Eclectic and Unusual Handmade Adornments
In 2006 I read an article in the New York Post about a woman in New Jersey who had worked in advertising but was now a mother to a small child, looking for a way to use her creativity. She opened a shop on Etsy selling odd ephemera and jewelry and was already successful after only a year. That got my interest. I was a theatrical costume designer and stylist for over 30 years and loved making accessories for my shows. Opening my shop on Etsy in the summer of 2006 was a way for me to finally use some of my huge collection of beads and buttons.
I am drawn to intense color and over the years have made many pieces using the most colorful components that I can find. Theme pieces are also fun, as are pieces that evoke other periods.
I've come a long way since 2006 and have sold thousands of pieces online at half a dozen venues, and have added metal smithing and wax carving techniques in order to add gemstones in addition to colorful vintage and new glass to various metals.
I approach my current work as I did when I was a theatrical designer, often serving the stone, a theme, or feeling. In 2008 I opened OverthetopOverstock on Etsy, where I sell vintage wares and my hoarded costume supplies.