Dustpan Productions

When and how did you first become interested in making and designing jewelry?

Due to chronic neck problems, I gave up my career to have surgery on my neck - which led me to an emotional state of insistence upon a career that I truly love, and that feeds my spiritual and emotional state. That is what led me to designing jewelry that is eclectic and interesting while still creating a strong, simple aesthetic in keeping with my love of the industrial era.

Determining that being a jewelry designer was to be my life's work hit me all of the sudden out of the blue. The interesting part is that my mom has been making jewelry for about 7 years now. I have helped her with various parts of her company ~ and even made some jewelry. It didn't click at that time, because my real interest is not in beading, it's in using found objects, metals, wire, watch movements, skeleton keys, gears, nuts - and lots of other items that give my designs such strong and unique looks. One day my mom introduced me to Etsy, and that was it! I saw some pieces there that I absolutely fell in love with - I knew that I wanted to make jewelry from that genre. That is exactly what I am now doing. Many people call it Steampunk Jewelry; it's just the industrial edge of it that I fell in love with. I look at everything I come across in a new light.

What skill sets or education helped define your creative business?

I have been to school for multiple things, first international business, then court reporting. I have always had a longing to find my "passion" - and had almost accepted that I would continue to do what I am great at doing - and that is running companies - handling all of the clerical side of things. I am a natural analyzer and problem solver - this has been very beneficial in my past careers, but I now know how it feels to work from a creative place, and from my heart. What a different life I have created for myself! Sometimes it's the things that are so 'terrible' that actually open us up to options and choices. And today I am really grateful that I was strong enough and had enough support to quit that stressful career, and work through my desires in order to truly find my "passion", and a genre in jewelry designing that makes me so happy and fulfilled.

What is your favorite media?

There are so many different ways of creating beautiful pieces - and so much I still have to learn. I can tell you that I love working with the old watch movements - they just amaze me. Something that sits in someone's jewelry box for 20 or even 50 years, never to be worn again (and sometimes even thrown away) - displays a kind of beauty that is just not found in today's watches. There is nothing like that feeling when I am opening a tiny, scratched crystal, greenish band ~ only to see the most fascinating piece of art. Hidden under all of those years. I also enjoy working with the industrial parts and pieces - whether it's hex nuts, gears, pieces from my own jewelry box, and gifts that my supportive friends continue to give me. I am now moving into stamping, which I really enjoy. Also wire wrapping, which I took to right away. And lastly, skeleton keys and the keyholes. I have such a deep appreciation for items from the past - these pieces are my way of bringing back things that had seen their best days, and allow them to live another life all over again.

Have you always been creative?

I do not ever remember being creative when I was young. When I drew pictures, they always looked the same - I would have told you I didn't have a creative bone in my body. I now realize, it wasn't until I found the materials, the possibilities and endless options that I tapped into a place I haven't ever been before. My creative side…and the best part, I believe in myself, and my work. It's as if I have always known about this part of me, but I haven't. As stated above, as I approached 40, I actually felt as though I might never truly find that one 'something' that is really a passion, not just a hobby.

How long have you been making and designing jewelry?

I am a newbie - but have been very thorough in my learning, and have taken the time to read, watch, talk to, and listen to many people in order to learn some key elements in jewelry design. Being around it so long with my mom's company (KISS Jewelry) makes me feel like I have been involved for much longer, but it wasn't until I turned my office into a designing studio that I knew I had really made the transition. Of course, there is always more to learn, and that excites me! Staying focused and not jumping around has helped me to focus on one or techniques at a time.

What is a typical day like for you?

That's a tough one for me right now. Previously my life was all about schedules and timeframes. Now, I determine my own schedules and timeframes, and that is proving to be a bit of a challenge. I just haven't found that perfect balance of clerical vs. artistic. And boy, are those two different parts of the brain! People have suggested creating jewelry a couple days a week, and do the clerical necessities the other days, but there is a flow inside of me when it's time to create, and it just can't wait until tomorrow! Then there are times when I really want to create something, and the flow just isn't there - I have to be able to move into another activity that is equally as productive.

What are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenges right now are creating a balance with designing, marketing and clerical paperwork. Marketing takes quite a lot of effort and time, as does creating new items, writing out the descriptions, taking pictures, and posting it all. I wouldn't trade these challenges for ANY of my previous challenges - as I know I will find the balance necessary to be my best, it's just a process. I have met some great people who are also jewelry designers, and they have been more than friendly and willing to help me. That means so much to me. Being new in an industry, and being welcomed as if it were my own family - there's just nothing like that. I am so pro-self-empowerment, and so are the other women I have met so far. Going to the Tucson Show was quite a kick off into my career; I was able to make some great connections there.

What do you ultimately want to gain or accomplish by making jewelry?

That's easy…having a career that I truly love, and that I can continue to learn and grow into, while re-establishing a financial stability that allows me to continue to invest into my company, while enabling people to experience a style of jewelry that is cutting-edge and personal at the same time.

I am always open to making new connections in this business. I love the idea of learning new things, and when the time is right, teaching someone else the things someone was so willing to teach me. Of course, I would love to get my name out there a bit, and start creating revenue through my Etsy site. I have been able to sell locally, but I am hoping to establish a strong online presence that is positive and empowering.