Accessorize Your LIFE !
I am Debbie Bruce, artist and jewelry designer of "It's a Bead-iful World". Beautiful jewelry can give you sense of empowerment. It is a piece that you selected, and possibly helped design, which tells the world how you see yourself. Your jewelry should be an extension of your own personality. There are several words that describe my style of jewelry - eclectic, abstract, modern, tribal, bohemian. But the one word that pretty much sums it up is colorful. I get easily bored with jewelry made with just metal, even if the piece is a stunning work of art. I need color!! My jewelry style is fun, cheerful and colorful. It makes you feel happy.
I've always had a passion for jewelry. When I would buy a new outfit, I would immediately head right over to the jewelry counter to find just the right pieces to compliment it. Then, in an attempt to find some sort of creative outlet, as Oprah would say, I had an "Aha!" moment. Jewelry had always been a vital part of who I am, and it made perfect sense for my new hobby to be making my own jewelry.
As I began to perfect my jewelry techniques, my hobby and passion grew. I am now retired and a full-time jewelry designer. The majority of my pieces are one of a kind (OOAK), with a style leaning towards fun, cheerful and colorful. I enjoy creating all styles of artisan jewelry, but I do lean toward an eclectic style. I especially like hand-forging wire (pounding with a hammer is great for releasing tension!). I use all types of beads, from semi-precious and artisan lampwork beads to less expensive plated beads.
I like to make accessories as well. For example, when I was working, I was required to wear a badge on a horrendous plastic break-away lanyard. Well, that plastic lanyard definitely did NOT define my style so I made my own. Also I am at the age where I occasionally need glasses but don't want to wear an eyeglass holder that looks like something my grandmother would wear, so I make eyeglass holders for those of us that still like a little spice in our life :-)
I am a Self-Representing Artist in Jewelry Design (SRAJD), Member #1478, SRAJD is an organization of members who design, create, and sell their own jewelry. When you purchase from an SRAJD member, you are buying directly from and supporting the artist. It is the mission of the SRAJD organization to raise awareness of the benefits of buying directly from the artist. We also work as a community to help, nurture, instruct, and encourage one another.
Although primarily self-taught, I am also a graduate of the Sheffield School Jewelry Design Beading & Wire Working. I've been selling jewelry in a local art gallery, craft shows and on my own web site since 2002.
