Designs by Mari, Elmira Heights, NY
I design and hand-make beaded and wire-wrapped jewelry. I started making earrings out of buttons about 10 years ago, just for something to do. The local "JoAnn's" store was closing, and having a liquidation sale. I worked there and someone came through my line with tons of buttons. I asked her what she was going to do with all of them, she told me she was going to make earrings and kindly explained how. I thought it was a great idea and would make nice gifts, so I went and bought all of the supplies I needed. I spent less than $20 and that was the start of things! From there I started experimenting with other materials and then went to making beaded earrings, then went on to necklaces and bracelets. About 2 years ago, I was getting bored with doing "the same old thing", so I started playing with wire wrapping, and fell in love!! My specialty now is rings. I love making them, and there is no limit to the designs. I can make something small and dainty or as splashy and big as you like!
Another wonderful hobby turned into another side of my business..glass etching. Right now, I do it with stencils and etching acid, but am in the process of setting up a sand-blasting area. I already have all my tools (except the sand), I just have to find a place to set it up..of course then I have to learn it. Be watching for that in the future..hopefully this summer.
I will post some samples of my work at a later time. Right now I am working on rebuilding my inventory as I lost almost all of it in a fire last Christmas. I had my products in a shop for sale but the Saturday before Christmas the shop caught fire and was totally destroyed, along with all of the contents. There were 30 vendors in the shop, so there were quite a few who need to start over. As soon as I have enough products made, I will post.
In the meantime, I have many interests and ideas for projects and products, keep watch and see what comes up next!
