Jewelry in Seattle

The other night I was looking at the very first piece I had designed and said to myself, "I don't think I really like how that turned out, I think I'll redesign that one."  I loved the pendant;  a beautiful glass heart with aqua, amethyst, gold and brown swirled throughout.  I wasn't sure whether I liked the necklace I had designed for it.  After all, it was my first piece and it wasn't what I would consider my best design.  But someone liked it.  Not just someone, my aunt who has been absolutely wonderful to me over the years.  She lives in Seattle and always makes my stay there very comfortable and fun. I'm honored for her to wear one of my pieces of jewelry.  Thanks Aunt Joyce!

Flying Birds, Restrooms and Restaurants

Some crazy things happened to me tonight.  I went to Belk's to look at a pair of earrings and to get inspiration from their jewelry.  Of course, no trip to Belk's would be complete without a trip to the restroom.  The glass of tea and the hour drive to Birmingham make for a pit stop whether it is at McDonald's or Belk's.  My bladder doesn't seem to know the difference.  Enough about bodily functions and back to tonight's events.  On my way to the restroom, the sales associate working the service counter commented on  the necklace I was wearing. She told me she loved it so I thanked her.  While I was in the restroom it occurred to me that I had my business cards with me and perhaps I should give her one.  I have never in my life walked up to a stranger and struck up a conversation about much of anything much less my newly formed jewelry hobby.  I gave her my card and told her I wasn't in the habit of walking up to complete strangers but I wanted to give her my business card.  She seemed thrilled and I was amazed that I had the guts to give her my card.  Only a year or two ago I would have never done that.  I wouldn't have even looked her in the eye.  It's amazing how events in our lives change and shape us.  I feel as if I am finding myself again....defining myself.  She wasn't the only person who commented on my jewelry.  One of the hostesses at the restaurant I where I dined commented on my necklace as well.  My friend told her I made it and she asked for a card.  I guess the events weren't all that crazy...maybe just the hand of God.  I'm just glad to know that I'm finding my way.

Beads, Beads, Beads!

Oh, how I can't wait for the day to get started and my favorite bead store to open.  I've been commissioned to make another necklace for a sweet friend.  Little does she know that she is giving such great pleasure today.  I go to the bead store and stand there forever looking at beads, touching them, formulating ideas and in the end, practicing great restraint.  I want them ALL!!!  I always buy too much and I always have to leave something precious behind with the hope that it will be there the next time I visit and the pocketbook will allow.  Shhh....listen....can't you hear the beads calling???

Time to Believe

BELIEVE

Finding time to design and craft is more difficult than I imagined this summer.  I've had some time but there has been lots of people I've enjoyed spending time with as well.  I'm thinking about doing a couple of arts and crafts fairs in the fall and have researched how much inventory I need to make that happen.  I guess I'd better get to work crafting and designing. I would love to know what you think about my page and whether you think I should consider doing a show or festival or two.  Time to go and get to work!  Until next time...

Wedding Days and Vow Renewals

This week I was able to put together a necklace and earrings for a friend for her vow renewal.  It was a lot of fun to do and I learned a couple of new techniques.  The trinity pearl focal point proved to be a bit tricky and after numerous attempts and redesigns I finally came up with one that I was satisfied with.  I loved using new wires and wrapping them to create the eyes needed to connect it all together.  Congratulations for my friends Cindy and Randy!  May they have many more great years to come!

Welcome to Deb's Designs

It seems that a hobby I have has turned into something more than I could imagined.  I started making jewelry to satisfy my creative side and something to keep me busy in the evenings when my children or my best friend wasn't around to keep me from sticking my head into the refrigerator and snarfing down food I didn't need to eat.  Just for kicks I launched a facebook page called Deb's Designs and uploaded pics of some of the earrings I had been making and low and behold, I had people who were interested in buying my jewelry.  I hadn't priced any of the earrings and a friend requested that I do so.  By the next morning, I had sold my first pair of earrings.  I'm having a blast designing custom pieces and making things that interest and excite me.  I love the colors and how they come together to make a beautiful piece of jewelry!  Welcome to my blog....Stay tuned....More to come!