I guess you could say I was "born into it". My grandpa was a master violin maker as well as a genius tool and die maker. He could seriously make anything. Violins, guitars, engines, harps, you name it, he could probably make it in his little garage workshop. My mom is a porcelain doll maker who has pioneered an untold number of techniques in the field of dollmaking and antique porcelain repair. My dad was also very artistic and could draw pretty much anything. He took a class while I was a little girl on lost wax casting and I still have that ring today. Funny how the seeds are planted so young.

As a kid, my favorite toy was my crayons and coloring book. It came with me everywhere. I was always drawn to the art supplies at any store. In fact, my absolute favorite store in the world was the stationary store. I still remember the smell of all the paper and supplies as I walked in... pure magic!

I guess it's no big surprise then, that I have chosen to make a career out of something artistic. I worked in a salon as a manicurist and esthetician for many years before my husband and I started our family. While working there, I became enamored with Swarovski crystal jewelry. Being the crafty "slash" artsy person that I am, I taught myself how to make bracelets, necklaces and earrings and sold them at the salon. I did so well with it, that I did home shows as well. I always knew that when the time came to have a family, that making jewelry would probably be the way for me to earn some extra income.

As a newer mom, I started noticing other mother's beautiful personalized jewelry. I became OBSESSED! I fell in love with stamped jewelry. After a lot of consideration, and lots of long talks with the hubby, I decided to go ahead and invest in the beginnings of my business. I already had an Etsy shop that I started for my crystal jewelry, but I hadn't really done much with it. I threw myself into this new business in Spring of 2011, and started making and listing my new hand stamped pieces. It has been a love affair ever since :) I am so honored to be able to create special pieces that will hopefully become treasured heirlooms.

An achievement I am very proud of is my association with The Artisan Group.
https://www.facebook.com/theartisangroup
Thanks to my association with this amazing group of artisans, I have had the opportunity to get my products in the hands of big name celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Kristen Bell, Alicia Keys, Shakira, and Vanessa Lachey, among many others. My products have been in the gift bags given to celebrities and press at the GBK gift lounges at the 2014 Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe awards. I have also submitted my jewelry to the following television shows: Modern Family, The Fosters, Better Call Saul, The Vampire Diaries, and The Voice. And thanks to a personal connection, Quinton Gibson, lead guitarist for Darius Rucker, is a big fan and wears a custom sterling and copper tag necklace I created especially for him. He has personally told me it's a favorite piece of his and he is seen on many television performances wearing the necklace. It sure was a proud moment for me to see a piece I created being worn by such a celebrity on a show like Jimmy Fallon!

This wonderful business has opened up so many doors for my little family. The income from my business sends my kids to private school, pays for dance classes for my daughter, and sports for my boys. I am so grateful to God for providing this opportunity here on Etsy for me. I am also grateful to you, my customer, for choosing to buy your personalized jewelry from me. I so appreciate your support as well as the kind words you share with me and with your friends.

Sincerely....Andrea