With this next Ambassador, her bright and bubbly personality shines through even though I have yet to meet her in person. Seriously, after my first few online chats with her, I knew she was a classy sassy soul and add to that as the epic queen at soldering when you check out her art! I warn you to prepare yourselves to see soldering taken to the next level in her projects below using RESINS & ARTIFACTS®. She solders on the resin! Yes, ON the resin. I can't help but smile when I see her headshot below that shines full with sparks of happiness and a spirited soul.
Check out my sweet and soulful interview with Debby Anderson.
Debby Anderson is a self-taught metalsmith, jewelry designer, and mixed media artist. Debby works from her home studio in San Francisco, California. She started her company, Romancing the Bling, seven years ago with a focus on jewelry design. Her beautifully ornate handcrafted pieces have been published in the prestigious Jewelry Affaire magazine and featured on the Today Show. Debby teaches jewelry workshops in the Bay Area and across the United States, as well as popular artist retreats hosted by Vivi Magoo (Texas & Tuscon) and BABE (Bay Area Bead Extravaganza) held in Oakland, California. Debby is on the faculty with Artful Gathering Online Retreats and offers two online workshops each year. She has three DVD workshops available to students. Debby's product line, Vintage Romance, has also been sold in Michaels stores.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
Spending time with my two amazing sons, as well as the the rest of my family! I have to admit that I wish I had more time to spend with them as my artistic life does not allow for much time off. I love traveling to share and teach with my students! Also, I love to read, attend flea markets, and spend time with my girlfriends!
What are you favorite materials to use when you create?
I have many favorite materials I use in my work as a jewelry designer, metalsmith, and artist. One of my favorite techniques is to start with a single piece of wire. I love to shape, forge, and harden different gauges into focal pieces while soldering with an iron and/or torch. My second favorite material to work with is Apoxie Sculpt Clay. Many designs include a combo of metal and clay. My designs are usually embellished with vintage gems, spiritual imagery, and medals.
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
I am inspired by various time periods in history ranging form the Renaissance through the Art Deco era. I love incorporating religious icons and French themed embellishments to replicate jewelry, relics, and images from the past in my own design aesthetic.
What is your signature style?
Intricate and feminine with an 'old world' artistic aesthetic. It is important when creating that I use high quality materials and apply finishing techniques at each step so that my pieces replicate a fine piece of jewelry from the past.
What is something your friends probably don't know about you?
Hmmmm....this is a hard one as I am pretty much an 'open book'....ha!
If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
This is easy. It would be my soulmate and late husband, Harvey. Often, I feel him with me. I know he would be proud that I have worked hard to overcome the grief from his passing 18 years ago. While working hard to reinvent myself over the past 7 years, I would like to chat about how I have become quite the passionate artist.
What is your favorite quote?
"Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were big things." ~ Kurt Vonnegut
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® product?
Don't 'over think' when designing and creating....I always say there are "no rules, nor mistakes in art". If your result does not make you happy, remember there are more opportunities to create with endless inspirations.
Sacred Hearts | Created by Debby Anderson
Check out more about Debby on her social media links below.