Behind the Process
The TeaGardenJewelry collection is a contemporary, fine jewelry, take on the capsule wardrobe. Each piece has been purposefully designed to be multifunctional, to pair cohesively with one another and to last lifetimes.
The collection is comprised of both .999, pure silver and .925 sterling silver, eco-silver (silver that has been recycled), semi-precious gemstones and beads sourced from ethically-motivated suppliers. I’ve used recycled silk and silicone that is bpa-free, non-toxic, 100% food-grade, fda-approved.
I am a registered member of Ethical Metalsmiths, The Community for Responsible Jewelry, a group dedicated to impact the field of jewelry design through education, connection and action.
I run a one-person, small-scale sustainable business. My studio is in my home.
See Videos on How the Pop-In's work here . Here's the post with more information and with ideas on how pieces can be mixed and matched ... and with ways I've found to wear them with other jewelry.
How It's Made
The Maker's Journey
My studies in jewelry-making include silversmithing, bezel setting, chain-making, soldering/fusing, riveting, texturing, wax casting, hammer-forming, metal clay, enameling/cloisonné.
For 25+ years, I was a foundation art professor at Sheridan College (Oakville) in their Art Fundamentals Program where I taught drawing, painting and design classes.
During this time, I was an active Member of the Arts & Letters Club (Drawing Studio) and a presenter at FATE (Foundations in Art: Theory and Education), an International association dedicated to excellence in arts education for both studio and art history.
In 1998, I was seconded to Nanyang Polytechnic (Singapore) as a Foundation Arts/Drawing Consultant in their Digital Animation Program.
Prior to this, I worked at OWL/tv as a storyboard artist, as well as in film and claymation (Animation Group).
I continue exploring metalsmithing on-line through The Jewellers Academy (London, England) and Lucy Walker Jewellery (Kuala Lumpur, Malasia).
Follow my adventures in jewelry-making on the shop blog oneseedwonders.ca
brendaintoronto.com is a website I update periodically where you see some of my art, ceramics and writing portfolio.
