Tammy Powley has been the Guide for About.com's Jewelry Making site since 1998 and also works as a designer and teacher.
Experience
In addition to her work at About.com, Tammy is the author of a number of jewelry making books including The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making, Picture Yourself Creating Metal Clay Jewelry, Jewelry and Beading Designs for Dummies, Making Mixed Media and Memory Jewelry, Making Designer Bead and Wire Jewelry, and Making Designer Seed Bead, Stone, and Crystal Jewelry.
Growing up in the 70s, Tammy enjoyed working with fibers and beads to create her own jewelry. In 1989, after making some Christmas presents out of stone beads, people started asking to buy her work. That's when she started her own jewelry company. For ten years, Tammy primarily sold her work through retail outlets and art shows. You can find out more about her at her blog, Crafty Princess Diaries. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Ravelry, and sign up for her newsletter.
Education
Tammy worked for 10 years as a technical writer, and jewelry was her hobby. During this time, she studied jewelry design for two years at the Winter Park Adult Vocational Center, learning a variety of techniques including fabrication, soldering, wire work, beading, casting, engraving, and enameling. Tammy still continues to take classes and has also added the following techniques to her list: fused glass, lampworking, lost wax casting, wire wrapping, metal clay, and cabbing. Along with working as a freelance writer, Tammy is an Assistant Professor of English and teaches composition, literature, and technical communications.
Tammy Powley
There is no greater satisfaction than creating a quality piece of jewelry for yourself or others. In this hi-tech world, being able to create a beautiful piece of art with your own two hands that you can wear is a true joy. Whether you are new to this art form or an old pro, I will provide you with lots of projects and tips at my site to keep you inspired and informed about the world of jewelry making.
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