Ever since I can remember I have loved shiny and sparkly things.

One of my earliest memories is when I was about 4 years old. I remember having this small place in our backyard. It was my hiding place. The place where I stored my "treasures". Now, you would think I would have my dolls or my favorite books there. Nope. Not me. I was collecting... broken glass. I had so many different colors. Brown, clear, blue, red, green, aqua... the blue was my favorite. To me the glass pieces were gemstones. I loved looking at them. Every time I would find a small piece of glass I would add to my "collection". I was really lucky I never cut my self!

Eventually my hiding place was found and my glass thrown away. But I never lost that fascination.

When I was about 20 years old I started beading. I bought hundreds of beads and made some bracelets and a few necklaces too. But I found myself collecting beads rather than actually making jewelry. So I stopped for awhile. When I was about 26 years old I decided I wanted to go back to school and get a degree. Did a lot of research and decided I would rather learn a trade. Luckily for me, there was a local trade school that offered classes in jewelry design and repair. I spent the next three years going to night class. I loved it! It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

In 2010 I started designing. I love antique jewelry. Actually... I love all jewelry, but I find the craftsmanship of antique pieces to be incredible. It has been a big influence for my designs. In November of 2010 I decided to open a shop on Etsy with my designs. I was so scared nobody would buy them! But then I got my first order... and then my second!

So here I am now... doing what I love!

Michelle:)