Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Scofidio
Hi Janet, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been making handmade items since I was young. I learned how to crochet from my mother when I was nine years old. We would spend hours together making blankets, doll clothes, hats, and scarves. By the time I was twelve, I started selling some of my handmade creations at her workplace. It was so exciting to know that someone loved what I had made.
My mother passed on her knowledge and tools to me, sparking my obsession with creative crafts like oil painting, stained glass art, beaded bracelets, woodworking, candle making, needlepoint, quilting, ceramics and cooking. I spent most of my teenage years making and selling handmade items to earn extra money.
About fifteen years ago, I discovered Precious Metal Clay (PMC). PMC is a medium made from an organic binder mixed with precious metals like silver, gold, copper, or bronze, combined with water. It’s used to create jewelry, sculptures, beads, and more. The material starts in a clay form, and after shaping, it’s fired in a kiln where the binder burns off, leaving only the precious metal.
I took several classes in this medium, which eventually led me to explore metalsmithing. Slowly, I began collecting tools and experimenting with different techniques. I quickly became addicted to making jewelry! At the time, I was working full-time as a hairdresser and running my own salon. Although my free time was limited, I dedicated every spare moment to creating jewelry.
Being creative has always been an essential part of my life, and I feel fortunate that both my career and my hobby allow me to express myself. I also love animals and am passionate about animal rights and animal liberation. To support this cause, I donate part of my profits to a local sanctuary and animal rescue organization called *Saving Animals & Healing Hearts* located in Ramona, CA. Selling my jewelry not only fulfills my creative passion but also helps animals in need.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2010, after taking local metalsmithing classes off and on for a year, I stepped away from jewelry making. Family issues were weighing on my mind, and I needed to focus on building my salon business. I kept telling myself I’d get back to my workbench, but it didn’t happen until 2020 when the pandemic hit.
With the pandemic closing my business down intermittently and needing a creative outlet, I started watching YouTube videos again and felt the pull to return to metalsmithing. I enrolled in online classes and began pushing myself to learn more advanced techniques and challenge my skills.
The learning curve has been steep, and the work is challenging. It requires a lot of dedication and time, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create rings, bangles, and necklaces using sterling and fine silver, often paired with natural stones. Everything I make is something I would wear myself. I love bold statement pieces as well as delicate stacking rings and bangles. My designs often incorporate a mix of elements, such as stamping, layered embellishments, and varied textures.
I draw inspiration from different styles, including whimsical, eclectic, bohemian, classic, and bold—depending on my mood. I enjoy creating a variety of styles because sticking to just one feels limiting and less fun.
My work primarily features high-end natural stones sourced from ethical lapidaries. I also enjoy stamping and forging metals like brass, bronze, silver, and copper into small decorative bowls. These bowls can serve as jewelry holders, incense burners, altar bowls, or home décor.
Lately, I’ve been creating memorial jewelry and keepsakes using pet cremains, fur, and human cremains. These pieces are deeply meaningful to me because they help honor the profound loss of loved ones.
What I’m most proud of is not giving up when faced with challenges. Persevering through difficult times has helped me grow both as a person and an artist. Pushing myself to learn, evolve, and try new things is a driving force in my work. Knowing that someone, somewhere, owns a piece of my hard work and dedication—and that it brings them joy—means the world to me.
Love and positive energy go into every piece I make. That’s my idea of slow, handcrafted art.
What matters most to you?
That I create what I love. I cherish the opportunity to be creative and express myself through my work. When someone puts on a piece of my jewelry or purchases something I’ve made, and it brings them happiness and confidence, it makes all the effort worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjanekindnessjewelry/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryjanekindness
