SF: I have been crafting since I was 5, when a serious illness kept me in the hospital for over 3 months, and my father, of all people, taught me how to do crewel embroidery, to pass the time- When I was 10, my grandmother taught me to crochet, and I made a lot (seriously, a LOT) of vests and afghans. I still like to crochet afghans.When I was in my mid-20s, I discovered cross-stitch- and was hooked by that.
I just have always enjoyed making beautiful things all by myself! And people seemed to really enjoy receiving handmade gifts.
SF: Colors and nature, primarily.
SF: The one that sells immediately! I love making complicated beadwoven designs for myself, but I also need to pay the bills!
SF: I started selling on Etsy in November '07. I have only been designing and making jewelry since 1/07, but I really threw myself into it. I have always been what I laughingly call a jewelry slut - I never met a piece I didn't love! And when I discovered I could actually make jewelry myself, there was no stopping me. I have taken hundreds of hours of classes, in many different jewelry media - beading, glass fusing, lampworking, chainmaille, bead-weaving, metal clay, and more. Some I am crazy about, some I'm so-so about, and I am fairly sure I will never make another lampwork bead in my life. Just not my thing!
SF: Life is too short to be intimidated. In 5/07, I left a highly competitive career, which required intense competition and stress 24/7, and I never looked back. I want to be a relaxed, type B sort from now on.
I recently purchased a bead shop, and I sell a lot of my work there, and teach classes almost non-stop. I don't have as much time just to create for me anymore, but don't stress when I go 6 weeks without an online sale!
