If you’re signed up for our Free Wire Jewelry Patterns, you may be seeing a pattern from Brenda Sigafoos soon!

Artistic by nature, Brenda Sigafoos has been involved in about every aspect of arts and crafts since she was a child. Life has not been easy for Brenda, however through her love of art she has been able to find her own peace. She also works with women’s crisis groups, sharing ways to rebuild personal esteem through art. Inspired by her love of nature, Brenda began creating jewelry by coming up with her own beaded designs; but when she began working with wire, she discovered her favorite medium. Totally dedicated to her children, Brenda shares her talents and knowledge with them at every opportunity, in her lovely new home in Minnesota.

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Lena Bugrimenko was one of our Tucson 2012 Instructors! Discover Lena’s chainmaille and beading classes here: Lena Bugrimenko Course Listings

If you love chain maille then you’ll enjoy patterns and classes with Wire-Sculpture Faculty, chain maille artist Lena Bugrimenko!

I was born in the wonderful city of Kharkov, Ukraine. Like any girl, I loved jewelry- not only wearing it, but even holding jewelry made me happy.  (Back then, I had no idea that one day I would make jewelry myself!) I graduated from the Polytechnic University, majoring in chemical engineering, and began working in my field.

In 1999, my life changed a lot! My husband, daughter and I moved to the USA. It was a new start and a new life, so I decided to do something new too.  I began making my own jewelry!

In the beginning, I made jewelry using seed beads; beautiful, yes, but it wasn’t enough. Then I discovered the art of making Chain Maille, and now it is one of my favorite techniques. I love combining this technique with beads, gems, and wire. Sometimes the result is unexpected and very beautiful, and a unique, new design is created!

In 2009 I won the 1st Place Gold Medal award with my piece titled “Glorious Summer Necklace” in FMG’s Swarovski category. In 2010 I took the Bronze Medal award with my piece titled “Wedding Necklace” in FMG’s wirework and chain category. My designs have been used by Fire Mountain Gems both as a back cover advertisement and in their catalogs.

I have been published in a book, Mixed Media Jewelry Techniques, a collaboration with Lana May, Dale “Cougar” Armstrong, and eight other talented jewelry artists.

Lena and her family enjoy living in southern New Hampshire. She can often be found teaching at the JOGS show in Tucson. You can see her latest creations on her website, Sparkling Fantasy.

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Those of you who are signed up to receive Free Wire Jewelry Patterns may be seeing some patterns from Tracey McKenzie soon…

Born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England, Tracey has also lived in New Zealand and currently resides in Australia. A lover of animals and birds, when I asked Tracey about her creative side she replied, “I have always been artistic and basically grew up with a pencil in my mouth. I would draw, and draw and draw! When I was about 14, I started to make basic jewellery pieces, using beads and elastic. This only lasted a few years.

I got back into drawing first, and started to do portraits of people and pets, on a commission basis. If I wasn’t drawing, or painting I would find myself getting frustrated, as I knew I wanted to make, paint or do something, I just didn’t know what. I realized that I needed to do something that was quick and that had almost instant gratification, as portraits take many, MANY hours to do.

So one day I bought some more beads and then I bought some wire and began playing around with jewellery making. This time I was hooked! I would source the Internet, and magazines on “how to.” Once I got the basics I just wanted to know more. This was about 5 years ago now, and I haven’t looked back.

I love working with wire, and with colour. So now if I’m not drawing or painting, there is no chance of the artistic, internal frustration I previously experienced as I just pick up some wire, grab some beads, and let the creations flow!”

Tracey McKenzie has made Brisbane, Queensland, Australia her home where she, her supportive husband, and their two children enjoy their many family pets, both feathered and furry.

Click here to see other Contributing Guest Artists and Wire Faculty Members.

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Those of you who are signed up to receive Free Wire Jewelry Patterns may be seeing some patterns from Wire-Sculpture Faculty member Jill Gentry soon…

Raised on a farm in Kentucky, Jill grew up with a talented mom who was an accomplished painter. Although she tried, the fine arts didn’t call to Jill; rather, she enjoyed all types of crafts including crochet, knitting and counted cross-stitch. Several years ago, she began working with wire, making earrings to sell at her church bazaar. Then a best friend (from high school) introduced her to Dale “Cougar” Armstrong and wire took over Jill’s life.

Jill still lives on a farm in Kentucky, with her husband and two adult children, several dogs, cats, and Angus cows. Over the past six years, between gardening, cooking, and church activities she has become a very serious “wire artist.” Jill’s unique wire jewelry has taken awards and she has been the featured artist in several venues. A classic car buff, she named her business after her car, “Blue Malibu Jewelry.”

Jill has a ring design featured in Dale’s book, “Wirework,” and she rarely misses her yoga classes. When asked about her success, Jill says, “I must be true to myself and never forget that God gave me this gift to share with others.”

Click here to see other Wire Faculty Members and Contributing Guest Artists.

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Driven by her “Ethereal Muse,” Marty Blu is a lifelong artist who has only recently made wire her preferred medium. Her art training ranges from Seattle’s famed Cornish College of the Arts to many various workshops and classes that cover all aspects of artistic expression.

Marty is also an active participant in a local Artworks program, having shown and sold many pieces through community oriented events. The inspiration of her childhood home of Port Townsend, Washington often shows in her artwork; with brilliant aspects of the ocean shore and its unique and beautiful variety of sea life having a prominent tone.

After less than two years of working with wire, Marty was able to attend a workshop with Dale “Cougar” Armstrong (Summer, 2010). Here Marty would not only learn from the foremost authority on wire jewelry design, but was also able to share some of her more unique and whimsical works, such as her Sea Turtle and Swivel links.

Marty Blu has always lived in the Pacific Northwest, currently residing in Shoreline, Washington.  She can be contacted via her website: www.martyblu.com/

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