Wandering around my mother's dress shop as a little girl, my eyes would pop with all the bright colors and textures of fabric and beads. I was lucky to have a mom who loved to play dress-up as much as I did. She was very crafty; loved to sew and make things with her hands, and would often get me in on the action, with varying results. My sister was the same way, and I credit them both with inspiring me to create. We are still chatting about styles and trends, crafty aspirations, and projects we'd like to tackle someday.
Over the last twenty years or so, I have made, worn, and sold my own jewelry. I'm always finding something new to obsess over, so I get on different style kicks from time to time. My focus might be on making the perfect daytime casual necklace, and then it might be on how many fabulous midcentury brooches I can incorporate into my work. For a while I went mad for bakelite, and then it was labradorite. One never knows.
My inspiration comes from everyday life, as much as from lofty imagination. There's beauty in the run-down, as well as the runway. I also think that my style sensibilities speak to the concept of time as being fluid and nonlinear. I don't want for ideas, because there's millions of them, all vying for my attention. FrostBrite Jewelry isn't a particular theme or aesthetic; as I say, to me there's limitless appeal in the world, and I don't think my customers want to limit themselves, either.
So after an idea strikes my fancy and I am ready to make it tangible, I'm very methodical when it comes to design, finding the right materials, and striving for the highest possible quality. From start to finish, my goal is to produce the best work possible. There's creativity in that, as well.
For instance, I'm always on a perpetual treasure hunt--unearthing a dusty jar of antique buttons, liberating a set of mah-jongg tiles, eyeing something I already have in a different way. The excitement from finding just the right thing to make a piece come together is addictive.
A typical "making" day for me includes lots of delicious coffee, fresh air and sunshine in my office studio, and a variety of music to create by. I talk to myself when I work, to the amusement of my husband. I take a break here and there to mess around in my balcony garden, check in with family and friends, or cook something tasty. Jewelry-making is incredibly fulfilling, but it requires more energy and brainpower than it might appear, and it's a good idea stretch your legs from time to time!
When I'm not working on all things FrostBrite my husband and I like catching up on our favorite AMC shows and going to the movies (where I do NOT talk to myself). I love to "sing" and play "music" on my kalimba (thumb piano). I adore children, and spent the last year teaching tons of sweet, funny toddlers art and music at a play center. As a former librarian and bookseller, and just as a curious person, I read like crazy. My favorite subjects are British and American maritime and naval history, Victorian London, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, midcentury modern architecture, furniture design, and advertising, New York in the 1950s, Ripperology, quantum physics for the layman (I'm going to need more help with this), and the history of epidemic disease (just delightful). I savor any chance to hang out with my closest pals, and if it can be outside and accompanied by a tiki drink or a tasty microbrew, then so much the better.
I'm fortunate to have received compliments on my jewelry and even special requests, from friends, family, and from my invaluable Etsy customers. I make what I like, what is meaningful to me, and what makes me happy. I'm always flattered and honored if someone else should enjoy it, too!