Where wirework takes me

I know that does sound like a silly title. But today I met an online-turned-in-person friend at Starbucks for some tea/cocoa. This jewelry making habit has led me to some interesting people over the last couple of years, and to some wonderful friends.

Take Jeanette, we began corresponding over the summer after she sent me a kind email out of the blue to congratulate me over my recent magazine tutorial publication. Very nice for a stranger to do. Soon after she was published in the same magazine and even made the cover. We’ve kept in touch via email and low and behold, we now live in the same city. What a coincidence. When you get to know someone online via beading forums and common blogs, you’d never guess you’d actually live close enough to meet. Today she showed me a beautiful new bracelet she created, just last night. It was so eye-catching that the fellow at the next table came over to ask if she had a business card and if she would create another one just for his wife (what a nice husband, eh?). She then pulled out her tools and some copper wire and we both tried to figure out a new wire link…not something I can do with just anyone. Last but not least, she brought a bag full of goodies…some new tools that I had ordered from her metal and wire shop, Fundametals.

I have a new wire bracelet to show off as well. I haven’t made a “Collector’s Club” bracelet in a while and it was fun to revisit one of my favorite designs. This heavy gauge wire bracelet features a collection of some classic links – the spring link, love knot, horse shoe and the caged bead. All favorites, all in one place!