I am an award-winning Chicago-based metalsmith and artist. My love of creating jewelry began during a high school trip to Israel, where I sold small handmade bracelets in Jerusalem for a little extra spending money. As an adult, I discovered a love of working with metal in 2005, when studying metalsmithing at Lillstreet Art Center in Ravenswood. After learning many different techniques, I created Elizabeth Kline Designs in 2009.
I make organic, sometimes asymmetrical, always one-of-a-kind pieces – using a variety of metals, wood, and gemstones/vintage glass. I also create custom work, including wedding rings, anniversary bands, and commemorative pieces. Each custom piece I make tells a story of the wearer(s) and materials. Some of my favorite moments are when a piece of jewelry finds its owner, or a collaboratively-designed custom piece is worn for the first time.
I have five styles/lines of jewelry:
WOOD INLAY – Each piece is hand-sculpted from a variety of exotic hardwoods, then metal (silver or gold-filled) is added in dot or line inlay. The wood is then sealed with wax and sometimes gemstones or vintage glass accompanies the wood to finish the piece.
“ORGANICS” LOST WAX CASTING – I sculpt a piece out of jeweler’s wax, then create a negative impression mold out of investment plaster. Then, I cast molten sterling silver into the mold; which destroys the mold – so each piece is unique. I am inspired by organic shapes, such as vines or roots to create asymmetrical and layered pieces; sometimes adding gemstones, vintage glass (usually from the 1950s era, which have deeper colors and interesting shapes), or gold for color or a mixed-metal look.
“WAVES” – Each element is hand forged, setting unusual semiprecious cabochons in settings that have a “wave” motif – usually as a “hidden” part of the back of a pendant, or the swirl of the bail or band of a ring. This makes my “Waves” pieces 2-sided, with detail within the metal housing the polished stone.
“COILS” – These clean, simple pieces use an industrial-inspired coil motif on the pendants and earrings – usually brass, copper, or sterling silver (or a combination of each). Some have sliders or other moving components.
“FRAMES” – Hand-forged, lightweight and open shapes “frame” a gemstone, vintage glass, or nested mixed-metal frames-within-frames to create movement and focus. Many of these resemble mobiles in their movement.
I am also a professional actor, having performed in both in film and theater in Chicago since the 1990s. Chicago’s arts community cannot be beat!
AWARDS
2014: Downtown Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival – Best in Category: Non-Precious Jewelry
2015: Art Fair on the Square (Lake Forest) – Best in Category: Jewelry (non-precious)
2018: Art Fair on the Square (Lake Forest) – Best in Category: Jewelry (non-precious)
2019: Art Fair on the Square (Lake Forest) – Best in Category: Jewelry (non-precious)
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