Meet Melissa
Studio Owner/Instructor
I have been making jewelry since I was twelve old, when I repaired a special necklace from my grandmother. Over the years, I taught myself basic techniques like wire wrapping and forming. In 2006, I took a PMC certification class and was instantly hooked. I spent many years creating and selling my work at craft fairs and local boutiques. In 2009, I was asked to teach and found my calling. I began teaching classes in precious metal clay and travelled to gem shows and local venues for classes in metalsmithing. After 10 years of teaching, creating, and learning, I decided to open Charmtree Jewelry Studio, a metalsmith school on Kent Island, where I teach and share my passion for jewelry making with others.
I would love to help you on your metalsmithing journey! Please swing by my studio or call anytime. You are never too old, young or inexperienced to start something new. What are you waiting for? Let me help you make something sparkly!
Guest Instructors 2024
Helen Driggs
Sept. 13-15th
Helen Driggs is the former Jewelry Group Technical Editor for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist and an experienced metalsmith. Her popular column “Cool Tools & Hip Tips” and video library: Metalsmith Essentials: Basic Fabrication, Rivets & Cold Connections, Machine Finishing Jewelry, Textures & Patinas and One Hour Rings make her a popular and sought-after instructor on the show circuit. Her newest book, Metal Jewelry Workshop was published in 2018. Helen holds a BFA from Moore College of Art.
Michael Marx
September TBD
Marx has been a sculptor and artist as long as he can remember. His childhood gifts were art supplies as often as they were toys or books. Marx was born in Boston and moved to California when he was 18 years old. After 33 years in the Bay Area, he relocated to South Carolina in 2020, where he currently resides. In the beginning, he sculpted in FIMO, a polymer clay, and this honed his ability to transform his visions into 3-D images. In 2000, he took his first PMC (precious metal clay) class and was hooked. PMC’s affinity for texture, flexibility of form, and choices of finishing techniques make it ideal for his artistic visions.
Brandy Boy
Oct. 10-13th
After nearly two decades of having one foot in the technical world and one foot in the artistic world, I went full-time with BMB Designs in February of 2023. This allows me more time and energy to focus on what gives me light. My goal, not just in my art, but also in my interactions with people, is to make life more beautiful. We, as a society, focus a lot of our energy on ‘results’ without taking into consideration the journey. For me, the process of making a piece is just as valuable as the finished piece and I am passionate about helping others connect to their inner maker. Our well-being as people is improved by the act of making- our lives are made richer and the world around us becomes more connected.
Stephanie Chavez
Oct. 31-Nov.3rd
Stephanie Chavez is a certified metal clay artist and instructor. She is a diverse artist, proficient in many jewelry mediums, although her love, passion, and expertise remain in metal clay as well as combining it with a variety of techniques. Originally certified through Rio Grande, she has been working with metal clay for over 15 years. With national and international recognition through her online courses in metal clay; Stephanie has been considered an expert in her field and has traveled the United State teaching at expos, retreats, symposiums, and art studios.
Lesley Aine McKeown
The Jewelers Journey
April 2025
More Info Coming Soon!......
Creating jewelry since 1984, Lesley is the daughter of two professional artists. An artistically rich environment that molded her vision and ethic. Lesley's jewelry reflects a dedication to excellence in craft and attention to narrative. Each piece is unique with the intent to evoke conversation and represent the wearers personal expression. Lesley is currently exploring deep sculptural constructions with a botanical narrative.
Lesley lives and works in the high desert mountains of northern Arizona.
A Few Pics of Past Guest Instructors
