LAURIE VAN MONDFRANS is a life-long artist, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Arts with honors from Utah State University in 1986, with an emphasis in Illustration. Finding positions at advertising agencies and design studios in Salt Lake City, she learned QuarkXpress and Adobe Creative Suite.

After starting a family, Laurie continued to work freelance. Years later, she desired a more hands-on creative outlet and discovered metalsmithing at Craft Alliance in St. Louis. Learning the basics flourished into a passion as Laurie experimented with different techniques of stone setting and centrifugal lost wax casting. The kitchen island transformed into a metalsmithing studio. Captivated by the intricate details of nature, Laurie immersed herself, thru trail and error, experimenting with formed wax, botanicals and butterflies, incorporating cast pieces into designs. Wild daisies cast in bronze became pendants and butterflies cast in Argentium Silver, transformed into wearable art jewelry with gemstones. Eventually, Laurie had created an inventory of art jewelry, finding boutiques and galleries interested in carrying her work and entered into the world of juried art fairs.

Inspired by nature, Laurie selects unique gemstones to build designs around. Sketching different designs, elements are laid out, photos are taken and the most appealing design is decided upon. Then, the sawing, fusing and soldering of assembled pieces start. Setting the stone is very satisfying, creating a home for a little piece of Mother Nature. Her butterflies are one-of-a-kind statement pieces, and Laurie enjoys seeing women wearing her work at the art fairs.

While walking her dog Luna, Laurie finds her inspiration and fonder. She continues to explore new metalsmithing techniques, collaborate and share by participating in the Greater St. Louis Artists and Midwest Metalsmiths organizations.