An unexpected bequest several years ago afforded me the opportunity to transform a serious hobby into a full-time business. I began making jewelry nearly 20 years ago entirely by accident. My stepdaughter had recently left home for college; cleaning out her room, I found an unopened beading kit and decided on the spot that I would make her a Christmas gift from her own beads. At the time I was a stay-at-home mother with two small children; money was tight. From that kit I made a bracelet and a pair of earrings—-and, to my surprise, discovered my true calling. I quickly moved from beading to wire work, on to metal clay and, finally, to traditional metal forming and jewelry fabrication.

For a listing of upcoming classes or to schedule a private lesson, please visit TheRivet@DiscoverySpace.