Ear to the Wire

We often underestimate the mobility of ancient cultures and how various design motifs were reinterpreted in jewelry through trade. Jewelry is one of the worlds oldest portable art forms and an essential fall back of monetary exchange if you were caught in a pinch for money (“How much for the pigeon pie my lady?”). Discover the art of creating one pair of sterling silver earrings using a continuous piece of sterling silver wire incorporating Scandinavian inspired drops and dangles with gemstone beads. Students will use pliers, cutters, and files.

No experience is necessary but a willingness to use hand tools is required. Extra magnification (cheaters, jewelers loupe, or magnifying lamp) is highly recommended.

Liz Bucheit creates jewelry and body adornment inspired by her Scandinavian ancestry and keeps close ties to her heritage by drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore and myth. A goldsmith for over 30 years, she holds a Master’s degree in metalworking and jewelry from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and has trained in traditional jewelry and metalworking techniques in Norway and Ireland.

Liz has won numerous competitions and been awarded grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, McKnight Foundation, Sons of Norway, and the SE Minnesota Arts Council. She was recently awarded a Folk Arts and Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Fellowship from the American Scandinavian Foundation to study Sámi silver adornment in Northern Norway. She has exhibited in museums and cultural centers and her bridal tiaras and wedding jewelry are in many collections. Liz is an active speaker on the topic of Norwegian filigree work and conducts workshops and classes in jewelry design and fabrication. Liz is also the sole American sølje service and repair representative for Sylvsmidja AS, Norway’s oldest producer of traditional bunad silver. She owns and operates Crown Trout Jewelers in Lanesboro, Minnesota – crowntroutonline.com. 

Find information about Vesterheim’s scholarships and local standby waitlist here.