My very first attempts at jewelry making where when I was about 15 years old, and my parents gave me a beadweaving class for my birthday. I absolutely loved it! However, I quickly ran out of ideas and time. Oh the life of a teenager.

In college I resumed jewelry design, as a way to relieve stress. But I didn't know how to do much beyond stringing. A few years later my soon to be mother in law taught me to wire wrap links. And a true monster was created! Gifts that year were super easy for my female family and friends. However I soon had more jewelry than even I could wear.

After a few years of praise and encouragement from my husband and friends, I finally decided to start selling my jewelry, and found etsy.

I also work full time as a physical therapist assistant. Being a therapist gives me the opportunity to truly affect someones life, often at one of the lowest points they have ever experienced. The satisfaction of seeing someone go from near death, to walking out of my doors to go home independently is something I cant explain. However, it can also be stressful and disappointing. Creating jewelry gives me a way to always have something beautiful around and relax after a long day of work.

I find it amazing that I can take a single bead and a length of sterling silver wire and manipulate them into a link to create a piece of something useful. The repetition of creating link after link is therapeutic for me as well. I love the stunning sparkle created by swarovski crystals, and the color variations found in gemstones. I also feel grounded and connected to the earth when I work with gemstones. I absolutely love the color of sterling silver, and how it shows off the beads without detracting from their beauty. I tend to gravitate towards the colors of the ocean, as that is my "happy place". You will find lots of blues, greens, greys, and white in my designs.

Welcome to my shop, and don't hesitate to send me questions or special requests!
turtlexiii.etsy.com