Wire Artist of the Month November 2012: Gale Lovell

I am a retired RN, married, and reside in Grenada, MS. My husband is an engineer who loves to critique my work and helps me with my shows. I love natural polished rocks and gemstones. My husband and I own several lapidary machines, saws, sphere machine, etc. and enjoy making something beautiful from rough rock. I work from my home, attend festivals, and sell online at Etsy. My jewelry is also sold locally in one of my home town's nicest jewelry shops.

I started wire wrapping in 2005 after spending time in New Mexico and Arizona visiting several gem and mineral shows. I found myself studying the art of wire wrapping and in many cases saw a new, different or better way to present a beautiful polished rock or gemstone. I decided I might have the dexterity and talent required to make my own beautiful jewelry, so I took lessons.

Gale Lovell created cross pendant using a wire wrapped frame and pattern wire, in an original design.

A friend who purchased one of my pattern wire bracelets and matching earrings asked me to make her a cross pendant to match them. My first thought was "no way" but I sat down and begun to play with the wire and after about 2 hours had a beautiful piece to present. I have never seen anyone make a cross like this and I have never seen this pattern before. It is beautiful and my friend was really happy with the finished product.

Gale created this magnificent lapis lazuli pendant and earrings set using 14kt gold-filled wire.

I love rocks and I try not to lose the beauty of the stones among a lot of wire. I also enjoy making earrings and wire wrapping bracelets in gold and silver.

Gale wrapped this piece of Lake Erie beach glass in gold filled wire and hung it on gold-filled chain.

I love making jewelry because I can do it anywhere, forget my troubles and spend as much time as I need to or want to in my little work room. I consider making jewelry a hobby that allows me to make a little extra income while having fun.

Adjustable silver ring made by Gale Lovell

I am a retired RN after nearly 30 years of surgical nursing. Every time I handle some of the small tools required to wire wrap I feel that same thrill I felt as a surgical nurse every time a hemostat went in my hand.

Gale created this Cross pendant using a Swarovski stone and silver wire.

I enjoy seeing what other jewelers make, but I never try to make exactly what someone else makes. I rarely follow a pattern. I think there is room for everyone in this business and the best of us will come up with our own designs and ideas. I would always share an idea with another wire wrapper.

Gale's custom Mother's Pendant uses snapsets, 8mm stones, and 14kt gold-filled wire.

About wirejewelry's Wire Artist of the Month Program

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.

Would you like to be featured on wirejewelry.com?
Click here for our Wire Artist of the Month Submission Form.

Previous Featured Artists