As a kid, craft kits for Christmas from my aunt introduced me to latch hooked rugs, tiny woven bead tapestries, candle and soap making. Extensive time with my grandmother involved learning to sew and crochet. These two blessed women filled my life with creative accomplishment and confidence and color. Always the color. In fact I was privately convinced for a good portion of my life (maybe up until yesterday) that I see colors in ways that most people don't. If not, why isn't everyone teary over the deep orange as far as the eye can see in a huge pumpkin patch? or squealing outloud over the first blooms of the silky fuchsia Hibiscus in the yard (despite the concerned looks from neighbors through their windows)?
Buying a few beads and findings almost 20 years ago in a small bead store on a whim was the beginning of this fantastic avalanche. Once my creative juices started to snowball through making jewelry, they gathered more classes, more shows, an Etsy site, increasingly intricate and diverse designs, and an ever-increasing crowd of faithful customers. wow. How great is that?
I get the best of both worlds: my creative side gets time in my studio to play and dance with colors and designs; while my extrovert side gets to connect in every increasing circles at shows and online with customers, show promoters, and fellow vendors.
Never underestimate your impact on the life of a child. Thank you Aunt Jo and Gram for starting me on such a bejeweled path!