Thanks I Made It

I've been beading and braiding my own bracelets ever since I was young. I went through a big hemp jewelry phase as a teen, and then took a jewelry making course in high school. There I finally learned metal working and jewelry making techniques. For most everything else I'm self-taught with plenty of trial and error.

One of my most memorable early pieces of jewelry was probably a square knot macramé choker, with hemp string and floral painted beads. I was really into channeling my inner flower child!

I have a chronic online shopping problem. I don't buy, but constantly see things I insist I have to make. I get a lot of inspiration too from my favorite jewelry designers. I love the way Lulu Frost uses vintage materials for special pieces with a story and how Lizzie Fortunato mixes textures and incorporates earthy elements in a way that feels down to earth but luxurious. I find the most inspiration in contrasts-- mixing classic with edge, silver with gold... anything goes!

I have my desk set up by my bedroom window, so I get lots of natural light. I recently made a display board so I can admire finished pieces and see others in progress, rather than have them jumbled up on my desk. I have shelves next to my work area with lots of clear boxes, and every one is labeled-- string, cord, trims, ribbon, chain, glue... I know where everything is! Smaller compartmental boxes keep all my small findings in line.

My favorite time to craft is on weekend mornings with a cup of coffee-- so I usually craft along to the sounds of my Sunday playlist, with plenty of mellow music for a sunny, creative morning from the likes of Elton John, Paul Simon, and Led Zeppelin.

Being in graduate school takes up a lot of my time.