Why I Own Handcrafted Jewelry

Artists left to right: Luis Angel Lopez, Lonely Soldier Designs, Facets of Avalon

I think I can safely say that I own more and wear more jewelry made by other artists than I do my own. I leave the house with a sparkly new pendant gleefully bouncing around my neck and I'm thrilled to tell the curious how to find a piece for themselves when they, undoubtedly, ask where to purchase. I'm happy believing that perhaps, just maybe, I've made way for the energies of two people, an artist and an audience, to come together in a beautiful partnership of support.

And, to me, that's exactly what it means. It's a marriage of spirits, in a way. I know, I know... that's all dreadfully cliche and abundantly dramatic, but I'm totally owning it, without shame, because I want a life in which I can find the poetry in everything.

I mark important moments in my life by the talents of others. The scorpion pendant was requested as an homage to my best friend who passed away last year, who was a Scorpio and unabashed, passionate student of astrology. Also, a wire woven collar to commemorate my first overseas flight, and a beautiful Lonely Soldier Pendant by which to remember my first international workshop. A set of mala beads by Tabatha James that brings to mind the earthy energy and spirit of Glastonbury.

Hand-knotted Mala Beads: Tabatha James

Anyone can buy a necklace from a department store. I have. Many times. But it takes a rare and special talent to evoke emotion, to hand over to me an unspoken story or journey and allow me to experience that story, if even only during the moments I wear it. 

"I don't want to live in a bubble, in my craft or in the world... I can't, I would be cheating myself out of my generation and the world we live in."  Diane Lane

It's an amazing thing, to step outside my bubble of creativity, and  ache for every beautiful, singular moment in which someone steps outside of their own bubble to greet me. What a beautiful gift, to know the soul of others through their art.