Cheryl Cook Jewelry Design

I was born in Tillamook, Oregon.  I am a fourth generation Oregonian.  I won a statewide poster contest in the seventh grade and joined the Window Box Gallery in Salem, OR as a sustaining member when I was 19 years old.  I have been interested in Art all of my life. I studied painting, sculpture and design at the University of Oregon.  Also, oil and water color painting at Oregon State University and Willamette University. In addition I studied photography and silk painting at Portland Community College.  I learned weaving, jewelry fabricating techniques and fabric design at the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts.  I also drew inspiration from my travels to London, Amsterdam, Paris, Carcassonne, Versaille, Rome, Venice, Milan, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence,Hawaii and Mexico the Yucatan area.                                                      

My Business

I started my business because I had been making jewelry for friends and family for many years.  Once a year I would have a holiday sale at work. I started having sales at a friends home that was like a party for her friends.  I received great feedback from my co- workers and friends about my jewelry designs and craftsmanship.  I took an Art Clay Silver class and loved this new medium.  I took an instructor certification class.  I prefer to make my own Art Clay Silver amulets as opposed to teaching. I have been using more wire work in my jewelry to add another element to my designs.  I took two classes from Bullseye Glass when I was working in fused glass and also enjoyed that form of art.  I am a member of the Portland Bead Society which is wonderful organization.