Why I Started Making Jewellery

I have always enjoyed craftwork, from painting watercolours to stained glass windows, its a way to express yourself and forget all your troubles.
I found that my water colour paintings were receiving praise from my friends which is a real boost to your ego, but this prompted me to join my local art society. I remember my first meeting and my first impressions: I belong here!
I was at home amongst these people the cross section of members were vast (I had no idea who or what type of people frequented these clubs) I was pleasantly surprised there was experience here from the young and the old all chatting and swapping ideas.
Over the years I produced various and numerous paintings which I did exhibit in the shows and yes I did sell some which is a wonderful feeling. It was at one of these exhibits that I met a very interesting person who mentioned she made things from stained glass. I was intrigued and decided to give it ago.
After several introduction lessons I was hooked, I was quickly making small things and after 2 years of attending a weekly class I progressed to a medium sized window which proudly sits in the door of my workshop.
But I wasn’t done there! I was invited to a jewellery party and happily went along to check it out with a friend of mine. I had mixed feelings regarding the jewellery she was selling, I didn’t like any of it and it was all overpriced. This was the start of my 3rd hobby.
I researched beads and findings and their suppliers, I read articles and watched videos on ‘ How to’ and soon I was making my own.
Just like my paintings and stained glass creations my friends and work colleagues absolutely loved my jewellery. It wasn’t long before they were asking me if I could make something for them. This led to more people wanting my jewellery so I decided to take it one step further, I took the plunge and took my jewellery to the local outside Market one Saturday to see what the response would be and if other people would buy my creations.
What a buzz, I sold my own design handmade jewellery to total strangers people liked my bracelets, earrings and necklaces and commented on how beautiful my stall looked. Wow! Not bad for a total novice at both jewellery making and being a market trader.
Since that first day on the market, 3 years ago, I have progressed my business even further by attending craft fairs and summer shows including Westmoreland show- the last show of the season which attracts thousands of people. It was at one of these shows I saw a lady making her own Lampwork Glass Beads. She offered to teach me and now I make my own beads. (That will be another article)
I also have a business website: www.enchantedjewels.co.uk selling jewellery beads and jewellery findings and a selection of my handmade jewellery. You can follow my whereabouts i.e shows I am attending this year 2011 on my homepage.
I am on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Enchanted-Jewels and my blog is: enchantedjewels.blogspot.com/
Pay me a visit, it would be great to hear your comments on my facebook/ blog.