“I love working metals, stones and jewels into something unique and beautiful”, said Browne. “It brings me joy to see someone wearing and enjoying a piece of jewelry I’ve created. I also enjoy reading about the metaphysical properties of stones. Now, instead of just carrying stones in my pocket, I can create ‘wearable art’ where the stones can be truly appreciated.”

Calisse started metal smithing in 2015 by taking a Metal I class at the Denver School of Metal Arts. She took Metal II twice because she enjoyed it so much and two Precious Metal Clay classes. When asked what inspires her, Browne said, “I believe life is an adventure that you embrace and find people and activities that feed your soul and look for opportunities to leave the world in a happier place.” Prior to metal smithing she did beading and wire wrapping.

Recently, she learned to fire-paint on copper sheets. This involves changing the color of the copper by changing the heat of the flame of a torch. She's incorporating this technique into her jewelry and making wall art.

A recent transplant to the Oregon Coast, Calisse grew up on a farm in Indiana and lived in Colorado for over 20 years and also lived in South Africa for a year.  Her love of traveling has taken her to China, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, France, Great Brittan, Scotland, Malawi, Holland, Germany, Switzerland and India.

Calisse added, “I come from a ginormous family with seven siblings and over 90 nieces/nephews and great nieces/great nephews.  I’m blessed with a wonderful husband, four children and two grandchildren.”  

Calisse and Sandy Reay collaborated on some jewelry pieces, using Sandy's fused dichroic glass cabochons and Calisse's lovely silver work. In addition, the two made enameled bears which Calisse cut from copper.