Metalsmithing is an ancient craft dating back to the Bronze Age when artists first began to forge and shape metal. When jewelers practice this ancient artform, they create intricate pieces that reflect their unique artistic vision.
Two Whatcom County metalsmith artists, Bobbie Marquette and Leah Meleski, design and produce one-of-a-kind jewelry influenced by the landscape and patterns of the Pacific Northwest. These include their own projects as well as custom pieces by commission.
Part of the joy of metalsmithing is the slow and intentional process that invites connection with fellow artists. Marquette and Meleski teach workshops, giving students the opportunity to create unique jewelry matching their own style.
BM CHARMED
Bobbie Marquette operates out of her home studio, BM Charmed, in Point Roberts, where she creates intricate pieces inspired by the natural world, especially birds.
Photograph by Bobbie Marquette
“I’m a birder,” Marquette says. “I’m out there on a regular basis looking at birds and then try to transfer the inspiration I get into my pieces. There’s a bird on just about everything. And if there isn’t, there should be.”
Marquette began crafting jewelry nine years ago and fell in love with the process. She is known for the sawing technique she uses to cut the silver into shapes. Her distinctive “shadowbox” style involves layering 3-5 sheets of silver to create elaborate scenes. All of her pieces are crafted entirely by hand, without the use of any laser cutters or machines.
Photograph by Bobbie Marquette
Marquette offers in-depth week-long workshops at her home studio where she teaches students many of the techniques she’s refined over the years. Marquette hosts up to three students at a time, who have the option to stay at a guest home on her property. Through sharing meals and creating their own jewelry, students connect with each other and take home deeply meaningful jewelry pieces. 1544 Churchill Dr., Point Roberts, 360.945.3087, bmcharmed.com
LEAH MELESKI
Bellingham-based Leah Meleski always dreamed of making jewelry for a living, and now she crafts stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. Her current inspiration is visual intricacies from under the sea, capturing infinite, delicate details in necklaces, rings, and earrings.
“I’m always, always working on my collection, just because I absolutely love making jewelry. I love buying new and fun stones so that I can see what could go around them, because they each have their own language,” she says.
Photograph courtesy of Leah Meleski
Meleski studied art education with a focus in jewelry and metals at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design before making her way to the Pacific Northwest. As a full time jeweler, she spends much of her time creating but also leans into her education background.
Meleski teaches metalsmithing and jewelry classes at the Jansen Art Center, where she helped get the program expand. She also hosts group workshops and private lessons in her own studio, with plans to expand class offerings in 2026.
Photograph by Leah Meleski
One of Meleski’s unique offerings is her Wedding Band Workshop, where couples learn to make their own wedding bands. The result is deeply meaningful rings crafted with love for a lifetime.
“When I was younger, I didn’t know that I could actually go to school and study jewelry,” Meleski says. “So I want to make sure that I share different jewelry classes, and it’s a fun way to get into the community.” 314 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 860.930.8949, leahmeleski.com
