~Handmade Jewelry ~
Polymer Clay, Metal Clay,
& Heirloom Bead Crochet

Reviving the desire do something creative, fun and within her budget following the death of her husband, Diane started working with Polymer clay in 2013. She invited a dear friend to join the fun having "clay play days"; not knowing that her friend was an accomplished jewelry designer. As they learned to work with polymer clay, she taught Diane how to construct jewelry using the beads and flowers she had made. Diane wore her new handmade jewelry to work to share her excitement with co-workers. They wanted to buy it and wanted to order more! One co-worker stated "You missed your calling! This is beautiful!"

Over time Diane worked daily to hone her skills and had a lovely collection of handmade jewelry assembled. She decided to host a trunk show in her home as a new jewelry designer. Her guests were delighted with what they saw confirming she should continue. She began wearing her handmade jewelry to her new job and was asked to submit her work to be judged to have a booth at their Fall Festival. Her first Craft Fair booth was a tremendous success.

Her studies continue, learning new techniques, and developing a few of  her own as time allows.

Several pieces have become finalists in jewelry making contests. Most recently she was received the Grand Prize Bronze award in Fire Mountain Gems Creative Clay contest. Soon she will be incorporating metal clay pieces into her repertoire.

 "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out."  Isaiah 42:3

Inspiration for Diane's polymer clay jewelry is found primarily in flowers and nature. She appreciates the seemingly endless supply of wonderful shapes, sizes and colors inspiring beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry.

(photo: One of Diane's signature polymer clay roses)

 "The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness." Deuternomy

Diane is bringing a modern look to an old jewelry art technique:

~Bead crochet~

It has been around since the 1820's. Following in her grandmother and mother's footsteps Diane hand crochets heirloom quality jewelry pieces to pass on to the next generation. True to her inspiration, she has added bead crochet flower slide pendants to her crocheted necklaces. These removable slide pendants add wonderful and unique interest to her handmade jewelry.

(photo ~ crocheted Swarovski® crystal pearls with crystal clear Swarovski®  cyrstals)