I make beaded jewelry. My interest in this medium started in 2005 when a neighbor gave me a gift which included a gift certificate to a day spa and a beautiful beaded bracelet. She apparently thought I did something nice for her but for the life of me I cannot recall what it might be. I don’t remember doing anything out of the ordinary. I was enthralled by the bracelet and she explained that she made it.
Wow. I’ve seen these things, and I guess knew someone made them, but I never put two and two together. I expressed interest in learning how to do it and she was most gracious: She had a first-class setup in her bedroom. An armoire full of beads, tools, findings.
Not much prior to receiving my gift, I had ordered a sterling claddagh bracelet on eBay – with free sizing. Since I was paying a set rate for the bracelet and having it made smaller so it would fit my wrist, I told the seller that I wanted the extra claddagh link. My neighbor and I decided to use this link as a centerpiece.
In one afternoon, she taught me how to string beads on beading wire, how to select components (crystals, spacers, findings) and how to wire-wrap a bead to the claddagh link to make a dangling pendant.
My husband often talks about his “runner’s high.” I have to tell you, there is a “jeweler’s high.” And I found it!
Wow. I’ve seen these things, and I guess knew someone made them, but I never put two and two together. I expressed interest in learning how to do it and she was most gracious: She had a first-class setup in her bedroom. An armoire full of beads, tools, findings.
Not much prior to receiving my gift, I had ordered a sterling claddagh bracelet on eBay – with free sizing. Since I was paying a set rate for the bracelet and having it made smaller so it would fit my wrist, I told the seller that I wanted the extra claddagh link. My neighbor and I decided to use this link as a centerpiece.
In one afternoon, she taught me how to string beads on beading wire, how to select components (crystals, spacers, findings) and how to wire-wrap a bead to the claddagh link to make a dangling pendant.
My husband often talks about his “runner’s high.” I have to tell you, there is a “jeweler’s high.” And I found it!
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