I've been a metalsmith and jewelry teacher for almost 20 years (2009 it will be official). I teach metalsmithing classes, including stone setting, soldering and the basics, at my studio, at Baubles and Beads (two locations) in Berkeley and San Rafael, and starting in 2008 at bead festivals around the country.

I make my home in the small village of Kelseyville, Ca., under the shadow of the dormant volcanoe, Mt. Konocti, and near the open kayak-loving waters of Clear Lake. It's a nice area in a little county, nestled between Napa and Mendocino. The living is easy and we walk to our store, Perlz Beads & Yarns, where I work when I'm not teaching or getting ready to teach, with my wife, Anat.

If you want to see more of my work or learn more about my classes, retreats and workshops, visit www.silverajewelry.com, or our store site, www.perlz.com.