WARDSBORO — After retiring from writing computer programs and supporting computer users in the business world, Margaret Marple started experimenting with jewelry making.
Her work is featured during the month of June at the Wardsboro Public Library.
According to a news release, Marple started with seed bead weaving and then found a greater interest in making things from metal-copper, brass, and silver. She is mostly self-taught, learning from books and YouTube, although she did take a class called “Soldering Bootcamp” to learn the finer points of taking torch to silver without melting it.
These days, Marple works mostly with Argentium Sterling Silver. Argentium is a brand name for a special alloy of sterling silver that resists tarnishing and can be heat treated in a kiln to become much harder than conventional sterling-making it less prone to scratching. Argentium looks very much like conventional sterling, but it has a slightly brighter and whiter color.
Marple's favorite technique is etching. She starts with a vector drawing she creates on her computer using Adobe Illustrator and then sends the image to a vinyl cutter. She then puts the cut image on a sheet of silver, using it as the resist for the etching fluid.
A reception with light refreshments will be held Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. at the library. Jewelry may be purchased at that time or by contacting the artist. It can also be viewed during library hours: Monday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact the library at 802-896-6988.