My name is Janet & I would like to tell you a bit about my beginning as a jewelry & clothing artist. I hope it inspires you to try something creative.
I grew up with a mom, dad & 4 brothers, none of whom showed any artistic talent. My dear mom loved piano but played at playing. She also did " paint by number" pictures & those are the only artistic memories for me.
As I was growing up, I chose a career as a Registered Nurse. My specialty was helping new mothers breastfeed their babies as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant & volunteer La Leche League Leader.
I got married in 1978 (still have the original model!) & gave birth to 2 gorgeous daughters. I guess raising children could be considered creative but not necessarily artistic.
I have always loved color (thus the " rainbow" in my shop name). Neon signs would send me into ecstasy as a child. Seeing a beautiful sunset over the Atchafalaya Basin overwhelmed me with the beauty only God & nature can provide. Still no artistic aspirations.
And now, how everything changed...
My younger daughter developed the extremely painful conditions of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia as a young adult. She finally had to come live at home so her dad & I could help her. She began making jewelry as a diversion from the pain, a fun activity & an expression of her creativity. After many years of therapy, medication changes & her own strength, she was able to cope with her conditions & move to her own place.
She took " the good stuff"--Swarovski crystals, sterling silver, etc. but left quite a mess. I decided to clean up the rooms she was using. As I gathered beads, wire, findings (I thought that was the strangest word!), I thought, "Hey! This looks fun. Look at all these COLORS!". My daughter gave me an excellent " how-to" book on jewelry making & I started practicing. The rest, as they say, is history.
To back up a few clicks, I had gotten interested in dyeing clothing when I wanted to revive the colors in a few favorite T-shirts. Again, all the colors drew me in. Once I invested in the professional dyes & chemicals, I learned techniques such as low immersion dyeing & good ol' tie dye. Fun; love; colors!
As most beaders seem to be, I am obsessed & stay excited with this art form. Who knew someone with no artistic education or inclination could discover in her late 50's this hidden talent? Who knows what is hiding in YOU?!