Debbie Benninger Meet the Designer-Artist

Discover the lifelong journey that led author and jewelry-making expert Debbie Benninger into the world of wire weaving. From childhood creativity to artist collaborations and professional shows, learn about the highs and lows that brought Debbie to international acclaim.

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Where do you live?

Markham, Ontario, Canada


What inspires you as a designer-artist?

Let me start by saying I can't sketch, draw or finger paint....Anything... I'm inspired by many things, the shape of the gemstone I happen to pick up that day, nature, a dream I had the night before. I can't say it's one thing that inspires me.....it's a lot of factors I guess.


What medium do you work with mostly?

I'm a wire wrap jewelry artist. I work in only raw materials such as raw copper, Sterling silver, brass, bronze and gemstones. I love to accent with lampwork glass from an amazing friend of mine, Mary Ann Helmond, from MA Beads. She can hand me her latest creation and off I go.


Why did you become enchanted with this style of jewelry-making?

When I first got into jewelry, I thought I'd be into beading but I was web surfing one day when I came across this amazing medium and have been hooked ever since!


Where and How do you sell your jewelry?

I have my own website, etsy and all social medias. You can find me at jewelry and artisan shows too. I also do a lot of teaching. http://www.idjewelryanddesign.com


What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?

This is my On Dragons Wings piece


What inspired this design?

I was playing with a sword shape that grew into this amazing creature.


How did it come together?

I looked at him from the bottom and saw a dragon. I added eyes, ears and horns and was in love with him. No self-respecting dragon would be caught without wings so I made these amazing removeable wings.


View all of Debbie's designs and resources in the Gallery of Designs.


Diverse gauges of wire, a gemstone cabochon and a crystal teardrop come together to form the Unity Pendant, created by renowned jewelry artist Debbie Benninger. And the best part? Debbie shares her knowledge of wirework and teaches you how to make your own version of this gorgeous pendant in this video series