Kelly Wirtanen - Jewelry Artist

 

I always dreamed of being surrounded by open space and living on a ranch.  My love of being outside and close to the natural world brought me to Flagstaff, Arizona.  I purchased ranch property 13 years ago, overlooking the Painted Desert and with views of the sacred San Francisco Peaks.  I knew this was my home--my heart and soul had found the place they needed to be.

I met my husband Mark, and together we embarked on the amazing adventure of designing and building a strawbale home.  In our solar home off the grid we live with our two young children, three dogs, 7 chickens, and the numerous rabbits, coyotes, antelope and other wild animals that grace the landscape that inspires the color and textures you will find in my jewelry.

I have a great deal of fun expressing myself in PMC- Precious Metal Clay. Tiny pure silver particles are combined with an organic binder to create a medium that looks, feels, and works like clay. When fired the organic binder burns off and what is left is pure silver! Pure silver doesn’t tarnish as readily as sterling and cleans much easier. To clean, use a jewelers cloth or a soft toothbrush and a baking soda/water solution. Baking soda will not harm your silver or stones, it is non toxic and inexpensive!

The colors, textures, and unique energy each stone offers inspire and guide me.  My hope is that my jewelry lets those who wear it experience the sense of empowerment and peace that comes from forging a closer connection with our natural world, its beauty, and strength.