For me, it all started with a Sundance catalog. I fell in love with the jewelry, but not so much with the prices. I'm a teacher and my husband is a counselor and we have three kids, so spending hundreds of dollars on one piece of jewelry is out of the question. After a few years of hoping for jewelry at Christmas and birthdays (usually being disappointed and occasionally being surprised with a special necklace or earrings or bracelet that we really couldn't afford), I decided to learn to make my own jewelry. I took a basic stringing class at a local bead shop, and the rest, as they say, is history. I love making beaded jewelry. I decided to start selling on Etsy, not to make tons of money, but to be able to keep making new creations. I simply cannot wear all the pieces of jewelry that I've made. It's all about the process and the joy of creating, and if someone else enjoys what I've made, that's even better!!!!