Since leaving Artist Alley at the end of August, Jean Skipper's life has been a filled with a whirlwind of engagements throughout the Southeastern United States.

As a fitting end to her show season, on Monday, Dec. 5, and Tuesday, Dec. 6, Skipper will return to Artist Gallery of Southern Pines for a trunk show and demonstration.

Between shows Skipper has been spending copious amounts of creative time in her studio. She has expanded her line of hand-crafted jewelry to include a wider variety of found objects and alternative techniques, and she's excited to share these with her collectors.

"New and innovative jewelry designs constantly dance through my head, and I'm absolutely thrilled that I've had the time to explore so many of these," says Skipper. "The initial reaction to them as I've traveled has been overwhelming, and I'm so looking forward to sharing them with my friends, family and collectors.

"These are the people who've supported my artistic aspirations from the beginning, and they mean the world to me."

Skipper, originally from Pittsburgh, has lived in the Sandhills since 2004. Her mixed-media jewelry is whimsical and sentimental, while honoring her industrial blue-collar heritage.

Found objects are often incorporated as focal components, and she embraces them in copper, brass and sterling silver.

When describing her work, Skipper says, "Perfection is overrated. I celebrate imperfections. In my work and in my life, they keep things interesting. These hard-won battle scars are telltale signs of character, resilience and survival. Because I never run out of things to say, hand-stamped words and textures are also prominently featured in almost everything I create. These details provide a narrative to the story of each of my creations. By elevating a seemingly random object to new heights, its story emerges. In this way, my work honors the past, the present and the future."

Skipper's work is collected internationally, and in addition to being displayed at Artist Gallery, it's also available via her online store, at various galleries and boutiques, and at select shows in which she exhibits.

Skipper will be available at Artist Gallery of Southern Pines for a trunk show with her full collection from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, and Tuesday, Dec. 6. As time permits, she'll also be demonstrating with the tools of her trade, and customers will have the opportunity to personally place their final custom orders for Christmas.

Artist Gallery exhibits a wide variety of artwork and fine crafts made exclusively in North Carolina. The gallery is located at 167 E. New Hampshire Ave.

Additional information about Jean Skipper and her collection may be obtained by calling (910) 528-1109 or emailing jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com.

Additional information about Artist Gallery of Southern Pines may be obtained by calling (910) 692-6077 or by emailing artistgallerysp@gmail.com.