Links of Love, Tales of Treasures
Ten years ago, I picked up a bit of wire and a pair of pliers and set out to design my first piece of jewelry. I followed a creative path to my jewelry business and I haven’t stopped journeying since.
Wire – winding, whispering, wandering
Each piece I design leads me to new discoveries. I love learning new techniques, and teaching new skills to others. In addition to selling my jewelry designs, I enjoy helping others on their creative paths. In 2010, I co-founded artBLISS Jewelry and Mixed Media Workshops to bring new ideas and instructors to jewelry designers in Northern Virginia. My designs have been featured in many trade publications as well as several books. My first wire jewelry design book, The Missing Link: From Basic to Beautiful Wirework Jewelry, was released in the fall of 2013.
Vintage workmanship. Modern work.
My jewelry is often built from pages of stories gone-by. I savor every chance I can to comb through antique stores and vintage shops to, uncovering forgotten treasures. I love the little stories each component tells as I weave it into a modern piece with sterling, bronze, or gold wire. Sometimes I know where we will end up, sometimes I don’t. I just follow the story to the end.
Keeper of Moments Gone-By
My grandmother instilled in me a love for people as they age and the stories they hold dear. She showed me how to share what is in our hearts by expressing it in our handiwork. Years ago, I worked with senior citizens as a social worker. I listened to many fond memories and stored them deep in my heart. As I grow my personal Victorian photo album collection and work with vintage details, I keep their stories alive and continue to tell them.
Building a Chain of Memories through Snapshots of Life
I’ve lived around the world – from Japan to Germany, California to Virginia. My trunk full of memories and experiences illuminates a lifetime of learning to discover and try new things. Whether I’m working with antiques or the latest gems, I combine quality workmanship of the past with modern design. As a wife and mom to four boys, I encourage a sense of exploration and epiphany. I want my boys to experience the joy of putting their hands to work and uncovering new creations. Along the way, we build a lifetime of memories.
About sweet bead studio
In case you’re wondering just how I came up with the name of my blog, sweet bead studio, I have my oldest son to thank. We were driving along in the car talking about my new jewelry shop that was in the works. What to name it…hmm…that’s when he called out, “How about Sweet Beads?” I added “Studio” to it and my new shop was born! The brilliant little guy was only 5 at the time.
With lots of love,
