Welcome to Stone and Sterling:
The origins of this web sites name came about when I first began working with sterling wire and semi-precious beads. I sold the work under the name Sterling and Stones. I progressed from simple beading work of semi-precious stones to wire wrapped sliced agates, a very popular item that you will see examples on my jewelry page. Inheriting my mother-in-law's eclectic collection of sterling flatware, that she collected from rummage sales, I began recycling the pieces into bracelets, rings and wind chimes- this collection of work I called Gretchen's Sterling in memory of my mother-in-law. In trying to register website the name I ran into the snag of the name being taken. I shook the name up to Stone and Sterling and here we are.
I am by profession a classroom Art Educator. Teaching the hormonal years of 7th grade through 12th grade. Being in the classroom keeps me on my toes with creating engaging projects and keeping current with teenage culture. I love my job, but often find myself too absorbed in school to get my own studio work done. Some of the ceramic work that you will see is what I created as project exemplars for my students, sometimes it is the only work I get done!
Beside working with stones and sterling, I have been commissioned several times to do pet portraits. Those have been limited to dogs and cats but there is no limit as to what animals I do. If you have a pet that you want to forever remember and a decent photo, I can easily create you a portrait that will forever immortalize your friend.
My favorite medium though, is working with the printing process, creating wine-bags and prints using a simple styrofoam plate. The wine-bags like the wrapped agates are a very popular item and can be viewed at print works.
I am fortunate to live in a beautiful area with lakes and mountains. My environment is the inspiration for much of my work, whether it be my garden, the lakes and woods or the mountain tops.
