In-Town Gallery presents “Not Your Mother’s Pearls”, an exhibit of hand-fabricated jewelry by Stacie Florer, the featured artist for the month of March. This title reflects her non-traditional treatment of revered adornment. “I am really pushing the envelope with these two materials in my funky pearl and metal jewelry pieces,” she said.

Stacie Florer believes that “Creative thinking and risk-taking behaviors are the new economic seeds for our future.” This was not always so, because for many years she hesitated to even try to make jewelry for fear of failure, or take the time and effort to travel through the learning curve. Then she realized that if something has always interested you, “just do it” and as you learn from it you begin your “creative garden” which can grow into happiness and possibly change your life.

“Nomadic Creations’’, the name of Stacie’s jewelry business, is appropriate since traveling has always been her way of life. While accompanying her husband, Shayne, on his business trips Stacie adapted her ‘studio’ to go on the road. “I must pack very lightly and use simple tools with primitive techniques to obtain the look that I love in my jewelry, “ she explained. Stacie has visited many countries and absorbed their cultural influences. “I love the tribal and the ethnic, but toned down enough to wear with modern clothing.” She has studied with many artists and learned new ways to express her individual designs.

Stacie uses heavy gauge .925 sterling silver in her work that she oxidizes herself. She work-hardens it by using a tumbler filled with jewelry shot. “This gives it great polish and adds to the integrity of the piece.” She maintains a daily blog that describes how and why she designs her hand-made pieces. From earrings and bracelets that incorporate native and exotic stones and beads to pendants of hammered copper, silver, and sheet metal, and delicate twisted silver wire shapes, each piece bears the stamp of her free-ranging personality.

“I want my jewelry to sing and dance its way through many generations of women, whispering to them of their inner strength and inherent beauty.”

True to her nomadic nature, Stacie and Shayne will embark on a year-long trek around North America this Spring. She will be shipping new work back to the gallery along the way. Keep up with her progress on her blog and website