This week’s artist is Jessie Lesofski who lives in Pendroy, Mt.
Jessie has been making jewelry for about 17 years now. She started becoming interested in jewelry when her daughter was about ten years old. Her daughter, Mary, was so fascinated by beads and jewelry and Jessie wanted to show her support in any way. She tried to get Mary into a lampworking class, but she was too young at the time. The teacher of the class, however, let Jessie take the class and let Mary observe. At that point, they both fell in love with the idea of making their own beads.
“I really like the lamp working,” explained Jessie. “Of course, when you’re making beads, then you have to do something with the beads. But then where do you find findings that work with your homemade beads? And so It’s just it’s been an avalanche.”
Jessie has taken a couple of classes, but many techniques she has taught herself, including soldering and how to make texture plates on a rolling mill. “Honestly, it’s aggression therapy, Jessie explained, “I hit it with a hammer, I blast it with a torch, I swear at it a few times, and then I feel better and somebody else gets some pleasure out of it.”
Jessie likes to use a rolling mill to recycle copper and silver, turning them into exciting new jewelry items. By recycling items, she can add sentimental value and keep the cost of the items down making it easier for kids to buy special gifts for their moms.
To find her work and the work of many others, stop by Latigo & Lace.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
