There is just no end to all the beautiful items that can be made from so many different colors, styles, materials, etc, that is available for beading. Over the last few years, my arthritis has started to become more invasive and I find myself with more time on my hands. Beading has given me that outlet, keeps me busy and also provided much needed therapy for my hands. It may take me longer to finish my items, but it is well worth the time spent. I have surprised myself with the way that some of my jewelry turns out, but it always seems to impress my family and friends. I am becoming more active in the markets and going to more craft shows. I have also started to develop my own line of jewelry and my own style and patterns instead of relying on the patterns of others. I find that it is a lot more challenging and feels a lot better when I can say that I designed it myself and there is not another on out there like it.
Now that I am retired, I find myself spending a lot of time at my jewelry desk think up ways to make new patterns and create new designs for my customers. It is great to be back in the craft shows and able to talk to the public to get my name back out there and get things moving in the business again.
