My journey into metalsmithing began in 2012 while I was living in Atlanta, Georgia. I signed up for my first class simply wanting to learn something new—and down the rabbit hole I went.

I quickly fell in love with the combination of creativity, craftsmanship, fire, metal, and the endless possibilities of transforming a simple sheet of metal into something meaningful. I began taking every class I could find time to fit into my schedule, studying beginning, intermediate, and advanced metalsmithing as well as enameling, chasing and repoussé, metal clay, stone setting, and other traditional jewelry-making techniques.

That passion eventually led me to the Metal Arts Guild of Georgia, where I became deeply involved in the metalsmithing community and ultimately served as President. During my time with the Guild, I had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from talented artists and nationally recognized instructors, while also helping expand educational opportunities for other metalsmiths.

Today, my work continues to be rooted in that same sense of curiosity that drew me into my first class more than a decade ago. I am especially inspired by craftsmanship, history, place, and the idea that jewelry can carry meaning far beyond its materials.

Through Porch & Pickle, I create handcrafted jewelry influenced by the Lowcountry, Southern traditions, and the stories that connect us to the places and people we love. I also teach metalsmithing because I believe one of the most rewarding parts of this craft is helping someone discover that moment when a piece of metal begins to become something entirely their own.

And yes, the name Porch & Pickle has a metalsmithing story, too. In the studio, “pickle” is the solution metalsmiths use to clean oxidation from metal after it has been heated with a torch. Paired with the welcoming, distinctly Southern tradition of the front porch, the name brings together two things I love: making things by hand and creating a place where people feel welcome.