Refugee

The snow came down. The power went out. The week of work and projects I had planned came to naught. What could have been three days of misery, though, was averted because my dear friends invited me to stay with them. My beading business is portable, so I was still able to get some pieces finished. I co-opted the end of the sofa and spread my supplies out on the coffee table (did I mention that these are very good friends?) While chatting, catching up on news, watching a movie on tv, I created three wrap around bracelets with which I am very pleased. Susan, who is also a photographer, had some great ideas about photographing the pieces. Ideas that I was glad to use. Inspiration can come from anywhere; whether it be from within or from a collaboration.

Beads

Beads are fun.  They are tiny little design elements that can be combined in infinite ways to create an artistic statement.  I enjoy mixing and matching beads; trying a variety of combinations until just the right one surfaces.  Many sizes and shapes and all colors...it is a joy and a challenge to find the right design.

Earrings are generally faster to make than a necklace or bracelet, and an evening of work will result in three or more pair.  Recently I have begun pairing charms with beads to create earrings with a specific theme.  I am starting to look beyond my bead box for other design elements that can incorporated into my work.

In the three years that I have been making jewelry, I have given pieces as gifts to almost everyone I know.  My mother has earrings to match every one of her outfits.  My jewelry box is overflowing.  What to do with all these beads?  My daughter-in-law, Katie, suggested that I open an online store.  After a lot of thought I decided to go for it.  Now I am an entrepreneur.


http://www.bluegatorjewelry.etsy.com/

Glass

My fascination with glass had never been fully realized until the day I found my window sills filled with cobalt blue glass pieces. This would explain, at least in part, my growing interest in glass mosaics, sea glass and Depression glass. My eyes have always been drawn to the bright, jewel-like colors produced by sunlight shining through stained glass. This fascination must be what initially led me to creating beaded jewelry.

To be completely honest, I started by shopping for beads; I wanted to own all the beautiful, shiny colors I could find. In order to justify these acquisitions, I had to use them for something. A couple of classes later and a jewelry maker was born.

A beginning...

Writing is a new thing for me.  All my life I have been interested in projects I can do with my hands.  I learned to sew and embroider when I was a child; in school I studied painting and the arts; as an adult I have added quilting, mosaics, beading and photography to my interests.  My mind whirls with ideas and it's sometimes hard to stay focused.  I hope that by writing down some of these ideas I can collect my thoughts and create a better understanding of what I do and why.