After losing a loved one in 2008, I sought creativity for solace. A few months before, I had decided to stow away my dancing shoes and everything about dance due to mounting disappointments. I loved drawing; I’d been drawing since I was a little girl, but lacked the space to grow as a sketch/pastel artist.
A year later, I remembered all the beads I had and a jewelry magazine my mother had given me and decided to try some beading projects. I had done some beadwork in the past, but it wasn’t even a hobby or craft in my mind. My work was shoddy and I didn’t know how to finish off pieces. So, I began to learn the methods and techniques of bead weaving.
The early pieces I completed during this period still needed some work, but I was hooked on the learning and creative process. I liked that I was wondering again, like a child, how can I do this better, or, there has to be a better way to do this. I liked that I was making mistakes and learning on my own, reading and learning about other’s processes, and being inspired to create my own methods of creativity.
Soon, bead weaving spawned new curiosities in new jewelry making techniques such as wire wrapping, chain maille, stringing, knot tying, and micro torching. Still today, I feed my curiosities by continuing to hone my craft and by learning new techniques and new jewelry design methods.
I feel blessed that I have the ability to share my creativity in a positive way with strangers and those that I love. I have also witnessed growth, not just in my craft, but within myself. I have gained invaluable spiritual growth after my loss, and working in this craft has allowed me to be mindful of this in a quiet and reflective way.
I dream of having my own studio space one day so I can continue to grow in this craft even more. But even in my current circumstances, I love what I do and I hope that this is reflected in my work.
I strive to make every piece as original as possible. I love making my own findings to finish off my pieces. My earrings and bracelets are one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect how I interpret beauty.
Right now I am exploring with paper beads and finding ways to incorporate them into my jewelry. Endless colors and endless possibilities are the simplest ways I can describe what I offer. Slowly, I am creating a distinctive style that I hope will someday be recognizable as my own. Only time will tell. Meanwhile, welcome to my shop and I hope you enjoy browsing through my earrings, bracelets, and necklaces!
Alina Carmela Padilla
You can learn more about me at WhisperingIris.wordpress.com or follow me on facebook (www.facebook.com/whispering.iris.1).
