Why do I do it?

For my first blog post I thought I'd talk about why I make jewelry.  I have always had the need to create.  When I was young, I was always creating something.  From dolls to Barbie houses to plays, I created it all.  In junior high I would come home from school, do homework, and sew something to wear the next day.  This satisfied my need to create as well as my desire to avoid laundry.  (What?  Not your favorite either?)  I continued making all sorts of things, but nothing really 'stuck'.  Then, I took a jewelry class.  It was maker love at first sight!  It stuck.  I still love everything from the sketching to the finishing...the dirtier the better.  

Of course, I had a day job...30 years in information technology.  As I designed user interfaces and business processes by day, I continued to learn to work with metals at night.  Eventually I decided to start selling my work, but I wasn't sure what approach to take.  There were two things that influenced where I am today.  My dad and the search for the perfect gift.

I always loved jewelry.  Some of it made me feel strong and confident, some playful.  One day my Dad gave me a ring.  I always wore that ring when I needed to feel strong.  It was like Dad was there with me cheering me on.   I still wear it when a need to feel there is someone in my corner.

The search for the perfect gift came into play when I needed to find something for my 'Secret Sister' at church.  Secret Sisters are great! You pray for each other, send cards and give a little something special now and then.  At the end of the year is the big reveal when you exchange Christmas gifts.  I really wanted a meaningful piece of jewelry for her.  I was so busy with my day job that I didn't have time to make something and all I could find was inexpensive rhinestone jewelry.  Nothing wrong with that...I just wanted something of high quality, with great design, and deep meaning.  I couldn't find what I was looking for.

That was my 'ah ha' moment!  I decided to design deeply meaningful jewelry that would support and encourage people in their walk of faith.  Work that is a reminder that someone, the Creator of the Universe, is in their corner.  So, why, oh why, do I do it?  Because I have to create and because of a desire to encourage and support.  So here I am...creating jewelry that touches the soul.