Due to health problems, I could no longer maintain the livelihood of driving tractor trailers that I had done for so many years. In fact, you might even consider me one of the woman pioneers in that field. Because when I started out, women couldn't even get into a school to learn. You had to know someone to take you under their wing and teach you everything you needed to know.
Anyway, since I had spent so many years driving, I didn't know anyone really, so I had lots of time on my hands. The only people I knew were my family and they got tired of me always wanting to tag along. So I decided to find a hobby.
I chose jewelry making and signed up for some classes. First I took basic jewelry making, then chainmaille, then wirewrapping, and I was on my way. Now I get tutorials off the internet when I want to learn a new effect or procedure. But I know enough now that I can put out handmade jewelry without help, and I love to do it. I love to watch the components come together and become the item that I am creating. Sometimes I know what it will be when I start, and sometimes I don't. That's the beauty of it. I can take a piece of wire, twist it, turn it, bend it, add a couple of beads, maybe another piece or two of wire, and viola! I have a piece of jewelry!
So my shop began from a hobby that grew from a spark to a passion. It is only a little desk in the corner of my small apt and one of those plastic drawer modules. But it works for me. When I get an idea, I just sit down there and get out what I need and start working. Or if I don't have what I need, I get on the computer right next to it and try to find the right components.
I do a lot of one-of-a-kind pieces because of my muse work, which I make up ahead of time and sell. But sometimes I do made-to-order pieces too. I think I love most of all to do custom work for my customers. I like making my customers happy like the lady in New York City who wanted to give her bridesmaids each a bracelet for being in her wedding. She ordered 6 silver arrowhead bracelets in her wedding colors for them. I had a great time working with her to make that happen, and I know I will enjoy making the jewelry of your dreams happen for you also.