W. Walsh Designs - Wendy Walsh

Wendy Walsh

I have been a woodworker and made a living as a cabinetmaker and carpenter ever since graduating from Washington University, where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1977. In 1991 I received a craftsmanship award from the American Institute of Architects in St. Louis for carpentry at the Mayfair Hotel, where I was the foreman of the finish crew. Since 1994 I have been building staircases for two stair companies in St. Louis. I live in a house that my husband, Andrew and I built in Wildwood, Missouri, in the early 90's.

A few years ago I began making jewelry. It started with a necklace I made for myself, because I couldn't fine what I was looking for in a store. I bought a few tools and some stones and silver. I was pleased with the results and had an idea for another one, and then another. I soon began selling pieces to a shop in town to fund my habit. I started out making beaded pieces that often incorporated hammered pendants. I bought more tools and books and searched for resources.

Once I bought a torch, entirely new possibilities unfolded, and things developed quickly. With heat, I'm able to manipulate metals into many different forms. Being comfortable with tools from many years as a woodworker has been a great advantage as a metalsmith. The materials and tools are different, but the approach to the work is very similar. I fell right into this, and I love it.



		Wendy Walsh I have been a woodworker and made a living as a cabinetmaker and carpenter ever since graduating from Washington University, where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1977. In 1991 I received a craftsmanship award from the American Institute of Architects in St. Louis for carpentry at the Mayfair Hotel, where I was the foreman of the finish crew. Since 1994 I have been building staircases for two stair companies in St. Louis. I live in a house that my husband, Andrew and I built in Wildwood, Missouri, in the early 90's. A few years ago I began making jewelry. It started with a necklace I made for myself, because I couldn't fine what I was looking for in a store. I bought a few tools and some stones and silver. I was pleased with the results and had an idea for another one, and then another. I soon began selling pieces to a shop in town to fund my habit. I started out making beaded pieces that often incorporated hammered pendants. I bought more tools and books and searched for resources. Once I bought a torch, entirely new possibilities unfolded, and things developed quickly. With heat, I'm able to manipulate metals into many different forms. Being comfortable with tools from many years as a woodworker has been a great advantage as a metalsmith. The materials and tools are different, but the approach to the work is very similar. I fell right into this, and I love it. W. Walsh Designs Wendy Walsh 18031 Panorama Dr. Wildwood, MO. 63038 636-458-4599 wwalshdesigns.com e-mail Wendy Walsh Home \| Artisans \| Membership \| News \| Contact \| Featured Craftsman \| Mission \| Links \| Members Only
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