bjeweledbysusan's Profile

Bio

I'm a mom to 5 great kids (3 of mine and 2 who are married to mine) and the grandmother of 2. The family all lives in Michigan and I live ... well, all over. My husband & I are "missionary church builders" -- we construct new buildings for small congregations in the US. We live full time in a 40' travel trailer and move every 3 to 15 months. I like to garden (in buckets), play piano, cook (we have food adventures!), scrapbook and sew. And I'm also a fan of football, Nascar and hockey.

I've always loved working with my hands and creating things to make life a little sweeter. My first attempt at making jewelry was born out of a need to match a new outfit of unusual color. Later I was inspired by a friend's wedding, realizing that there was a need for beautiful pieces that could be matched to the bridal party while remaining affordable.

I hope you'll enjoy browsing through my designs. I've been surprised in the creative process how much emotion is attached to jewelry, but I guess it makes sense -- charm bracelets, class rings, wedding rings are all tangible reminders of some of life's most important events.

Life is good! I'm blessed beyond words with great family, great friends and we're serving God and we love what we do -- how great is that!!

I am working to open 2 new shops in 2009 -- Gentle Adornments and Baublemania. They will each have a different "flavor" -- should be fun!!

Two years ago, I had emergency surgery, then 6 weeks later, had surgery again -- all without medical insurance. We wracked up $65,000 in medical bills and have taken no help from any governmental agency. The proceeds of my Etsy shop help to pay my medical bills.

I'm privileged to be the "Crafter of the Month" for August 2008:
http://kimbuktu.net/artisanspotlightaugust.html

I'm a member of CASTteam, TeamCAC and MI Trolls

Female, Born on October 5

Favorite Materials

SterlingSilver, SwarovskiCrystals, SwarovskiPearls, SemiPreciousStones