The adage "do what you love" is the reason I started Mountain Mist Jewelry. I love the sparkle, luster, and color of all sorts of jewelry materials. Like most people working in an office in front of a computer, I needed a creative outlet.

At first, I was afraid that I would run out of design ideas. Now I have more designs than I know what to do with! I work with all sorts of gemstones, pearls, Swarovski crystals and Czech glass beads. Just by accident, I decided to make a graduated pearl necklace. It was my first sale the week I opened my shop with eight items! I've found an apparently unserved niche of the market-high quality graduated round pearl necklaces made in the USA.

Although it sounds corny, I make everything at my kitchen table, as shown in the picture. For the pearls, it's just the needle, thread, and pearls. I don't even use a knotting tool because I don't like the knots it makes with double threads.

I'm very thrifty and believe in getting the most value for the money. I research products to make sure that pricing is competitive with items of similar quality. I also sit back and ask myself if I would pay this amount for this piece. I believe in "a lotta look for the money."

Once all the pearl necklaces are stocked up, my next line will be precious bead gemstone necklaces such as jade, ruby, sapphire and emerald beads. Also contemplating loom beaded evening bags. Still working on those designs.