the story of Ke'e Designs
I was searching for a way to be creative and artistic in 2006. I wasn't interested enough in painting, sculpting or pottery making. A coworker invited me to attend a nearby bead show on our lunch break. I was so interested in all the varieties and colors of beads I saw as well as examples of how to combine them. I was smitten and bought a few bags of glass and gemstone beads as well as some flex wire and clasps so I could make a necklace. It was so much fun. I attended other bead and gem shows and got acquainted with some bead stores and online shops. It was so rewarding to make my own bracelets, necklaces and earrings, so I wondered if I could offset some of my costs by selling pieces online and at craft fairs. I created my first Etsy account KeeDesigns in 2007 and named it after my favorite beach Ke'e on the island of Kauai.
In 2008 I started taking classes in the art of Lost Wax Casting at a nearby Adult Education program and learned to cast wax patterns into Sterling and Argentium silver pendants, charms and rings. I really enjoy making my own silver components and findings then combining them with my wiring and stringing skills.
Along the way I learned how to solder precious metals and now have a complete soldering station at home with torch that uses propane and oxygen for fuels.
