Local Featured Seller: Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

Who are you? Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

Where are you located? Cary, NC

What do you create? Jewelry in fine metals, sterling, fine silver, copper and brass with semi-precious stones (cabs mostly), faceted gems, and colorful glass beads.

What is your favorite place to visit in the triangle? I don't think I have one favorite location to visit - in mild weather I love to see all the beautiful flowers in local botanical gardens (and my own flower garden!) and, of course, the many NC beaches for the relaxing sounds of the waves and smell of the salt air!

When did you start creating? I am a very late bloomer in jewelry making - my first exposure was a wire wrapped ring session at a local bead store in Cary in early 2009. From there I started taking classes in more wire work. It was then a natural progression to move to metalsmithing - took several metals classes at the Pullen Arts Center to expand my growing skills.

Why did you choose your medium? I love to manipulate metals and am continuously amazed at what can be created with metal wire and sheet! Currently I am learning how to make lampwork glass beads - it is now my passion of the day!

What/who inspires you? Nature's flowers and the artistic lines of Asian art are what I lean towards for my creations. Also, my growing circle of jewelry artists have had a great influence in my journey in metals.

Where do you create? I am fortunate to have access to several venues besides my small home studio. My home is equipped with mostly small hand tools that I use for wire wrapping, metal forging and torching or soldering small pieces. Whenever I need a larger torch or heavier equipment (eg. rolling mill, hydraulic press, kilns) I have studio cards at both Pullen Arts Center and NCSU Crafts Center.

What are your goals? To learn as much as I can to grow my business - keep taking classes and workshops to expand my skills.

After you've checked Linda's extensive selection of jewelry on etsy, she has a blog, facebook page, twitter account, and Artfire store that are all worth visiting.

NCTriangle Team members who would like to be featured on the blog, please contact Shore Debris.