Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog!
I'm Jen, crafter, jewelry artist, painter...I love anything to do with art! As you know, I'm new to Blogger, but I also have a blog at Yahoo 360. In the past, I haven't dedicated much time to blogging, but I hope to keep this more up-to-date! I hope to share my work, ideas, and many other things that strike my fancy! However, let me warn you upfront, my spelling and grammar is atrocious! :)
First, I would like to introduce myself! Like I said earlier, my name is Jennifer...I live in Charlotte, NC, and have my entire life! I'm 30, a Pisces! I LOVE the beach. I have a BA in Business, and I love to create...anything and everything! I am always trying something new...which leaves me thinking, "gosh, I'm so unfocused!" The truth is I keep trying new things, because I think one day I will have an epiphany and find that one thing/medium that sticks out; that one thing/medium that I know immediately, is my favorite, and the one medium I want to focus on. So far, I haven't found it! I love it all! Maybe there isn't that "one" special thing...maybe, there isn't just one thing that will stand out....maybe the key is finding something you like...and just developing your skills for it! Who knows!!! :)
So, I'm making jewelry! Funny thing is it is the one thing that I never imagined myself doing! In fact, it was one thing that I thought I would have NO interest in! So, how did get started??? Well, my aunt took a class on beading...she invited me to go to a local bead shop a couple of times...finally I broke down and bought a few supplies and she showed me the basic techniques. I started dabbling, and that was it; I was hooked! :) I should have known I would like it, because I have always loved gemstones and rocks! Yeah, I was one of those kids that walked around picking up rocks and stuffing them in my pockets! LOL I think every drawer and cabinet in my parents house had at least one rock in it when I was little! :) Not to mention, my dad took me to the gem and mineral shows when I was younger, and several of my science fair projects in school were on rocks and minerals!
I am self taught...although I am signed up for a jewelry class fall semester, that focuses more on the metalsmithing side of jewelry. I'm really looking forward to expanding my knowledge of the craft! I have been making jewelry for a few years...I can definitely see the improvements in my techniques...along the way, I've learned a few new things. Most recently, I've started working with PMC, or precious metal clay! I've also dabbled a little in lampwork...I would like to take a class in it...self-teaching hasn't proved too affective thus far! LOL :) Anyway, I'll keep you posted on how the class goes! It starts August 20.
I've been selling my jewelry online for almost a year! I started out on Etsy...I joined August 8th, last year. I still sell on their! (http://www.jennlyn54.etsy.com/) In November 2006, I started showing pieces in the first gallery...it was in NY. I'm no longer with them, lets just say their business practices are lacking in several areas!!! (So, I want name any names!) In March 2007, I applied to show pieces at Maddi's Gallery here in Charlotte. Diane loved my work, and my first pieces were added at the gallery in April. I also created a website...http://jennifergardnerdesigns.com/, to show some of my work! Anyway, that's my story thus far! It has been an exciting journey! I've learned a lot and met a ton of really nice people! So, we will see what the future holds! LOL :)
Well, that's about it for now! I'll write again soon!
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XOXO
1 comment:
Hi Jen! So glad to see you here! I'll be stopping by and saying hi from time to time!
I didn't know you were in a gallery in Charlotte. That's great! I hope you do well. I'm too nervous to approach a gallery for selling my stuff. Your work is so unique and pretty though. I bet they jumped at the chance. Good luck to you. I can't wait to see more of your new stuff.
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