Enough?...Never!

Before I came to art school, I had always dreamed about making arts. I have always worked in a bank. My creativity was securely locked up in the safe deposit box! Although I had the urge to create something, I did not know what to create. I have not had any drawing or painting lessons after grade school. In addition, storage space was also one of my concerns. What should I do? A friend showed me how to wire wrap, and I took a jewelry class at Santa Monica College. I fell in love with jewelry making! I sold some of them, and gave to friends on special occasions. I even gave mini jewelry making lessons at elementary schools. It was so much fun.

Remember what people say about “women and jewelry?” This makes me think about the issue on consumerism. I have to admit that I am a victim of consumerism! I LOVE buying jewelry. It’s awesome that I can make my own jewelry now. Every time when I see something I want to purchase at the store, I come home and make a “reproduction” of the piece. Making jewelry is a healthy hobby (except when I had tendonitis): It is economical, and it keeps my creativity alive. People ask: “when is it enough for you?” I’d say: “Enough?…Never!” I will always make jewelry for as long as I live.

Existing items:

A jewelry box
lots of rings
earrings
necklaces
bracelets
some beads
2 silk flowers

Items to add:

Jewelry making tools:

different types of pliers
wire cutter
some exotic beads

Things to reproduce:

I am thinking of either a pair of earrings, necklaces or the silk flower. I want to make them B-I-G! Since I have always made them in “normal” size, I will take suggestions on how to make big jewelry ( I think it’ll be like making a piece of sculpture.) Also, if any of you have thick wire that you don’t want, I’d love to take them as “donations!”

Materials I will need:

Big beads (I'm still thinking about the materials.I probably need to make them too)
10 gauge copper or stainless steel wire
jewelry pliers
regular pliers
wire cutters
silk strings
clasp (for necklace)
torch (for soldering)
solder wire (silver bearing, lead free)
saw to cut metal

I want to say "THANK YOU" to: Jackie, Geoff, Sheila and Rebecca for all their thoughtful input. They are really helpful.

Thanks guys,
Vida (=