Jet of the Day - BMichelle Designs

 

 

 I started making jewelry for myself almost four years ago. I was home recovering from thyroid cancer and wanted to make something pretty. I knew it would be faster to make earrings than to knit a scarf.

I started by simple wire and beaded dangles and very quickly was obsessed.

I started my shop in 2009. My name comes from the Beatles song Michelle, and the "b" is for Michelle, my belle.

 I was once a school teacher. Not for me. (no patience for more than two children at a time) Then went into retail for eight years.

It wasn't until my father died of Leukemia two years ago that I realized that you only live once. I joined the Etsy group TeamEPE, and ran a marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I went part time at my job, and finally left it for good in June. I am a bona fide Quit your Day Job woman. I hadn't had three Sundays to watch football since 2003.

I am lucky that learning skills comes easily to me. I can read a pattern or instructions, look at a photo, and just make it. I have the patience to unknot chain for an hour. I prefer unique and one of a kind over making something 50 times. But I can't pass up a pretty bezel ring, and I have made about 30 for myself.

There are many techniques which I have tried, PMC (i bought a kiln), resin, enamel, soldering, wirework, casting.

My fave is soldering. How much fun is it to play with fire and shiny metal? Indeed. Each time I light my torch and the flame is just right and not a giant burst of flame is fantastic and a bit scary, but that's the fun part!

 I find that hard work and hope help. And a business plan. Jewelry parties are a fun way to get together with friends or to meet new ones. The church or school fair are a great way to get your name out there locally, too. Would I like to have 1000 sales? Of course, and that is what goals are for.

One rule:
If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life.

Thanks so much for having me as the JOD! I am so excited to be part of this group.

Michelle