About Us (or more exactly, about Me)

MetalWear is about making things that make me happy.  My hope is that if it makes me happy, then others will share the joy, too

My name is Cheryl Krismer and I make everything that MetalWear sells

My studio is located in a small town in central Ontario, Canada, adjacent to my husband's shop who builds guitars and we enjoy our time working in our own mediums but also collaborating to work out details on new handmade one of a kind projects.  At any time, you can find us in our adjoining studios working on things.  We share ideas, collaborate on solutions and hoard our own tools to keep them safe

The short version: he works with wood, I work with metal

I've been working in metal since 2006, but my work as a designer goes back for over 30 years.   Over that time I have worked in textiles, drawing and many other materials.  However metal has always drawn me back and become the focal point for my work

The malleability of metal is enticing; the memory it has as well as the forgiveness to be reshaped.  I love the instant gratification in making something within a few hours or days and being able to develop that idea and move to the next piece is satisfying

The effect of the hot torch on metal and the moment by moment impact of heating something to within a few degrees of melting is terrifying.  Controlling the process takes time to master and each new piece of jewellery brings it's own challenges.

I also love gemstones, including precious stones like diamonds and sapphires, but also semi precious stones and even some unusual opaque stones.  The colour and impact a stone has in the metal makes the whole process exciting, every day

When desiging a new piece I think of what it will look like when worn and how it might make someone feel.  It is important that my pieces are bold and colourful.  I want my jewellery to be unique, simple and honest.  I want anyone who wears my jewellery be thrilled to own it and know that I stand behind every piece I make.