Friday, January 16, 2009

My first blog

I said I'd never do it, but here I am. Blogging. Telling the world about me and my life in the mountains. About creating and designing jewelry and about what inspires me.

I might throw in a recipe or two. Or I might write about my beautiful black chickens.

I think I'll begin with how I got started making jewelry and how I'm anxiously awaiting the completion of my very own artist's studio.

First the "how."

My stepfather introduced me to the art of paper bead necklaces then being made by his ninety-year-old neighbor. They were lovely, and something that looked interesting, so I asked her to show me how to make them. She did, and soon I had twenty or so made.

I was invited to sell them at a local craft fair, and I did well enough that my interest in making other types of jewelry soon evolved.

I began beading, and from there progressed to wire wrapping.

Mainly self taught, I glean technique and ideas from some of North America's best artists, then have to learn to individualize my creations so they are mine and not copies of other artists' work.

I've been practicing the art of wire wrap for a little over three years. Still learning, still excited about my craft.

I plan to add photos and describe my work and materials in later posts.