About JO’s Oyster Garden…

Like so many small business owners, JO’s Oyster Garden is so much more than a jewelry business to me. It is a reflection of my inner self and my life’s passion. At it’s heart, it’s about connection.  Connection with the natural world, each other, and ourselves, through the balance and beauty of art; the mindfulness that flows in the process of hand building jewelry; and connecting in class and retreats, discovering new possibilities to reach our highest potentiality together.  

On paper, we do 4 things at JO’s: create beautiful handmade jewelry; teach basic Metalsmith classes; curate Antique and Vintage Fine Jewelry; and produce Wellness and Metalsmith Retreats.  

About me…

My education and background is in studying and advocating for the Marine Environment.  My love for conservation and the natural environment blossomed into a full-time creative endeavor when I left the environmental advocacy world to open JO’s Oyster Garden.  My business has blossomed over the years and is ever growing and evolving right alongside me. 

I am a self-taught metalsmith and I love the challenge of learning jewelry design and technique through my hands.  JO’s Oyster Garden started in 2011 as handmade jewelry featuring mostly beach finds, such as oyster shells and sea glass.  Soon after, I began sharing Metalsmith Techniques in small classes. I’ve since added hand-sourcing curated Mid-Century fine jewelry collections.  Most recently, we’ve collaborated with incredible talents working in the healing realm, to host Wellness Retreats with the goal of offering experiences that help oneself root, heal, and grow. Making jewelry is one way we can tap into the body's wisdom and leave the stories in our heads.  That's where the healing and growth begins.  Retreats in healing and metalsmith techniques are offered on an occassional basis, not routine. 

I create and teach my unique style of artisan jewelry using mixed metals and hand picked finds from the beach, and ethically sourced stones and recycled metals.    A piece of me is represented in each creation – love and curiosity for the natural beach environment, balance in all things, a marriage of feminine and masculine, and the richness of the past (as shown in the influence of my favorite vintage style). I hope that each piece of jewelry I make is seen as a reminder that nature is perfect and beautiful.