It all began in 1998...
At that time I had two small boys, ages 5 and 7, and they wanted to "make something." So off to Michael's we went. They picked out a key chain making kit of a beaded gecko. After they finished the key chains, one for Mom and one for Dad, I remembered how much I loved making beaded necklaces when I was a child living in 1960's Newport Beach, California. There was an Indian Trading Post that I would ride my bike to and purchase tubes of colorful beads with money I earned from my paper route and turning in glass soda bottles I found on the beach. It was the 60's and everyone was wearing beaded necklaces.
Fast forward 30 years (OMG, really?), and remembering my love for those tiny pieces of colorful glass, I searched out a class for making beaded jewelry. It didn't take long before the whole thing exploded and turned a love for jewelry and beads into a jewelry making business. Gotta make more money to buy more beads, right? I started doing farmer's markets and craft shows, to street festivals and juried art shows. I was selling my creations everywhere I went. I began with stringing beads and wire wrapping all the way to enameling and making lampwork beads for my own jewelry designs. Phew!
My boys are both in college now and I live at 7200' elevation in the beautiful mountains of Southern California. I have my own studio here overlooking the lake with the beauty and quiet of nature. I still do art shows and street fairs just for my love of the atmosphere and the people. I still get that thrill when someone puts on one of my pieces and their face lights up.
That's what it's all about for me - adorning women (and a few men!) in beautiful jewelry and seeing the joy that it brings to them.
Namaste,
Kym
See the latest pieces on Pinterest @ Falling Leaf Bangles
Also, follow me on Instagram @FallingLeafStudio
