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The Artist |
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Hi, I'm Stephanie! I was born in upstate New York, and grew up on the coast of Maine. I have always
enjoyed working with my hands, and over the years I have pursued a variety of crafts, including sewing, counted cross stitch, woodworking, cake decorating, bead stringing and other things. I particularly enjoy making wire jewelry because of its infinite possibilities -- it is exciting to watch plain wire and a bunch of beads tranform into beautiful jewelry right in my own hands. Plus, with jewelry-making I get to wear my creations, which I couldn't do with woodworking or cake decorating!
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I got involved in making wire jewelry sort of by accident. During a vacation in the gem-rich region of western North Carolina I found a nice piece of topaz, and decided to have it cut and polished. But then I was faced with the problem of what to do with an unset topaz. As a crafter and a hard-core "do-it-yourself" person, I didn't want to just purchase a setting for it -- I wanted to make something myself, but I had absolutely no clue what to do. A few days later, at a small craft fair, I happened upon a wire artist
selling fancy wire pendants, rings and earrings, and I was entranced. I had never seen jewelry like this, and I was fascinated. A few weeks later I encountered another wire artist at a local gem club show. I peppered him with questions and watched with awe as he transformed straight wire into works of art. He was very friendly and extremely patient, and encouraged me to give wire work a try. So I immediately purchased a beginner's kit, with tools, an instruction book, and some practice wire, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Initially I made jewelry just for myself and to give to friends and family, but soon other people started asking me about the pieces I wore, wanting to purchase some for themselves. Thus Designs by Stephanie was born.
For more than 20 years I have worked as a research scientist for the US Navy. I enjoy the challenge of working with cutting-edge technology, and the fact that my job is always changing, but I am happiest when I am working with my hands, making things that bring pleasure to others. I especially enjoy doing custom orders, so if you have something special in mind, or don't see exactly what you are looking for on my website, please contact me. I would love to create a special design just for you!
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