A few years ago I received a gift for Mother's Day that changed my life. It was a lovely sterling silver charm bracelet with colorful pieces of seaglass as charms. Very simple, very pretty. I loved it! I loved it so much I wondered if I could make pretty seaglass bracelets myself. How hard could it be I asked myself.
I spent months learning about seaglass and how it was used in jewelry. Then, I spent many more months learning techniques to make jewelry and found out learning to make jewelry is a life long journey. I realize now I should have blogged about my earlier days of learning to wrap seaglass in sterling silver wire and late nights trying to meet deadlines, or the sleepless nights trying to stop the muse who would show up at 2 or 3 a.m. I have a new appreciation for all the jewelry artists who work hard to learn their craft. Learning to become a jewelry artist takes time, commitment, talent, passion, work, and love. Seeing the joy on the face of a customer when they see their special piece of jewelry for the first time is such a wonderful feeling.
Anyway, I have learned I really love making jewelry and I still love seaglass. Mmmm, yes, I love pearls and gemstones, too. Of all the techniques I have learned so far I love wire weaving, I find it interesting, as well as, relaxing. Also, I love working with PMC which is a precious metal clay that can be molded into any design, fired in a kiln and a beautiful piece of pure, 99%, silver is produced. Quite amazing.
When my husband and I moved to Florida, he was ready and willing to lead the retired life. He learned to play golf and now so have I. Golf is a great excuse to leave my work bench and get out in the Florida sunshine.
I am sure my daughter never thought giving me that little seaglass bracelet for Mother's Day would be such a life changing gift. It has turned out to be the gift that keeps on giving.
Silver Mermaid Jewelry has been sold at boutiques in New England, Florida, and Alabama.
Silver Mermaid Jewelry has been displayed at the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, Florida s well as, the Progress Energy Art Gallery, New Port Richey, FL.