My Story
“Why do I make jewelry? To make an object more gorgeous and useful than the state in which it was found thrills me and I call the entire process: RE-ENLIGHTENING! It just so happens I have decided to focus on this process by utilizing flatware as my subjects.”
“I had no experience working as a jewelry maker when I started. I had no prior experience working with metal at all. One of my friends had opened a coffee shop right next to Ohio University campus. There was a big open space on a wall in the shop. She said, “Cricket, you have a lot of things, why don’t you sell your items right there?” So I started “Cricket’s Corner” where I sold various sundries and college student type things...picture frames, clothing, jewelry. I had to buy some rings to re-stock. I tried one of the rings in my new order and I yelled, “I could make a better ring than this!” The baristas heard me! That night I found a spoon at my home that was bent and thought it would make a great ring. I cut it and played with it and turned it into a ring to take into the shop the next day. I wore it to show the baristas and they gathered around, admiring the ring. They shook me and said, “People will buy these. This may be your calling!” I thought I was the first person to ever make a spoon ring! I learned better but never lost my enthusiasm. And here I am today, making jewelry full-time. It’s been 11 years. I wake up every morning thinking about jewelry. When I make custom pieces, I love that those pieces usually end up meaning the most of any jewelry they will own. “
On Writing…
“I was encouraged to share my writings on this website as a Love Journal. I also share my poetry on Instagram and Facebook. Words are just another great medium from which to create beauty.
I have been writing poetry since 4th grade. I can still recite my old poems. I was a creative writing major in college. I wrote poetry for high school newspaper and published 2 books of my poetry. I love words and language...it is such a creative expression. My mind is always playing with words. It’s fun!
Sterling Silver Dangle Spoon Earrings
“Art is playful…and so are spoons! It’s fun to figure out new ways to give them a second life. These earrings beg for movement…they want to swing and sway with you.”