Two years – May was two years since I went out on my own and started this wild journey into being an independent artist. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been rewarding and surviving the hard is what makes me stronger.
This year brought unique challenges including what to do about the tariffs and the roller coaster ride I knew they would create for all of us. Some of the other things I was thinking about as I started the year include:
1) I wanted to create something that let me control the process more — start to finish
2) I wanted to do something that was unique and not already flooding the market
3) As someone with disabilities, including a neck injury, I wanted to create something that I could adorn myself with and not suffer for it later!
I’m excited to share that I discovered the answer — Paper Jewelry!
Paper Jewelry has been around for centuries but becomes popular especially during times of financial restraint. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose paper and is able to create beautiful, unique, and inexpensive pieces of jewelry. It’s also very light which makes it an inclusive way to make jewelry that anyone can wear.
I have been making paper beads to use in jewelry and other creations (baskets, purses, art). I select the paper, hand cut each bead, hand roll them, and then put them through a glue bath to seal them inside and out. As an inclusive designer I am also able to adapt any earrings to be clip on, using a large jump ring to be worn on any hoop of specialized metal, and, for commission pieces, I can do things without any metal at all. Just reach out and let’s talk!
I have been thrilled with the pieces I’m able to create from paper beads, and I’m always discovering new ways to use them. I’m also thrilled that I can wear amazing chunky jewelry all day without it causing me pain – most pieces are light as air!
I’m also creating some fun things that use other styles of beads, and will be creating a gallery of other things I’m still making for market/events or as custom pieces so reach out to me directly if you want to discuss a commission piece.
Check out the shop, follow me on Instagram, and let’s stay connected!
