Kelly Diemond, Owner Metal Morphosis Studio

In 2012, Kelly realized that she was creative and discovered a passion for making jewelry. She began taking classes and learning as much as she could and dreamed of one day opening her own studio.

In 2018, Kelly quit her job of 19+ years and brought that dream into being-opening Metal Morphosis, Syracuse’s only private metalsmithing school-a move that was both terrifying and exciting!

Today she gets to help students gain confidence and skills using 2000+ degree torches to create beautiful jewelry they are proud to say they made.

Kelly has the freedom she always imagined while growing a sustainable business and building a thriving creative community in Syracuse.

She continues to teach both in the studio, online and across NY at retreats and art centers.

Marissa teaches our Intermediate Mentorship Classes

Maggie Liddell-Studio Assistant, Artist at Magma

Maggie began as an apprentice while enrolled at ESF and spent several years working alongside Kelly learning the craft.

Maggie is now our lead welder and teaches several of the studio classes as our first ever employee.

She created her own jewelry brand “Magma” and specializes in upcycling and reusing metal scrap in her creations.

Maggie teaches our Date Night Classes, Spinner Ring Classes as well as classes based on her own jewelry designs.

Camille Watts-Social Media and Photography Specialist

Camille graduated from RIT with a degree in Photography and has been making improvements to our product photography and Instagram page.

When she isn’t behind the camera, she also welds permanent jewelry in the studio.

MaryAnn Carroll-Artisan Beads Plus

MaryAnn, a retired special education teacher, has been creating jewelry for over 14 years. Her interested started in a local bead shop stringing beads for gifts. After a time of making new jewelry to match work outfits, she began to branch out to metal and then to ceramic.

Loving the rustic look, she found that there were not too many beads out there to match her style, so what better thing to do than create them yourself? Creating her own personal ceramic beads led to a successful side business selling handmade brads through Etsy. Experimenting with different styles evolved into creations using copper wire, industrial tubes, enamels and, of course, ceramic beads. Those materials alone open up a world of variation in jewelry styles.

MaryAnn loves teaching and sharing her ideas with those curious to learn them and encourages students to get creative during her classes.

Marissa Perkins-Creative Roots Studio

Marissa Perkins is a metalsmith & artist residing in Herkimer NY, but her heart is in the mountains.

I grew up with my feet in the river and my head in the clouds. I've always been a dreamer, explorer, and creator. From collecting wild flowers to make mudpies as a kids, to painting furniture found in the side of the road,  to pottery, painting, & now metal, I have always tried to make the things around me beautiful. I have dabbled in just about every artistic medium until I stumbled upon metal and my HEART exploded with joy.

I am deeply inspired by nature and all living things. You will see this love of plants,  flowers, animals,  and insects carried throughout my work.

I have a passion for teaching others to find their creativity and I truly believe everyone is born an artist, you just need help finding your medium!