So, why do you make jewelry?
Ever since I could thread a needle without injuring my self (around
age five), I have had a fascination with beads. It started with visits
to my cousin's home. I found myself drawn to her many tubes of seed
beads. She taught me how to make simple necklaces, and soon my own
bedroom would always have a place for my own beads. As the years went
by, I learned how to bead on a loom, and make simple rings. I found loom
work to be fun, but only for a while. I happened to stumble on an
article in a magazine on a technique called "Brick Stitch." It became my favorite, and I practiced this stitch for years.
With the birth of the internet, I learned I was not the only bead lover (besides my cousin!) in the world! I then discovered the joys of new beading magazines being published. Still, even with these new and exciting ways of beading being discussed (I always try new techniques), I always seem to go back to my favorite stitch. For over thirty years I have been making beaded earrings. In talking to a friend, she wondered if I could incorporate her daughter's birthstones with the beads. Maybe add some pearls. WOW! I then tried this with the earrings. AMAZING results!
I have been wanting to expand my knowledge of jewelry making and tried making some bracelets. Simple, strung... and I wasn't happy. I have always loved the look of old, English "Tudor" style jewelry. I'm just drawn to it. Romantic, but not real girly. I started watching a show called "The Tudors," and I was instantly drawn to the rich colors of Olde English Royalty; vibrant blues. Rich purples. Deep dark greens and reds. Soon, I was sketching these designs and trying to come up with ways to re-create these regal gems with beads. I looked around online and found some patterns. Satisfied, I tried them. They were easy. So easy, that I ditched them and started creating my own patterns! It's kind of like making bread; if you know the basic recipe, you can change it to whatever flavor you want! Artistic license; yah,baby! I have always said that if I could live in the sixteenth century, I'd love it -- if I could have indoor plumbing. I just love everything about it: The clothes, the language, the food, the homes... and the jewelry. Maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea. I don't think I could live without the beads I have today!
I receive wonderful comments from people everywhere. I wear my jewelry all the time, and more and more people would stop me and say " Wow, do you sell your stuff?" "Do you have a website? No? Well, you should! Can you make me a some earrings?" I would always have to confess that I didn't have a website. Who me!? Well, here I am.
Other than beads and making jewelry, I am happily married to my best friend and we have two great teenage sons. I am a proud owner of Daisy, our five month old parakeet. I am a bird-lover, as well as a bead lover. I can count on my hands the days in my life where I have not had a bird in my life.
Currently, I am a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). Other hobbies include drawing and blogging. I may start another blog here... who knows.
Well, thank you for stopping by! Let me know if you would like to inquire about a piece of jewelry. All questions answered and most welcome!
All the best,
Maryfrances
With the birth of the internet, I learned I was not the only bead lover (besides my cousin!) in the world! I then discovered the joys of new beading magazines being published. Still, even with these new and exciting ways of beading being discussed (I always try new techniques), I always seem to go back to my favorite stitch. For over thirty years I have been making beaded earrings. In talking to a friend, she wondered if I could incorporate her daughter's birthstones with the beads. Maybe add some pearls. WOW! I then tried this with the earrings. AMAZING results!
I have been wanting to expand my knowledge of jewelry making and tried making some bracelets. Simple, strung... and I wasn't happy. I have always loved the look of old, English "Tudor" style jewelry. I'm just drawn to it. Romantic, but not real girly. I started watching a show called "The Tudors," and I was instantly drawn to the rich colors of Olde English Royalty; vibrant blues. Rich purples. Deep dark greens and reds. Soon, I was sketching these designs and trying to come up with ways to re-create these regal gems with beads. I looked around online and found some patterns. Satisfied, I tried them. They were easy. So easy, that I ditched them and started creating my own patterns! It's kind of like making bread; if you know the basic recipe, you can change it to whatever flavor you want! Artistic license; yah,baby! I have always said that if I could live in the sixteenth century, I'd love it -- if I could have indoor plumbing. I just love everything about it: The clothes, the language, the food, the homes... and the jewelry. Maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea. I don't think I could live without the beads I have today!
I receive wonderful comments from people everywhere. I wear my jewelry all the time, and more and more people would stop me and say " Wow, do you sell your stuff?" "Do you have a website? No? Well, you should! Can you make me a some earrings?" I would always have to confess that I didn't have a website. Who me!? Well, here I am.
Other than beads and making jewelry, I am happily married to my best friend and we have two great teenage sons. I am a proud owner of Daisy, our five month old parakeet. I am a bird-lover, as well as a bead lover. I can count on my hands the days in my life where I have not had a bird in my life.
Currently, I am a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). Other hobbies include drawing and blogging. I may start another blog here... who knows.
Well, thank you for stopping by! Let me know if you would like to inquire about a piece of jewelry. All questions answered and most welcome!
All the best,
Maryfrances