I'm living alone in the great northern coastal town of Eureka, California. Life is good here. It was not always so.
I've always had a love for stones and gemstones. An interest in the metaphysical healing properties of stones. I moved to Eureka in 1999. My plans did not include becoming disabled. But of course, I should have known better than to make plans. I know now that someone other than myself holds that big itinerary and plans are always subject to change without notice.
Before I became disabled, I would visit the local bead shops and rock shops. I made myself a few necklaces using gemstone beads and sterling silver wire and chain.
It seemed everyone who saw the necklaces I wore asked where I bought them. So, I made a few for other people, as gifts. At the time, I had two great jobs and not much time on my hands. Then it happened. While doing a wheelchair transfer at work, I literally blew up my neck. I ruptured four discs in my cervical spine. Thus, my true journey began...
I was in a position of impending doom. Unable to work, needing serious spine surgery, and in the worse pain imaginable. The entire aspect of being "disabled" did not sit too well at all. Let me also say, people you owe money to do not care why you can't pay, they want their money. Of course they do, they have every expectation that people will meet their obligations. Life seemed so bleak. After a life spent doing heavy work, and being a control freak, I got what my mom might call "a rude awakening".
Well, I had the surgery and all went well. That is not to say I was fixed or healed, physically. They did what they could for me. Actually, the spiritual healing I needed was a bigger hurdle than the physical repair I had done, and of more vital need.
I now had too much time on my hands, but no money. It finally dawned on me that it was silly to think I was in control. All I needed to do was let go of the reeds and flow with the river of life. The best place for me to start was to just start over again. I know so many reading this can relate.
I found inspiration in the ocean. She can really take a grandiose spirit and put her back in perspective. The Giant Redwood trees, the mountains...all of nature is restorative for me.
And so, I needed to find a line of work where I could be self supporting, and not re-injure myself. I was very fortunate...i was able to fall into something I had a passion for, working with gemstones.
I use only the finest components in my pieces. Genuine gemstones in beads, faceted and cabochon stones. I use only 92.5 silver. I use very small gauge silver wire and chain in my necklaces, working under large magnification. I can make a 17" necklace in three hours, give or take. My necklaces are of various lengths.
I recently taught myself how to solder silver, and have begun making the pendants for the necklaces.
The pendants are all original. I'm not using the casting process, I saw and file my silver by hand, and do as many soldering processes as I need to. Very interesting and fun work!
No two necklaces will ever be alike.
I've been making many made-to-order pieces. Several Of my customers have sent me earrings or pendants they wanted incorporated into necklaces. (Remember that favorite earring pair that you lost one of? They can make awesome pendants!)
I will be posting pictures of my pieces soon!
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I am trying to figure out this Canon Powershot A70 Digital Camera. It is so much smarter than I am. If anyone has some tried and true settings for taking the Macro shots of jewelry, please share your secrets with me.
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This is a new work in progress. Please add me to your friends list and check back.
If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas for me, please email me at
[email protected]Now, go have a great day. You can give yourself permission to do that. Today and always!
Wish love and light!
JudiThis profile was edited with Thomas' myspace editor™ V2.5
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