AmandaGatlin

As a southerner, an Alabama native to be specific, I never would have dreamed that I'd travel to the Middle East, much less live there! : ) But, after graduating college in the winter of 1999, a desire to see Israel grew, and I didn't want to simply visit. I wanted to live there.

In the summer of 2000 I traveled there by myself and lived as an Israeli--taking the buses everywhere, working in the public schools as an intern teacher, attending graduate school, etc.

The two years spent there changed my life forever. And, as a result, Israel has been etched in my heart and mind forever.

I miss it...every day.

Living in Israel I learned how to bead at a shop called "Kef" in my neighborhood, Ramat HaSharon. There I designed a personalized name necklace for myself, and wore it everywhere I went. While visiting Alabama in the summer, others who saw it wanted one for themselves, friends, and family. And, for several years I have taken requests for personalized jewelry by word-of-mouth.

Now, having an Etsy shop has been so great to share my love of Israel and Hebrew with others. I enjoy working with sterling silver Hebrew lettering as I keep Israel close to my heart and extend its beauty and glory to others.

Blessings, and thank you for stopping by! : )