Barbara Nelson
B Nelson Designs
I am Barbara Nelson, designer, artisan and art show exhibitor! B Nelson Designs is a small business. Woman owned and operated with generous help and contributions from my sister and friends.
B Nelson Designs began in 1995. Looking back at my early work is a pleasure for me, it is my history. My work is hand crafted by me, in my studio. Some pieces are one of a kind and some are limited production but they all start out as a sketch. The sketch becomes a pattern which is traced onto a flat sheet of metal, either silver or bronze. The pieces are cut out with a jewelers saw then the edges are filed and smoothed to match the pattern. Texture is applied using a small, hand made steel stamp and a mallet. Hammers, mallets and mandrels are used to form the curves that make my work sculptural. The next step is to solder the pieces together with an acetylene torch. The piece then goes into an acid pickle bath. Forming is finalized and the piece is prepped for oxidizing, brushing and finishing.
My goal is to create a unique piece of art which is wearable. I want my jewelry to engage the audience. I enjoy the one-on-one connection I have with my customers. I see jewelry as personal adornment and a universally human language.
The Process
My jewelry is hand fabricated using sterling silver, bronze and carefully selected stones. Each piece starts out as a flat sheet of metal. One of my patterns is traced onto the metal then cut out using a jeweler's saw, shears, a pancake die or a combination of techniques. The edges are filed and sanded until smooth. Hand stamped textures are applied using a variety of steal stamps and a one pound mallet. Components are formed with hammers, mandrels, punches, dapping blocks and sometimes a hydraulic press. I use a torch for high temperature soldering as well as cold joining techniques. Some designs require several soldering steps as well as multiple forming techniques. After all soldering and forming are complete the pieces are cleaned, oxidized (darkened to bring out detail) and buffed. The brushed finish gives each piece a soft sophisticated look and highlights the design. Finally, each piece is hand signed by me, Barbara Nelson.
Maintaining Your B Nelson Designs Jewelry:
My jewelry is easily maintained. I use Windex to clean my jewelry, spray it liberally and rub with your fingers or soft cloth, rinse and towel dry. I use 3m Scotchbrite to remove tarnish and maintain the brushed finish, the same green Scotchbrite that is available in grocery and hardware stores. Brush over the high points to brighten them. I also use scotchbrite to blend scratches. When using the Scotchbrite, brush in a couple of different directions so the new brush lines cross. If you are concerned about using the Scotchbrite, test it where it won’t show. The use of Scotchbrite will leave a residue, Windex or dish detergent will remove this. Store your piece in a re-closable plastic bag to help prevent tarnish. Silver cloths and/or silver polish will remove tarnish but they are mildly abrasive and will remove the brushed finish. Rejuvenate the brushed finish by using the Scotchbrite. Please do not use silver dip, you most likely wont like the look.
If you have a comment or a question I would like to hear from you. Please go to the contact page to send a message.