Artist Spotlight: Part Twenty-Two

I'm very happy to introduce you this week to Stephenie, of Dream Again Jewelry.

Raised in the country, just outside of a small town in California, with dogs, cats, chickens, coyotes, and a host of other species making up the menagerie, as well as lots and lots and lots of grapes, she was the oldest daughter of seven children.  Her mom had been waiting for her for quite a while, so once she arrived she was spoiled into an appreciation of girlie, pretty things, including jewelry.

The upbringing really shows in her creations, which she's been making for 17 years, since she was 20.  The impetus to create rather than just appreciate came when she stumbled upon her first bead store, while on vacation in Santa Cruz.  She was overwhelmed and fell in love, and that was that.  With no idea how to go about making jewelry, she bought some beads, leather, and clasps anyway, and got to work researching.  After devouring a plethora of book, searching the internet, and a bunch of practice, she can now say that she's a heck of a jewelry maker!

Her treasures are all one of a kind, and you can see the pleasure she takes in making them.

Stephenie has a poetic streak that translates into her pieces.  As she puts it, "I find myself continually inspired by the ocean ... I am talking about the rough and wild northern coast of California. There is only a little sand and lots of ragged, rocky coastline. It is free, unencumbered. I want to create a line of jewelry that reminds me of the raw, stark beauty of that coast.  Perhaps I can make some jewelry that reminds me of a dark and stormy day at the beach. The kind where you are bundles up in a hoodie and rolled up jeans, with bare feet braving the iciness of the water. I want to make jewelry that is natural and raw."

Wow!

And there's chainmaille.  I make my love of chaimaille no secret.

But she also has a more delicate side, using cloisonné beads, which I also love, and beautiful pink pearls.

If your tastes run more to the modern and sleek, she's got you covered.

Intrigued?  Interested?  Thought so.  Then you'll want to check out her blog.  Just feel like shopping?  I understand.