Making jewelry at TurtleLady.com has become a fun way to create wearable “art”! As an artist, painting and drawing are not the only ways I love to express myself. Those who know me know that I have always loved “bling”. My husband has teased me for years that I suffer from the “Magpie Syndrome”. If something is shiny I want to bring it home; like the magpie birds do with everything from aluminum foil to the real deal. I believe this syndrome affects more women than men, but it’s one thing I don’t argue with him about, because in this case, he isn’t wrong… Haha
Finding the right “ingredients”
Designing jewelry is fun and something I have been doing for many years. I have also learned other wonderful skills, like making stained glass, wire wrapping stones and hand embossing cards to name a few; but what I like best with making jewelry is you get to wear it!
I am picky. I only like to use natural items or those made from nature. I tend to stay away from anything plastic or artificial. Sometimes you can’t help it, like when you make leashes for your eye-glasses. The leash holders made from rubber and plastic really do a great job, so why fight it, right?
Pearls and leather are a favourite of mine. I started wearing one single Tahitian pearl strung onto leather, surfer style, years ago. I bought it on a beach in Kauai and hardly take it off. It layers well with most anything and it is just, to sum it up in one word, easy.
Easy on-easy off beach style jewelry
The surfer style is wonderfully easy not just for taking it on and off–but also for adjusting the length. No need to pack multiple chains or chords. You just slide the knots to wear it as a choker or full length.I can swim with it in a pool or saltwater, work in it, play in it and if I do want to remove it, a couple slips of the knots and it’s off. I kept this in mind when designing the turtle and now the new starfish necklaces I am now selling on TurtleLady.com. They are made to be versatile and last for many years no matter what your lifestyle. I can’t express it enough how pretty, fun and easy they are to wear and enjoy!
To learn more about the “Starfish Story” and how it inspires and impacts many, please go to www.hpsfl.org and scroll down on their home page. It is a brief but beautiful adaptation of the story! Maybe it will inspire you too!