Q&A With Instructor Kerri Anne Stassen
Q: Please share a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally, how long you have lived in Breckenridge, and your artistic background.
A: I am originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and have lived in Breckenridge full-time for more than 14 years. Before becoming a jewelry designer and Breck Create teaching artist, I focused on photography and woodworking.
Q: What classes do you currently teach for Breck Create
A: I teach Beginner Metalsmithing Projects. Each class features a different project. One class focuses on creating a silver pendant, while another—probably the most popular—covers stacked silver rings. In the past I’ve also taught jewelry-making classes that centered on earrings, pendants, and bezel settings.
Q: How did you come to teach for Breck Create, and how long have you been with the organization?
A: I’ve been teaching for Breck Create for seven, maybe eight years! I first took a few Breck Create classes because I was interested in learning metalsmithing. After completing a multi-week workshop in Denver, a friend of mine—who was then teaching metalsmithing at Breck Create—suggested I take over classes when she moved away.
Even though I was still a beginner, I was a confident artist and saw it as an opportunity to grow. As an instructor, I had full access to the studio, which I used to hone my skills through trial and error.
Q: Describe your current class.
A: In my current classes, students learn the basics of metalsmithing. We cover traditional metalsmithing techniques like forging (shaping metal with a hammer), soldering (joining two pieces together), texturing, and sawing. I begin each session with an overview of the project and personalization options, then guide students step by step.
Classes are capped at six students, allowing me to offer plenty of one-on-one instruction. We spend extra time on more challenging techniques, such as soldering—an artform unto itself! The class pace is flexible, ensuring that everyone leaves with a finished piece.
In a recent stacking rings class, students shaped metal wire into ring forms, learned to size them properly, soldered the ends, and then refined, textured, and personalized the finished rings.
The environment is structured but relaxed—there’s time to chat and connect while working. Students of all ages and backgrounds attend, including both locals and visitors. It’s always a wonderful mix of people.
Q: What advice would you give someone who has never taken an art class before?
A: Art doesn’t have to be intimidating, even if you don’t consider yourself “artistic.” If you’re open to the process, you’ll have fun exploring different mediums, and that’s often when inspiration strikes. What you create may not match your original vision, but that’s part of the magic!
Art can also be meditative. When you’re focused on creating, it’s easy to quiet your mind. There’s a sense of peace that comes from completing a project, no matter how it turns out.
Q: What do you love about teaching?
A: I love meeting people from all over the world—Breckenridge is such an international community—and helping them learn a new skill. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a student leave with a finished piece they’re proud of. Creativity encourages self-expression, problem-solving, and innovation, all while having fun. It’s truly special to share that experience with others.
Q: Are there classes you hope to teach in the future?
A: I’d love to offer a class for students who want to advance their metasmithing skills. A “Beyond Beginner” class could provide a gilded environment for students to work on independent projects with instructor support as needed.
Q: What do you love about metalsmithing?
A: I love designing jewelry and figuring out how to turn an idea into something tangible. There’s a thrill in creating a piece that someone wants to wear—wearing my art is the highest compliment to my creativity.
Q: Are you wearing a personal creation now? Tell us about it.
A: Yes! I made the dangling statement earrings I am wearing. They feature a feather—or leaf, depending on your perspective—pendant and a round hoop. To create the pendant, I started with a piece of silver sheet, which I hand-sawed into the basic shape and then stamped every little line. I soldered the little vein on top and hammered the silver wire hoops. The feather/leaf pendants are very popular, both in my own product line and in class.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: I find inspiration for my jewelry in a variety of sources. Nature is a huge influence—beautiful landscapes, intricate patterns, and natural textures often spark new ideas. I also draw inspiration from art, culture, and historical designs, blending traditional elements with modern twists. Personal experiences and emotions play a big role too; I create pieces that tell a story or hold significance.
Q: Do you sell your jewelry? If so, where can we buy it?
A: Absolutely! I started my business Soul Creations after learning to solder at Breck Create. I sell my jewelry online and at various local markets and galleries, including the Dillon Farmer’s Market during the summer, Frisco Art Collective, and Ohana and Marybgoround in Breckenridge. I’ll also have a booth at Breck Create’s annual Handmade Holiday artist market.
Recently, I converted a vintage camping trailer into a mobile jewelry studio, which I plan to take around the country, selling my art and vlog about my creative journey.
