Inspired by a bead lanyard at work, I thought my pre-teen kids* might enjoy beading, so I bought them some basic beads and tools for Christmas in 2006.

They got bored after two days, but I was addicted from the first minute! It got so intense over the next month that my mess was spilling into several rooms. My husband cleaned out a small shed on the back of our property with a little a/c unit in it and kicked me and my growing disaster out of the house. I had never been so happy! It was awesome to have all this space to myself! As my collection of beads and skills grew, I moved on to torching, incorporating more and more silver into my work, and discovered wire-wrapping and artisan lampwork (which I hope to someday add to my list of skills).

My California studio is now in my dining room in my TINY house in a quaint mining community in which I spend countless hours every month with the dogs just feeling creative and enjoying the freedom I find there. I have just found and purchased my own "forever" home and will will be closed for an extended period to set up (build!) a studio space. I can't believe I found this beautiful property in this crazy real estate market, but it lacks room for a studio!

I sold lots of items through my work (RNs like jewelry it turns out!), and then realized that MAYBE I could actually support my hobby when I discovered Etsy in 2009. I did not hesitate to open a shop, and proudly posted my first (horrible) photos of my work. I got a sale the first week and had about 40 that first year. My photography skills improved, I found some wonderful regular customers who encouraged me to work outside of my comfort zone, and my jewelry skills also improved and continue to evolve to this day.

My shop gets busier and busier every year, so I have to close up every once in a while, take some deep breaths, dip my feet in the ocean, and psych myself up for whatever comes next.

I now also work part-time (or full-time, thanks to COVID19) as an ICU RN at my day job, and my jewelry income contributes not only to feed my silver addiction, but also to my therapy and the household budget as long as I spend every spare minute hammering and wrapping. And promoting. And taking care of little things I omitted in my dreams of entrepreneurial creativity like taxes, obtaining shipping and packaging supplies. And replying to LOTS of inquiries. Fortunately, I LOVE my creative "job."

I love Etsy and the personal connections I have made here. The teams are supportive and helpful (I never would have heard of SEO if not for the Etsy Success Team!) and inspiring (especially the Wire Goddess Team!).

Please contact me if you are looking for a particular stone or item and I'll do my best to make your vision a reality.

Thanks for wondering about me! I read EVERY single bit of feedback I receive, cherish those quick notes and photos when a customer loves that little box in the mail, and enjoy peeking at your profiles, too! I often post customer appreciation photos on my Facebook business page, so you may see your loaded charm holder there. Happy shopping!
=) Cindy
*My "pre-teen" kids are now grown and all very creative souls on their own!