Wire Artist of the Month February 2012: Joan Huck

My name is Joan Huck. I am now retired. I live in Easley, SC with my husband, Jim who is my biggest fan and supporter.

In my previous life I was a professor, consultant, author, and speaker in Total Quality Management where I was known as "Dr. Joan, the Renaissance Woman." The title was the result of my ability to see the "big picture" and work across multiple disciplines to help thousands of individuals apply creative concepts to improve their organizations. I now use that creative ability in a more tangible way with my jewelry making.

When I decided to retire in August 2010, I told my husband I needed a "hobby." At the time, I was also teaching cake decorating but wanted a different creative challenge.

One day, I picked up a jewelry book and some beads, and as they say, the rest is history! I started out stringing, but soon got hooked on wire work. I am self-taught in that area.

Making jewelry allows me to apply my creative skills in a different way however, since I like to try many different things, I have attended the William Holland Lapidary School where I learned to work with silver (soldering, hammering, etc.) and also I learned to make my own glass beads. My next venture will be to make my own polymer beads.

Sonora Sunrise Jasper Pendant by Joan Huck is a lovely jasper wire wrapped in silver and copper craft wire, a reversible pendant; above is the front, below, back.

When I purchased the Sonora Sunrise Jasper stone for my piece, I thought it was perfect to use two different colors of colored craft wire and some twisted wire.

I incorporated corkscrews, long and short spirals and other curves. However, what I think is really unique is the way I finish the back. I have never liked any of the patterns that I have seen for how the bail is finished. I came up with the idea to make small spirals or corkscrews at the ends of the bail. I think it is more attractive and secure. And, in many cases, it is possible to wear the pendant on either side because of the way I finish it.

Tri-color 4-piece Egyptian Coil Set: Pendant, earrings, ring, and bracelet made from colored craft wire

Cuff Bracelet in silver filled wire with Botswana agate cabochon

My Heart's Delight, a wire pendant made from non-tarnish craft wire with red Czech glass by Joan Huck

I love using multi-media to create unique one-of-a kind pieces. What started out as a hobby has turned into a small business. I sell my pieces to museums and gift shops and at craft shows. Even though I haven't been selling my jewelry long, I already have a loyal following. At craft shows, I often have customers return and tell me things like, "I have looked at every booth, and you have the best jewelry at the best prices!"

Free form wire woven agate pendant in non-tarnish artistic wire by Joan Huck

The design concepts are good, to want to flow with a stone's natural beauty; I would recommend mixing some half-hard wire in with the soft, to better form more crisp curves and angles. I like the combined colors in the Egyptian coil chain.

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Each month, we pick a talented wire jewelry artist and their work to highlight. We know we have some incredibly talented customers, and we seek to encourage and highlight those members of our community by highlighting one wire artist every month.

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