Thank you Mary Anne!!<\/p>\n

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What items of interest spark your desire to collect and create jewelry?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

I am an eclectic Aquarian…. let\u2019s start right there! I love the \u201codd and unusual\u201d, but take comfort in the \u201ctried and true\u201d. My collection of jewelry and gemstones began with the former. As a little girl, I can recall having a shoebox at my Nana’s house that accommodated all my "treasures". A wonderful golden topaz stone is an item that stands out in my memory. Of course it was a rhinestone, but to me it was a thing of wonder. How it sparkled in the sunlight. I never did outgrow the amazement derived from the glitter of light through a faceted gem that breaks into a wonderful rainbow across the room! I now have a studio instead of a shoebox that houses all my treasures, including those that I create. <\/p>\n

Items from Ireland and religious symbols resonate with me due to my heritage. My great grandmother hailed from Ireland. I grew up directly across the street from the Catholic Church I attended as a child, St. James, so all those things play into my \u201ctried and true\u201d category. One of my favorite items to make is a Keepsake Rosary. I love the link this makes between family and religion. Birthstone colors from all family members are employed in creating this one of a kind family heirloom piece. I take custom orders for these on my website<\/a>, at Etsy<\/a> and on ArtFire<\/a>. The Irish in me loves Celtic knots, Trees of life, spirals and weaves, in addition to chainmaille- again, all can be found on my website<\/a>, at Etsy<\/a> and on ArtFire<\/a>. <\/p>\n

As of late, my focus is on that of mixed metals. I have begun fashioning my own copper pieces using different hammers for textures, letter stamping, hole punching and lots of filing. I have incorporated patinas using liver of sulfur giving the pieces an old or antique feel to them. Speaking of antique I do collect and sell vintage rhinestone and costume jewelry. You can find those here at Bonanzle<\/a>. <\/p>\n

As with any of my designs, gemstones are an integral part. A sprinkle here and there, while others have a bold focal piece. So many gemstones\u2026..so little time! <\/p>\n

Join me at BellaOnline<\/a> to discuss your take on my question: <\/p>\n

What items of interest spark your desire to collect and create jewelry??<\/strong><\/p>\n

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$\"Santa_5x5\"$ <\/a> <\/p>\n

Coming soon!!! <\/p>\n

Keep up to date on this event at our team blog<\/a>! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"