Hammering out beauty

Metalsmith and jewellery designer New Zealander Amy Bixby, who is based in Seattle, “grew up on a sheep station with parents who instilled the value of making things from scratch”, freelance writer Kathy Schultz explains for Seattle Times blog NW Source. “It surely influenced her aesthetic. She hand-fabricates her own beads and works each piece of jewellery by hammering, punching, molding and experimenting with metal techniques. “My Dad’s work shed was always full of intriguing bits and pieces,” Bixby says. “An array of hammers and wrenches lined the walls and bench tops and I’m sure this is where my fascination for hand tools was born.” A new collection is punctuated with simple gold cross-stitches. The line extends to wedding rings, men’s rings and custom-made jewellery. A wide collection of Bixby’s jewellery is sold at Venue in Ballard, Seattle. Bixby has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Jewellery & Textiles from Otago School of Arts.