Instructor: Janise Simmons

Designing with PMC, Fascinating Findings

Sometimes, life saves the best for last. After more than 30 years as a Certified Public Accountant, I returned to my first love – jewelry. I made jewelry as a child from buttons and other found objects. That love progressed through many art classes in college. For years all my spare time was spent working with beads, wire, and chain mail to master the ancient techniques behind these art forms. In the 1998, I found Precious Metal Clay. I have been so impressed with this product that I have attained a Level II certification in Precious Metal Clay (PMC). This wonderful medium provides incredible shortcuts to obtaining a fine silver piece that would take weeks if traditional metalsmithing methods were used. PMC is a great medium to mix with beading or traditional metal work pieces.

A true example of ‘better living through science’! I finally left the business world in 2006 to dedicate myself fulltime to making jewelry and teaching the techniques to students. I moved to Austin, Texas – one of the great cities for those that enjoy the arts! My work is created with a contemporary twist on ancient motifs. The jewelry is provocative and reflects my belief that life, from the beginning of time, has always been rooted in beauty. As a teacher, my goal is to give students the technical knowledge they need to effectively create and bring to fruition their own vision.

Need to ask Janise a Question? Email her: janise@creativeside.org