As a child, Andrea Slappey made jewelry from colored telephone wire. Paper clips too. She never planned intended to pursue jewelry making as a vocation.
But years later, after taking a metalsmithing class, that changed. Now the Atlanta jewelry artist designs her own collections of modern classics.
Artist: Born in Tallahassee, FL, Slappey graduated from University of Georgia with a BA in art history, and later earned a MA in psychology from University of West Georgia.
Company/studio: Amalia Designs, based in Atlanta, started in 2007. Slappey works out of a home studio. Also, the Metal Arts Guild of Georgia. The company is named after her niece.
In the beginning: While taking more art classes at Georgia State University, she fell in love with metalsmithing and the creative process of jewelry design and fabrication. This led her to change careers from counseling to jewelry making.
Art & materials: Jewelry in 14k, 18k, 22k gold, sterling silver, fine silver, platinum, plus precious and semiprecious gemstones ($40 to $4,000).
What’s popular: Pearl earrings, crosses, XO cigar band rings, Goddess earrings and bracelets, like the sterling silver Mobius Harmony bracelet, which comes apart like a puzzle.
Favorite or must-have tools:
- German-made shears for cutting bezel wire.
- Padded pliers, which protect the pieces and help create curves.
Inspirations:
- The strong women on both the paternal and maternal sides of her family, in particular her mother and both grandmothers.
“Only recently, I realized that I have unconsciously been pulling elements out of the pieces of jewelry they wore when I was a child,” said Slappey.
- Different periods of art, including Art Deco and Mid-Century modern, and Northern and Southern Renaissance. Also the sculpture of Alexander Calder.
- Cathedrals, chapels and churches throughout Europe that she visited. Slappey particularly liked the stained glass windows. “I love the colors, play of light and shadows,” said Slappey.
What’s new:
- Working on different stages of flower shapes and blooming patterns.
- Creating jewelry with unusual gemstones.
Where to buy: With her website under construction, here is how to contact the artist:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @amaliadesigns.
- Facebook: Andrea Slappey or Amalia Designs.
