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ABOUT LAURAKAY WHITICAR-DARVILL
I’m a native Floridian who grew up in Stuart, Florida, in a boating family where life was all about the water. My love of learning led me to major in mathematics and enjoy a rewarding career teaching high school math. After retiring, I found myself drawn to new forms of communication and expression, first through learning sign language and interpreting at the Treasure Coast Deaf Church, and later through the art of jewelry making.
More recently, I’ve discovered the joy of sailing, quite a shift from powerboats It has become another wonderful passion in my life. Between the ocean, creativity, and all the adventures that come my way, there just never seem to be enough hours in the day!
A traveling adventure first sparked my fascination with jewelry design, and I’ve been creating ever since! I craft one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces from silver clay, often featuring gemstones, sea glass, and other found treasures. When I travel, I love collecting local beads or stones to weave the spirit of each place into my designs. Making jewelry brings me pure joy. Every piece tells a story of the materials, the moment, and the hands that shaped it.
WELCOME TO MY STUDIO
I grew up in my house that has become both my home and creative studio. It’s a special place filled with memories, light, and the joy of creating. You’re always welcome to schedule a visit and see where my jewelry comes to life.
Once a year, the Martin Artisans Guild hosts the Open Studio Tour when artists across the county open their doors to visitors. It’s a free, self-guided event and I’d love for you to stop by the House with the Purple Shutters!
Throughout the year, I enjoy hosting individuals and jewelry parties right here at my home. And if you’d like to bring the fun to you, I can even come to your house to host a jewelry party. As the hostess you will receive special gifts from me and I will provide prizes and plenty of sparkle!
BEHIND THE ARTIST
Inspiration & Story
Every piece I create is a reflection of story, place, and discovery. Whether it’s sea glass collected on a walk, gemstones found while traveling, or textures inspired by the waves and tides of Florida’s coast, each design connects me to my surroundings and experiences.
Jewelry making, for me, is a conversation between art and memory, a way to capture a moment or a feeling in a wearable form. No two pieces are ever quite alike. Each one is handcrafted, heartfelt, and part of my continuing adventure in creativity.
Wire Wrapped Jewelry
Wire wrapping is where my jewelry journey began; it remains one of my favorite ways to create. Using sterling silver, fine silver, or gold-filled wire, I hand-shape each piece into its own unique design.
Every creation starts with a bit of planning and patience. The wire is measured, straightened, and carefully formed around gemstones, sea glass, or other treasures until the design comes together. I often weave thinner wire through the frame to add texture and strength, giving each piece its own character.
When it’s finished, I may add a soft patina to bring out the details and give the jewelry a timeless, slightly vintage look. Two similar pieces turn out differently; that’s the beauty of working by hand.
Silver Clay Creations
Silver clay is one of my favorite materials to play with. It feels a bit like magic. It starts as a soft clay that I can roll, shape and texture, just like pottery.
Once the design is formed and fully dried, it’s placed in a special kiln where the heat transforms it into solid silver.Because each piece shrinks a bit in the firing process, the final result is a little surprise, smaller, stronger, and full of character. The final result is like a little surprise.
Sometimes I add touches of gold, glass, or gemstones that can handle the heat, giving the jewelry extra sparkle and depth.
Most of my silver clay pieces carry my personal mark, a tiny Whiticar boat as a nod to my family’s history and my lifelong love of the water.
