31 Dec
2011 Participants
 Barbara MacDougall |
About Barbara (posts as: Barbara) |
I've been making jewellery for about two and a half years. I've rarely worn it, mainly because of the type of jobs I've had in my life -- and if I ever saw something I actually would wear (being as I have champagne tastes while living on a beer budget) there's no way I could afford to buy it. It never, ever occurred to me that I could make jewellery -- even with my fine art background.I got started on this new endeavour with PMC silver as I had always wanted to get back into sculpture and ceramics, and this seemed like a very portable medium because I move around a lot. When I started, I didn't even know what a jump ring was. I also decided to make silver and turquoise jewellery, not a particularly original combination, but then found I had to import my own turquoise because I couldn't find any here in southern Ontario or even in Canada, online. Anyone looking at my website/market table will notice I've deviated somewhat from that original limitation.I'm constantly researching about turquoise and semi-precious stones. I had no idea turquoise could be so beautiful and that every mine, every string from a given mine, could be so different from the next.And I still don't wear my jewellery. |
 Bonnie Schilder |
About Bonnie (posts as: bonstitches) |
Hi all! I'm so pleased to be a part of YOJ - to make new friends, be inspired by their work and stimulate my own creative juices through the winter months. Now I just hope I get my first piece done in time! ;-) |
 Cammy Jones |
About Cammy (posts as: bejigged) |
I started out making jewelry, then a few years ago became seriously interested in Photography. I am now a trained professional photographer, working freelance doing fashion photography. But I've missed my pliers and am thrilled to be once again creating jewelry! Thanks for letting me participate once again! |
 Carolyn Adams-Price |
About Carolyn (posts as: Capstone) |
I am a psychology professor at Mississippi State. I have been making wire jewelry for at least a dozen years, although I don't always have the time I would like to work on it every day. I have been a member of CWJ on and off for 10 years. Contrary to the fun photo I posted, I am not married to Will Riker or his alter ego Jonathan Frakes, but I treasure the photo. Instead I am married to Marty Price, and have two kids, Allison, 16, and Rob, 23. Rob is living and working in Little Rock. I am also parent to Levon, a border collie, and Sassy, an Australian kelpie (herding dog.) |
 Caron Reid |
About Caron (posts as: BeadSire) |
 Carol Lagoski |
About Carol (posts as: CarolLadine) |
Hi all! Haven't been able to join YOJ for the last couple of years due to many reasons. I'm really hoping to be able to meet the challenge this time.I'm retired and live on a small plot of land in the country with hubby, three indoor kitties and a bunch of outside cats we call the "Rat Patrol". I've had my own website Creations by Carol Ladine since 2004 and am active in several jewelry forums. My specialty is wire wrapped cabs and cameos but enjoy learning new forms of my craft. |
 Christine Severson |
About Christine (posts as: Christine) |
Hello! This is a first for me so it is both exciting and intimidating. The YOJ challenge will provide both focus and stimulation helping me grow as an artisan. For years, I have woven beads and pine needle baskets. In the last 4 years, I have fallen in love with wire work and feel very passionate about it. Creating provides good energy for me.I want to thank Delia for intorducing me to this and providing encouragement to take the plunge. |
 Cindi Hendrickson |
About Cindi (posts as: CindiKHendrickson) |
Hi! I am a jewelry designer in the Houston, Texas, area. I began as a beader and now have ventured into the wild and wonderdul world of wire! I am a newbie, but have fallen in love with wire work. To support this addiction, I am a high school science teacher, working with at-risk students. I love my day job! |
 Cleopatra Kerckhof |
About Cleopatra (posts as: Cleopatra Kerckhof) |
When I finished art school, I couldn't decide whether to specialise in fashion or jewelry design. I chose the first and quickly found out that was a mistake. It took me 25 years to do something about that and now I've been wire wrapping for 3 years. Wire wrapping is not very well known where I live, so I'm self taught. Nature inspires me a lot - especially peacocks. I like to make elaborate designs with colorful stones that take ages to finish. :). |
 Dawn Morrill |
About Dawn (posts as: Dawn M) |
 Deborah Gray-Wurz |
About Deborah (posts as: Deborah G) |
I found my way to Creative Wire Jewelry in October, 2003. Finding the group was the best thing that happened for me! Not only is it a great place to learn, it's a great place to make friends.A few years ago we moved from California to New Mexico. Since then my work has been published, I have delved into creating tutorials,and opened a shop on Etsy. |
 Delia Stone |
About Delia (posts as: DeliaStone) |
I began participating in the YOJ project back in 2004 at it's inception. I did not participate in the 2009 or 2010 but am happy to be back on board in the beginning of 2011. I am looking forward to sharing the journey with old friends and new friends. :) |
 Dian Hierschel |
About Dian (posts as: Dian Hierschel) |
Iam a stay-at-home Mom. Living in Germany, where wirework is like an alien compared with beadwork. I love jewelry since I can breath. Decided to start my jewelry journey in 2008. Wire wrapping and metal clay, swarovski, pearl, gemstones are in my top list. This year will be time to create and play, play and create. xx Dian |
 Dianne Karg Baron |
About Dianne (posts as: Dianne) |
Wire jewellery has been my obsession for over 15 years! I've been fortunate enough to have my work exhibited both nationally and internationally, and extensively published, most recently in “500 Earrings” by Lark Books. I've been teaching since 1999 and publishing my tutorials since 2007. I'm a member of the Metal Arts Guild of Canada (Past President) and the International Guild of Wire Jewelry Artists (Acting President, Juried Member, Charter Member). I've been a member of CWJ since 2001 and love the YOJ! |
 Janice F |
About Janice (posts as: Doxallo) |
 Wendy Southin |
About Wendy (posts as: Dragonfly Dreams) |
I enjoy to create in many different kinds of media but in the last few years jewelry has been my main focus. I've been learning many metal smithing techniques. I work mostly with copper and brass but love to add found objects such as watch parts. |
 Elenor Buffington |
About Elenor (posts as: elliesjewels) |
I started making jewelry about 2001 after taking a metalsmithing class at my local arts center. I worked primarily with sterling silver initially, but started making lampwork beads a couple of years later. I'm excited to make new connections through YOJ and gain some additional motivation to create through the weekly postings! |
 Elke Tuteleers |
About Elke (posts as: Ethlinn) |
 Eva Sherman |
About Eva (posts as: evasherman) |
I began beading as a way to spend time with my daughters, but soon became hopelessly addicted. In 2005 I traded in my architect's hat and opened Grand River Beads and Gift Gallery in the Cleveland area. Since then, I have grown to love working with wire and metals and look forward to taking on the year of jewelry challenge in 2011! |
 Krista French |
About Krista (posts as: Expresyourfaithjewelry) |
hi, This year is the first time I have participated in YOJ . I have been making jewelry since 2007. I home schooled 2 of my kids for 4 years and devoted all my time and energy into it. When they started going to public school I suddenly had a ton of time on my hands and nothing to do. My husband wanted me to find a hobby or take a class so I would have a life. I finally signed up for a jewelry class at the local parks and recreation center. From there I entered the world of jewelry. I started checking out jewelry on line and taking tutorials. 2 years later I started teaching locally and learning more and more about jewelry. Through my adventures I have tried it all seed beading--don't have the patience, Macrame nice but takes a long time to make a piece ---I save this for long car or airplane trips--stringing beads---I don't have a sense of design ---Wire wrapping my favorite and what I always come back too and want to explore deeper and hand stamped pendants. I also make more crafty jewelry like scrabble, bottle cap, dominos etc. which gives me something to do with my 6 yo son. And sells really well at my booths along with larger glass magnets. I have been doing home shows and booths for the past year. This year I have tried to take all I have learned an discover my nitch. I have changed my name from French Elegant Jewelry and I am slowly starting a new store called Express Your Faith Jewelry which I want to concentrate more on Faith Centered Jewelry along with lots of pretty stuff. |
 Swati Nigam |
About Swati (posts as: FleurViolette) |
I, like everyone else here, love to make jewelry :-). So I have learnt different methods of jewelry making. I work with wire wrapping, silversmithing, PMC/Art Clay, and have also worked a bit with lost wax casting. Apart from loving to make jewelry, I love to oggle at, and drool all over the awesome work of my jewelry making friends...so much so that they often need to wipe all the drool off their work. ;-). Come drool with me....its just so refreshing to see all this lovely work here!! |
 Helen O'Donnell |
About Helen (posts as: Helen) |
 Reta Smith |
About Reta (posts as: Hippie Sister) |
I have been doing wire work for a few years, and starting playing with sheet metal a few months ago. This is my first time to participate in YOJ and I'm looking forward to the challenge.The pieces I create are made from 95% recycled materials, many repurposed and improvised tools, and a lot of heart. Trying to keep the process green and budget friendly creates a constant creative challenge, as each design must begin with the question-"What's on hand today?". I'm self -taught and work from my home in rural Middle Tennessee. I love what I do, and this year, I want to begin to craft that love into a business. |
 Tracey Cadman |
About Tracey (posts as: izkyjewels) |
 Joella Miller |
About Joella (posts as: joellam) |
A glitzy red bracelet at Marshal Field's in Chicago caught my eye a few years ago and here I am. I starting with stringing and expanded from there. As I'm always looking to learn something new in the world of jewelry, I'm excited to be in the YOJ and hope I can keep up w/ the weekly challenges. I do a weekly market in Madison on Saturdays and a small one on Sundays closer to home during the summer in addition to a few art shows fairly close to home. |
 Tish McDermott |
About Tish (posts as: JustATish) |
Tish McDermott comes from a family heritage of people whose lives were rich in art, design, music, and crafting. Creativity was essential to life and unconventional ideas were the norm. Fashion was individualistic and non-conformist. Early on she became aware that commercial jewelry was not readily available to accessorize the fashion sense of a non-traditional woman. The dynamics she envisioned in jewelry for women whose choices in clothing are found in a department store catalog or typical shopping mall needed to be created. Tish understands these womens needs. Desiring to bring her own brand of artistic flair to the market place became the driving motivation for her company Just a Tish Designs When viewing the pieces, her philosophy is clearly recognized that jewelry should be disarming if necessary, to captivate the soul. Like a crowning touch, it should release the confident awareness of a womans regal beauty from within and make the statement, I know who I am. Taking this philosophy to heart, she began making the jewelry, started the business and the public has loved it ever since. Tish's collection of jewelry pieces are carefully born from her love of the medium, like a spiritual offering from the earth of rich metals and minerals, whose vital properties strung together secure us to sacred origins and lift us to consecrated heights. Each piece in Just a Tish Designs , is constructed from elements in their purest form and complimented with unique design. Tish's world view and inner experiences infuse her imaginative choices in texture, color, composition and shape. The properties of each stone are incorporated into a process of emotional expression, an extension of subconscious perception and inspiration forged into the final statement. Ultimately, to the owner, wearing her creations allows for an opportunity to enhance both life and look with original objet d' art. Let your soul be captivated. |
 Karen Vess |
About Karen (posts as: ksv858) |
 Lauria Fagg |
About Lauria (posts as: Lauria) |
I have always been fascinated by how our ancestors could take raw materials and turn them into something as useful as a woven basket or as stunning as a tapestry rug. A woman's hands were seldom idle. Even when the body was at rest the hands performed an intricate dance, creating items that were not only functional but added beauty to the home. These skills were passed from parent to child, with little thought that future generations would consider them lost arts.I enjoy studying these skills, and using my hands as my ancestors did. But for me being creative has always been about the design process, or learning a new technique. I have never been all that interested in the finished product. It's the journey that fascinates me. Once the design has been established and there are no more problems to solve I quickly loose interest. With out challenges like this one the chance of my actually finishing a project, or showing it off once finished are vary small. |
 Meg Brash |
About Meg (posts as: meg) |
Hi every one, I live on the 'west coast' of Vermont and, am surrounded by flower gardens left over from my now closed greenhouse business, open space and few neighbors. I work with and am always challenged by Sterling wire. I am excited by this project, partially by the fact that I get to be involved with other artist's and because it will challenge me. There are a lot of techniques I want to teach myself and master, if I feel pulled by this project, it will hopefully keep me on track. And it will be fun!! I have an out building that is wanting to be turned into a teaching studio next spring..a hope of mine anyway. My work can be seen in a few shops in the area and on my web site. www.megbrashdesigns.com Have fun everyone! |
 Andrea Robinson |
About Andrea (posts as: MmeMagpie) |
I like shiny things. Just ask my husband. Every time he hears me utter the word "shiny" he flies into a panic.On a more personal note...I am hopelessly addicted to excellent coffee, mild green tea, and smoked Alaskan red salmon. I do what I want and that includes riding a motorcycle all year long and in all kinds of weather. I like to go curb shopping on trash day. It's a most fascinating hobby, as is trolling the local junk stores for goodies. I collect vintage patterns, odd fabric and rarely sew. Frank Lloyd Wright is a god and I don't care what you have to say contrariwise. My dog and cat have nothing to do with my art, but as mommy to these retarded animals I feel the need to share. I could go on, I suppose, but we both have better things to do. Like make stuff. |
 Sue Schroeder |
About Sue (posts as: newtowire) |
I am going to take the plunge. My goal for this year is to make one tutorial a week. I have over 52 of them so that is not a hurdle. I work full time just like a lot of you, so time is always an issue. I know i will learn from your tutorials, as a lot have been purchased from members, maybe now i will learn easier ways to do things....lol. The picture taking will also be a huge challenge for me. I have to look for a new camera or figure out what is wrong with mine or maybe it is the user... Looking forward to posting week one. Sue |
 Micki Bleily |
About Micki (posts as: mbleily) |
I started in jewelry way back in the 60's. I hate to think how long ago that was. I started in seed beads doing American Indian designs. I still like to play with that at times. Then I discovered wire at a show in Oregon where we were selling our stones. Frankie O Conner was there selling wire and her books. I bought her book and wire and convinced her to show me how to wrap a bundle. From then on I was hooked. It has been a very interesting journey for me. For many years I didn't have much contact with anyone that was working with wire and had a hard time finding wire to work with. I found a place in Florida that sold wire and a couple of books. The wire was all half hard and mostly 24 ga. I worked with that for many years. I have worked with soft wire now for only a few years. And I still like to work with the smaller wire. I hope this year I will be able to get more work done than I have in the past few years. Joining this years YOJ is my way of giving myself a push. |
 Doreen Sulger |
About Doreen (posts as: nikimom1) |
 Kim Pandina |
About Kim (posts as: PandaWear) |
I have been working in wire for about 9 years. I began my business 13 years ago. I started as a bead stringer on silk and when I did my first wire project I was hooked. |
 Michelle Buettner |
About Michelle (posts as: Pearl Girl) |
I'm someone who twirls her hair when she's thinking, inspired or just plain ol' tired.I'd gladly become a hermit, playing with pearls, beads and wire all day of sleep weren't required. But, since it is, I'll gladly step up to the challenge and hold my own feet to the fire! Here's to bending some wire! (And playing with beads, pearls and anything else I can acquire!) |
 Pippi Konstanski |
About Pippi (posts as: Pippi Jewelry) |
I started making jewelry with seed beads as a child, and never quit making things. I began playing with wire wrapping about 10 years ago after buying several jewelry pieces from a friend and thinking, "I could do this." Over the years, I have developed my own style of wrapping, and my seahorses have become my signature design. I teach wire jewelry classes locally. I have been published in several magazines and featured in numerous blogs. Now, I am back in school studying fine arts, and am adding metalsmithing to my skill set. It will be fun to share the things I make with a wider audience. |
 Pamela Whitlow |
About Pamela (posts as: pwhitlow) |
I'm a nurse practitioner who has been creating jewelry as a hobby for myself, friends and family. Then people began stopping me on the street to ask where I had bought my jewelry, and when I said I made it myself they would ask how much I would sell it for. Thus in 2010, I became more serious about jewelry making and began selling items at craft shows. Although my main focus is still wire wrapped jewelry, I have branched out into dichroic glass, precious metal clay, and some light metal smithing. My goal is to create Fun Handmade Jewelry for those from all walks of life. |
 Keri Luiz |
About Keri (posts as: PhoenyxArts) |
I was once dubbed an "Art Nerd" by a classmate in my metal arts class a few years ago, and that is a pretty accurate description. A lot of different mediums have captured my interest over the years.My interest in making jewelry probably started when I was a child. My great uncle was a HUGE rock hound, and shared his interest in things lapidary with me. I still have a lot of the pretty polished stones he gave me many years ago. I had the opportunity to learn how to create cabochons when I was about 11, had a lot of fun with it back then. Fast forward several years later where I took up beadweaving to make crystal pendants and beaded earrings for my bridesmaids to wear at my wedding. Did beading pretty heavy for a few years, and started playing with wire a bit too. Took a few classes with Lisa Niven Kelly way back before the Beaducation days. Burned out on beadwork, then burned out on jewelry alltogether until a couple years ago. Picked it back up and back to enjoying the creation of it. I'm taking jewelry fabrication classes at the local college, learning more about fabrication, soldering, cabochon setting, etc. Things I can't really learn on my own very easily. I'm also a tutorial junkie, and I have purchased more of them from JL than I care to admit! Funny thing is a lot of the time I'm not really interested in the project, but maybe a part of it, a technique that I can see using in something that is brewing in the back of my own head.I became interested in the Year of Jewelry project when I saw postings on the blogs of a few jewelry artists I have a lot of respect for, and really wanted to join in! Thanks to Nancy Wickman telling me how to find the information and get involved. |
 amy sanders |
About amy (posts as: rainestudios) |
 Sharon Gardner |
About Sharon (posts as: RedGreenQueen) |
 Sally Vonada |
About Sally (posts as: Sally V) |
I am a lifelong educator, empty-nester, midwesterner, and aspiring jewelry designer attracted to the infinite number of colors and combinations that are just waiting for me to discover them. I am currently working on perfecting my wire working skills. In a perfect world, I will be able to retire soon and pursue this passion on a much greater scale. |
 Sandy Cahill Johnson |
About Sandy (posts as: SCJJewelryDesign) |
I started making simple jewelry as a diversion from breast cancer treatment in 2007. My little diversion grew to an obsession! I believe your jewelry should be as unique as you are. I'm passionate about creating quality jewelry that helps the true you, shine through. I love creating jewelry using sterling silver, fine silver, natural stones and pearls. I specialize in using many different textures and shapes to add depth and dimension to each of my pieces. I've taken many jewelry design classes from nationally known artisans and local Seattle area art schools. I truly enjoy every minute I spend creating my jewelry. I am eager to share my creations with you and hope you enjoy them. I sell my jewelry at www.scjjewelrydesign.etsy.com. My blog site is: www.scjjewelrydesign.blogspot.com. Sandy |
 Sheryl Stanclik |
About Sheryl (posts as: Sheryl) |
 Linda Smith |
About Linda (posts as: Sorcie) |
 Talula AKA Lola D |
About Talula (posts as: talula_rouge) |
Hi! I've been making jewelry for over 12 years. I love wire. It's amazing. However, I like bead weaving as well. Currently my favorite stocked are brick , herringbone, and right angle. My other obsessions?- writing and photography. This year I am planning on writing a book that combines all three! I look forward to the fun this year! |
 Teri Baskett |
About Teri (posts as: TeriB) |
I am a partner in a jewelry design business, mainly stringing and arrangements, with semi precious gemstones and glass. I am interested in expanding into more wire work and metalwork/soldering. I have made 2 items in metal/art clay, and also hope to explore that medium more in the future. I have a kiln now, so metal clay and more glass work are both possible.However, I've lost some creative edge lately, due to other things. I think the YOJP is a great challenge to get me back on track.TeriB |
 Suzanne Ivester |
About Suzanne (posts as: The Nimble Sprite) |
I've been making polymer clay and mixed-media jewelry for several years. I especially love using improvised tools and incorporating funky found objects. I live in Knoxville, TN, with my husband and 3 dogs. I've worked as an academic advisor and a copyeditor. I volunteered as a zoo docent and a counselor for homeless people. But right now I'm working on my certification as a dog groomer. I'm a member of the Foothills Craft Guild in Tennessee and the Blue Ridge Polymer Clay Guild in Asheville, NC. I was president of the International Polymer Clay Guild from 2009-2010. Right now, I'm trying to get back to work developing a line of wholesale handcrafted jewelry. |
 Mary Tucker |
About Mary (posts as: Tucker) |
 Viktoria Markwell-Burgmann |
About Viktoria (posts as: ViktoriaMB) |
I Live in Sydney Australia, and grew up in rural NSW in wine and coal country. |
 Nancy Wickman |
About Nancy (posts as: Wickwirejewelry) |
 Karen Kress |
About Karen (posts as: Valkyrie) |
I am a self-taught jewelry designer... mostly for hobby, recently venturing into the land of the art show circuit. Dare I? :) Graphic designer by day, jewelry artist by night, I enjoy making viking knit and chainmaille jewelry using silver, copper, stainless steel, stones, pearls, glass and paper beads from Uganda... The jump rings I use and some of the findings are mostly hand-made by me...made with fine, sterling or NTSP copper wire. My heritage is Scandinavian, so I became very interested in viking knit, or trichopoly. I create single, double and triple viking knit. The pieces are finished with silver or gp findings and bails from which beautiful pendants and beads are hung or simply plain or with floating glass beads... I love showing people how to create viking knit, and plan on teaching classes in the near future. I have been published in two publications; Bead Trends in Sept '09 for my viking knit and in the new issue of Bead Star for my purple scale and chainmaille earrings. Fun! Can't wait to see everyones' weekly creations! :) |
 Angie Simonsen |
About Angie (posts as: weirdlywired) |
Wife, Mother, pet lover and artist living the dream in Nebraska. I play with wire, beads and food - but not all at the same time. That would be gross. |
 Bella Borgouise |
About Bella (posts as: Wirelicious Jewellery) |
