Susan Penning
Teacher Bio

I have been an educator since 1969 when I was a fifth grade teacher.  It has always been my passion to teach!  It doesn't matter what, I just love to teach!
I started making "jewelry" about 10 years ago when I made some beads with Polymer clay.  So what to do with these new beads, learn to string them! And thus began my journey as an ADD Jeweler.  During these ten years I have participated in workshops working with metal clay, silversmithing, casting, etching, enamel on copper, soldering, lapidary, fusing gold to steel, stone setting, and glass bead making. I have had instruction at Kendall College in Grand Rapids, and from fabulous teachers from all over the country.  My life was forever changed when I took my first class at Studio JSD with Michael David Sturlin.  

Being a resident artist at Studio JSD has brought so much joy to my life.  There you will find a group of women who truly embody the saying, "It's a sisterhood, not a competition".   We work together, learn from each other and celebrate our work!  

I have been teaching classes in etching both on copper and silver.  Students always leave feeling that they have gained a new skill and are eager to incorporate it into their body of work. I have been commissioned to do special orders for people including a plaque that was a wedding gift and over 100 etched bracelets for a women's seminar.  I am currently working on awards for Grand Haven's Artwalk youth competition.

As our motto goes here, 'Life is a Bench."  I totally agree!

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