Barbara Shewnack is a Native New Mexican. The silver-smithing bug bit her in the 70’s. She was a hobbyist makingjewelry for many years. In 2004, she studied with Bob at Hazeltine’s Jewelry School. She was learning techniques that she hadn’t been exposed to, and fine- tuning techniques already established. Through the years, she has persistently worked to develop Her skills. In working on her design features, she utilizes fabrication, wax carving, and casting. She works with Sterling Silver, gold, copper, and brass. Bead work skills are used to create complementary necklaces for design features she creates. She likes the engineering and innovative aspects of my work. She constantly seeks innovative ways to approach construction of jewelry. She has developed several unique
ways to combine a necklace with a design feature. She loves watching each design unfold.