Bethany James teaches the introduction to jewelry and intermediate/advanced jewelry courses. Bethany has trained as a professional goldsmith specializing in stone setting, engraving, and precious metals. Drawing inspiration from vintage home architecture, Bethany creates meticulously engraved, modern jewelry designs. This meditative process transforms the surface by light reflecting when worn. Bethany states, “I enjoy the challenge of transforming a cold, hard and stiff material like metal into delicate, warm and lustrous jewelry pieces. There is something beautiful about creating wearable pieces that people physically hold so close, almost becoming a piece of them.” She is a studio jeweler selling her award-winning work nationally at art festivals and galleries, some including; American Craft Council, Columbus Arts Festival, Central Pennsylvania Arts Festival, Penrod Arts Festival.

Bethany was awarded 2020 Halstead Grant Semi Finalist and 2019 Halstead Grant Top 10 Finalist for emerging jewelry designers. GIA Certified. BFA in fine arts, concentration in jewelry, CCAD 2016. Online, leohandcrafted.com