Materials

I take pride in the materials I use to create my pieces. After spending some time examining different bead types, I have chosen to exclusively use Swarovski crystal. Swarovski provides high quality, precision cut beads. They shine spectacularly and are uniform in shape and cut. I, like many consumers, can easily tell the difference between crystal and glass or plastic beads, and prefer the best! Therefore, I only use the best.

All of my metals are 92.5 sterling silver or gold filled. Most people recognize the quality associated with sterling silver, but few understand the differences between gold plating and gold filled. The later actually results in more gold in the piece in addition to being sturdier. Gold-filled items are 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating. I use gold filled materials to achieve the quality and look of gold without the high cost associated with pure gold.

My jewelry frequently contains pearls. Most of my pearls are Swarovski, but I do have some fresh and cultured pearls as well. Each pieces will specify which type of pearl is used.

I occasionally use other materials such as stones or wood. All stones are carefully selected to ensure high quality. In addition to those materials listed, sometimes I like to try something new and use something unexpected.

Deep Blue Sea

This design is one of my early ones. While making it I envisioned the ocean. The colors transform from a light blues and greens into deeper, darker tones. Just like the ocean as you descend deeper and deeper. I still feel very affectionate about this design. The drop hangs from a sterling silver chain with dapered bars. It is a beautiful piece that works well with everything from a formal gown to jeans.

My Story

I started making my own jewelry when I was about 13. One of the first pieces I remember is a yellow necklace strung from seed beads. It was made to match a bright yellow shirt with lady bugs on it. Back in those days, I strung on fishing wire stolen from my brother's tool box. I didn't know about how to finish properly, so I tied the ends of the string with knot over knot, then used a match to burn the ends, melting it into a "secure" closure/mess.

After high school, I put my creative energies into other crafts. In 2004, at the encouragement of my husband, I decided to pick up jewelry making again. I knew there must be better ways to close a necklace than burning the ends with a match, so I started buying books. I am self-taught and proud of the level of skill I have been able to achieve. I learned (more advanced) stringing, wire wrapping, and how to properly attach a clasp (hurray for crimp beads).

Throughout the journey, I have experimented with different techniques. Some I have learned to love, others are not my thing. There are still many things that I would like to learn, but I love creating. I hope that the buyers of my work will love it as much as I do!

I am inspired by all sorts of random things. I love color and want my pieces to be fun, inspiring, and something that will be a go-to accessory for years to come. I am a bit of a perfectionist and will not call a piece done, until I love it in every way.

On a personal note, I am married and a mother to a toddler daughter.

A New Start

I am so excited to start this blog. This is a place for me to showcase my jewelry, share tips, and hear your feedback. To purchase, please click on the sidebar link to my Etsy shop.