The Joy Of Jewelry

Like most women I love jewelry, but for me the more unique the better.  I do not want some off the rack item a hundred other women in town are wearing.  This I think was my main reason to go from jewelry collector to jewelry creator.

I think I may of been born outside the box because I never follow the rules.  I enjoy mixing styles and different objects to create truly unique pieces.  Now in most books when one is planning on selling their craft they are to make many items in one line.  Hence all the same thing just different colors.  I can honestly say the only item I have ever managed to do this with are my crystal and pearl wrapped hoops, since the outcome is so fabulously beautiful it is worth the time and energy and I always try to add a bit of a unique detail as well as making them in different colors.

I use a variety of items including found items such as tumbled stones from the ocean, beach glass, and some times drift wood.   I also have a love affair with broken jewelry using mixed components from different pieces to create something truly one of a kind.  Vintage brooches are one of my favorite items to use in new pieces as they have so many possibilities as do earrings.  I am forever looking for others cast off jewelry and frequently receive little bags of cast offs from friends and family.

I think the best part I have found with jewelry design is it is something my children can do with me.  I think the greatest gift I have is my creative talent where I can see an object and in my minds eye see all the possible uses for it.  Most of the fused glass pieces in my work on the jewelry gallery page were cast offs that did not meet the artists requirements for use able items.  By using them I was able to show that just because something is not perfectly shaped nor shiny does not mean it is not beautiful, one just has to look at it in a different way.