Over the next few decades Wendy was to learn many techniques and skills that she uses in her creations today. Her first step into "Real" jewellery was when Wendy went along to her local Lapidary Clubs open day. There she meet a group of wonderful people whom were very passionate about there rocks. A couple of times a week Wendy would go along to the club and learnt how to cut and polish her own gemstones. Sourcing rough from all over the world , and eagerly awaiting parcels to arrive so that she could cut it in the workshop. After amassing quite a collection of gemstones it was time to take things to the next level. What to do with them all! Well a better question would have been what can't you do with them?
Metalsmithing became the next techniques that were eagerly lapped up. Lost wax casting, fabricating, hammering, riveting.. Oh the things you could do with metal. Wirewrapping the gemstones, setting them in silver. She was quickly learning what to do with all those gemstones.
Wendy would soon learn about beading, weaving, bead embroidery around cabochons with tiny glass seedbeads and them stringing them with gemstone beads and lampwork beads. Ohhhhh Lampwork beads. Something else that she can sink her teeth into. Lampworking was a very relaxing and calming helping her get back in touch with her inner pyromaniac. Melting glass over an open flame was mesmerising. The things you could do with it when it was molten were incredible. Having a large kiln sitting there that was only being used to anneal lampwork beads Wendy decided to experiment with glass fusing, and enamelling.
Today she is still experimenting and playing in her studio in Sydney, Australia. Utilising all her skills and techniques to create unique pieces of jewellery. Always eager to learn more and incorporate those skills into her work.
Her work can be seen in Galleries and shops around the world.
Online her work can be found on Etsy
To read about Wendys latest creations and adventures her blog is here