the creative process.

AJ has been creating and selling jewelry since 2008.

The metals used by AJ in the adornments are often altered by her, with the help of the elements - the sun, the salty air and the rain - and companion tools like sandpaper, rocks and pins. She uses natural ingredients and heat to create patinas and tarnishes. Components are often left out in the open air for days at a time to “age”, bloom and oxidize. Random scratches and grooves on surfaces add texture and dimension.

Metals frequently used by AJ include brass, copper, sterling silver and stainless steel. These are paired with recycled Bali glass, Czech glass, Miyuki Japanese ceramic beads, wood, paper, rough garnet, ruby, quartz, amethyst, pyrite, amazonite, freshwater and synthetic pearls, Swarovski crystals and ancient Roman glass pieces (from Afghanistan).

AJ frequently uses brass in her creations - an alloy of copper and zinc. This is a more sustainable and Planet-friendly material than other metals because most of the time, the alloy is created using recycled copper and zinc.