Jewelry Accents / Jeff Bulman

I was born and raised in Washington, DC, a rare native. However, I still have my childhood friend who lives ten minutes from me. We see each other regularly.

I went to public schools through the tenth grade and then spent my last two years of high school away at a school that did not have an art program. I used to design houses for fun and tried architecture for a while in college. After obtaining a degree in business, I went to the Philadelphia College of Art, where I studied design with an enfaces on contract interiors. (office space layout and design.)

After college, I worked for a Philadelphia design firm and then moved back to DC with my wife. After a short stint as a home builder, I changed to sales at an office furniture company and got involved in the design.

My next career was owning and operating three Original Pancake House restaurants.

Six years ago, a friend mentioned he would take a jewelry class at Silverworks, Glen Echo Park. I was extremely interested. Finally, back to design!

Jeff Bulman Washington DC

I signed up for a class in Lost Wax Casting and took the five-week course. Hooked! For the next three years, I took as many classes as possible. It has tu n d into a passion. I have always loved the arts, and this was a perfect way to express myself and supply jewelry to my wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, and friends.

In my late seventies, I have found a hobby that will sustain me for many years. Silverworks is only ten minutes from my home, and once you have taken classes, you can reserve time in the studio to work. Since the pandemic, Silverworks was closed, so I set up a studio in my home and now spend two to four hours working on this craft four to five times a week. I view classes as a method to expand my skills and design. Hopefully, the studio will reopen, and I can continue my studies.

Each piece is one of a kind and handmade.  It is very gratifying work, and I have made many new friends with the same interest. I am so thankful to have found this creative outlet.