Wire Artist of the Month

Wire Artist of the Month October 2012: Kristen Glanzman

October Artist of the Month Kristen Glanzman

About Kristen

I like taking raw materials and turning them into something beautiful. My pieces are all very different from each other, both in medium and in style. I do not have a particular style, which in itself becomes my style.

My interest in making jewelry began after I saw two necklaces in a mail order catalog that touted the metaphysical properties of the gemstones in them. Intrigued by the concept but not impressed by the pieces themselves, and having been blessed with artistic ability from an early age, I thought I could do better with some classes to learn jewelry-making techniques.

Making jewelry is a side business at the moment. I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind pieces for people, and the look of excitement on their faces when I present them the pieces we discussed. I enjoy creating beautiful, unique pieces, and I also enjoy wearing them.

I plan to continue taking jewelry-making classes and also to learn as much as I can about gemstones, crystals, and minerals, as I believe one never stops learning.

Artist Name: Kristen Glanzman Location: New Jersey Where you can find her: On her website, Something Tangible

Tell Us About Your Work

Wire Wrapped Pendant
Pretty in Purple Ring, a purple Mother of Pearl bead wrapped into a ring in 20-gauge silver craft wire by Kristen Glanzman

My Pretty in Purple ring is an irregular lavender Mother of Pearl bead wire-wrapped with 20 gauge round silver craft wire. The wire drapes over the front and back of the bead in wave-like arcs, and the bead is accented by a coil on each side of the front.

Wire Wrapped Pendant
Kristen wrapped this fish pendant in silver wire using rhodonite, garnet, and fuchsia chalk turquoise beads.

I've worked in public relations for 14 years, been a Curves instructor, a computer teacher, a stock transfer rejection specialist. I started my jewelry business, Something Tangible, in 2009 with the goal of it becoming a self-sufficient business. I'm excited about the prospect of creating, not only jewelry, but also my company, from my imagination.

I like listening to my clients' requirements or needs, then creating something that pleases them. I will often try three or four times before I "get" what they want. I keep all of my "rejects" because I know someone else will like it (diff'rent strokes...). I don't even like everything I make! I also love learning and mastering new techniques.

Wire Wrapped Pendant
A wire knit pendant with added sparkle by Kristen Glanzman, named Bit O' Bling

I love the creative aspect of making jewelry...figuring out how to create something beautiful out of a pile of materials. I also enjoy learning new techniques and broadening my repertoire. My first classes were in wire work, but I have expanded into learning beading techniques and metalwork. I also adapt skills learned earlier in life, such as macramé. I enjoy trying different styles and techniques.

I also love talking to someone about what she wants and then creating pieces that makes her and/or her loved ones happy.

Wire Wrapped Bracelet
Kristen's Fiesta Bracelet is made from colorful wire and jump rings, as well as freshwater pearls, crystal beads, and azurite-malachite.

 

Wire Wrapped Pendant
Kristen created this wire wrapped heart pendant with two wires: one for the frame, and a red wire coiled in a spiral around the heart frame.

I feel accomplished when I can look at my final product -- even if it doesn't look like the picture I was inspired by (and it usually doesn't) -- and see how well (hopefully!) it turned out just from following directions. I also tend to explore ideas as I'm working: "If I tried this, what would happen?" I rarely ever simply follow the directions as written...I almost always take a detour! A well-known beader told me that was the sign of a true artist. ;)

Wire Wrapped Pendant
Doozie of a Druzy is the piece Kristen entered to our 2012 Druzy Contest: an ivory druzy wrapped in sterling silver wire and ice-blue glass beads, hung on a rolled satin nylon cord.


About wirejewelry's Wire Artist of the Month Program

Each month, we pick a talented wire jewelry artist and their work to highlight. We know we have some incredibly talented customers, and we seek to encourage and highlight those members of our community by highlighting one wire artist every month.

Would you like to be featured on wirejewelry.com?
Click here for our Wire Artist of the Month Submission Form.


Previous Featured Artists