her name is Jen Lawler and she joined EtsyMetal Team this past June. We are thrilled to have her!! Jen is a very active member of the team and a fabulous stone setter and metalsmith. Her Etsy shop, JenLawlerDesigns, features classic, modern pieces in sterling silver and gold. Here is a little more information about Jen and her beautiful jewelry:



When I was in middle school, I wove friendship bracelets ALL the time. I gave them too all of my friends and family. Then I took my first metalsmithing class in high school here in Des Moines almost 20 years ago and was hooked. I majored in three dimensional design in college focusing most of my time on the metalsmithing courses. I actually was fortunate enough to study under 3 very well know metalsmith professors during my college career. First at Drake University with Ignatius Widiapradja, second at University of Iowa with Chunghi Choo, and thirdly at Iowa State University with Chuck Evans before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Right after college, I only tried for one position and that was at a shop in West Des Moines Iowa. I was given the job as a full time metalsmith right out of school! I worked there for 12 years learning and practicing many different techniques in setting natural precious and semi-precious gemstones into one of a kind sterling silver or 14 karat and 18 karat yellow gold and white gold contemporary pieces of sculpted jewelry.

My studio is located at home for the next few years at least until I get my 3 lovely girls off to school full-time, so it works out well in balancing it all. I am participating in many different art shows now, sell my work at 6 different galleries and also sell online at www.jenlawlerdesigns.etsy.com.

My focus in creating these days is still in a clean, simple and contemporary design. I am working hard at creating pieces that are more of your everyday go to items. Those earrings or rings that you want to grab and wear all of the time, not just that once in a while piece for a very special occasion. However, don’t be surprised to find some very large and unique statement pieces as well. They just have to be created sometimes and showcased! I also love to design custom pieces for people and have had many years of experience in doing that, so don’t hesitate to ask me about making a certain special piece for you.