Join us for our First Thursday Reception at the Broadway Gallery on February 1, 5:30-7:00 pm.
Love is in the air at the gallery with our special artist Molly Russ Butson (fine jewelry). What a selection of fine silver jewelry for fantastic Valentine gift ideas! She’s a talented lady who loves making her own beads and working with silver and copper.
Enjoy speaking with the artist, visiting with friends, and having great refreshments while listening to the music by Jordan White.
Molly Russ Butson- Fine Jewelry
Molly Russ Butson
Growing up in a small northern California town, I always had a love for any type of jewelry. Back in the 60s it was a trend to buy jewelry blanks that had settings for rhinestones, you chose the color of rhinestones to use and made your own jewelry. I remember being fascinated watching my mom “create” her own sparkling jewelry pieces.
I still have the birthstone butterfly pins she made me and my sister. I fell in love with sterling silver at a very young age. When I was nine, I asked for a ankle bracelet with my name engraved, that was my beginning.
I loved beads as well. I loved going into the “hippie” stores that held the intoxicating smell of incense, exotic wall hangings and the promise of beautiful beads in every shape and size.
My first silver bangle came to me in the 7th grade. It was the year I also got my ears pierced! I am still wearing that same bangle today, and my bracelets slowly became my trademark. It’s like the bell on the cat, my kids knew where I was in the store (or the pool) because of the jangle of my bracelets. I once asked them if it was annoying,and they said they wouldn’t know what to do if they didn’t hear me coming! Of course throughout these years I have maybe lost a bracelet, (blame TSA, I learned my lesson) but each of 9 bracelets I currently wear all have a story behind them.
Fast forward a few (!) years to 1998, I was browsing in a bookstore, and came upon a book entitled “Making Glass Beads”. What? I can make my own glass beads? That book was dogeared for over a year, I learned this art is actually called Lampworking, and when I was finally able to take the plunge, I purchased a few supplies, and off I went. Using a single fuel torch called a hot head, I began my journey into Lampworking (glass bead making). Soon to come was a purchase of a small kiln to anneal my lumps of glass, and an upgrade to a oxy/propane setup. In 2005 I received a Scholarship from the International Society of Glass Beadmakers to attend the
yearly convention. As I continued improving my Lampworking skills, I also continued adding new skill sets to enhance my work and diversify my jewelry offerings. I ventured into torch fired enamels on copper, electro
etching and embossing on copper, making cabochons in my kiln and practicing copper soldering bezels. I was hooked! I spend a lot of time working with copper soldering, lots of handmade chains really helped advance my jewelry soldering skills. Then I took the plunge, and there was no looking back… I bought my first small inventory of silver sheet, wire, tubing bezel wire and a selection of faceted precious stones. As my confidence grew, and learning by
practice, practice, practice I increased the difficulty of my pieces, learning how to make basket prong settings, setting marquise and pear shaped stones, box clasps and perfecting the art of open back step bezel settings, were some of the tasks that kept me engaged.
During this time, I also worked with bead embroidery, resin art in jewelry, and glass fusing. Always looking to keep things fresh and new, I recently started bead looming and working with polymer clay. I also do Mosaics, crochet, embroider, and knit and play my Baritone Ukulele. My long journey in this wonderful world of artistry had cumulated to be part of the Broadway Gallery. I feel fortunate to be a part of this wonderful supportive group, that provides a variety of art in all shapes and sizes something for everyone.
Silver earrings with amethyst colored beads
Various beaded earrings
Beaded bracelet