MEET AJ NEWELL

Hi, I'm AJ – a maker, a teacher, and a lifelong learner with a head full of fairy tales and hands that are almost always covered in polishing compound.

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I create things that sparkle, glow, and sometimes surprise me. I teach others how to do it, too – with joy, a sense of humor, and just enough nerdy rabbit holes to keep things interesting.

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I practice traditional metalsmithing and I also work in enamel and metal clay. I've been at the bench for nearly two decades, and working with metal clay and enamel for the last ten years. Along the way I've studied with award-winning metalsmiths, enamelists, and metal clay artists whose work I deeply admire – and I've spent more than a decade turning around and teaching everything I've learned.

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I've taught at the Sawtooth School of Visual Art, Metal Clay Live, Craftcast.com, and as a guest instructor at jewelry and art studios around the country. I co-lead the Marketing and Communications team at AMCAW – the Alliance for Metal Clay Arts Worldwide. My work has been exhibited in the Metal Clay Expressions Exhibit in 2018, 2021, 2023, and 2025 – including a first place win in 2021 and third place in 2023.

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My jewelry is often inspired by transformation – both literal and metaphorical. There's just something magical about turning raw material into something meaningful – something that holds a story, a spark, a little alchemy. I love how a piece of wearable art can become part of your story. A talisman. A memory keeper. A daily dose of "damn right, I made this."

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These days I split my time between making and teaching – offering workshops online and in-person, sharing techniques through detailed tutorials, and occasionally selling finished pieces when I can bear to let them go.

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I do my own photography, my own website, my own bookkeeping (meh), and I may or may not have four different to-do lists at any given moment. I'm a recovering perfectionist, a proud art nerd, and the kind of teacher who will absolutely cheer you on while also reminding you to trust the process – even when it's messy.

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Whether you're here to shop, learn, or just peek into my world, I'm glad you found me. This isn't just a studio – it's a place for creative hands and kindred spirits.

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Welcome in.

– AJ