And So It Begins.....

My first blog. I stare at this screen and wonder what could I have to say that anyone else would find even remotely interesting. But of course, my main reason for being here is to share my jewelry designs and talk about my journey as a designer. I have had many different business ventures in my attempt as a stay-at-home mom to still maintain my own identity outside of being wife and mother. I've sold Mary Kay, pedeled antiques, handcrafted dolls and teddy bears, crafted embroidered and embellished purses....that I have to say were quite lovely but not cost effective....and eventually what has become my passion, beaded jewelry.

I began beading about 5 years ago and with a pat on my own back, I have come a long way. I'm completely self-taught....never been to a class in my life.

Here's one of my earliest designs...not too bad but very simple.

And now here is a more recent design........

I love the earth....the colors, the textures, the elements....and I want to reflect that in my designs. Most of the time, I use natural stones, pearls, shells, etc. in my jewelry, occasionally accented with a sparking crystal. Turquoise is one of my favorite stones and you will find this is a main color in my palette, along with browns, creams, rust, moss and sage green...all accented with copper and silver and antiqued gold.

Since I was a child, I have enjoyed the needle arts. Always embroidering jeans, purses, whatever. About two years ago, I discovered bead embroidery and I have slowly begun incorporating this into my designs. It is a wonderfully creative and restful technique and has allowed me to combine two of my favorite passions.

This is a brooch that I have bead embroidered. Don't you love the center piece? She is actually a clipping from a Victorian book that has been glued and sealed for protection. I have beaded around her with seed beads and added a floral copper stamping to give it a Victorian feel. I was very pleased with the results.

What I really love about bead embroidery is the limitless possiblities of elements to use. From a sea shell to a vintage earring....if it can be glued flat, it can be beaded.

Visit my shop at Rubylane...you can find the link below. There are many talented artists on this site and I think you will be amazed at some of the incredible designs. I'm honored to be part of their community.

<