It really began years ago; when I was very little, my mom had these amazing glass bead necklaces, each bead shiny and pretty as a candy. I took them all apart to play with. I think I also stole several of her earrings and used to pretend they were swans.
I could never really pass a jewelry display without stealing a well concealed peek.
And then I became close friend with a girl who was going through a gem-aholic period (something that many of us no doubt have at least once in our lives) - and should have known then. Should have known that this was inevitable.
Since about March 2011 I've been increasing my semi-precious bead supply, buying up tools and containers. I've finally begun stringing and designing pieces, and soon intent to begin wire wrapping. I think that if I'm successful, I'll also go into metal clay and perhaps soldering an setting stones. But that's definitely not until summer.
I will also be getting seller Etsy, ArtFire, and perhaps Zibbet accounts, and attending endless gem and craft shows.
This is going to be a fun hobby (my hobbies are always fun, but this one is sparkly too, and might result in monetary income even in short term - unlike painting and writing, which will remain profitless hobbies for years..), an expensive one, and one that will require the acquisition of many new skills, such as photography and marketing. So I feel like it'll be a nice useful thing to document.
Let's begin!
