If you did a double-take at the name of this website*, you won’t be surprised to hear that my sense of humour pretty much runs my life. There’s no use trying to control it – that just leads to constipation.
But seriously.
If I were an animal, it would definitely be a magpie. I’ve been attracted to pretty and shiny objects from a very early age. (By kindergarten, my mom already knew to check my pockets for rocks before doing my wash.)
Strangely, I didn’t discover jewelry making till after spending around 30 years as a business communications writer. Just in time, too. Right after that, I went through a very difficult divorce. Making jewelry got me through the first horrendously painful days.
But that was ages ago.
Now I make jewelry for the sheer joy of it. At first, I raided the local dollar store for supplies and made the usual necklaces, charm bracelets and earrings.
Then I discovered the beauty of wire wrapping. Just to see if I could, I challenged myself to reproduce a few of the gorgeous items I’d seen found online. Here’s one of my more successful attempts, based on a shawl pin by the amazing Alevtina Gersenko:
(Believe me – not every “imitation” has turned out so well. 🙁 I’m entirely self-taught, so there have been many trials and much error along the way.)
Along the way wirework has become an enduring passion. Although it’s often a challenge to get the stubborn stuff to do what you want, there’s a moment in forming the wire where it almost seems to come alive in my hands. The surface of the wire looks different somehow, and then it settles into a new shape.
It’s a semi-mystical moment that never fails to take my breath away.
And when a new piece is all done, sometimes I stilllook at it and think, I did that. Me.
Sadly, one person can only wear so many tons of jewelry. Otherwise I might keep it all 😉
The good part of that is that I get to share my passion with you. Yay!
What to Expect
If Ship Creek Jewelry was a physical store, there’d be coffee and cookies and cozy armchairs where we could sit and get acquainted. I’d invite you into my workshop and ask for your comments on ideas and works in progress. You could tell me what you love about ‘handmade’ and describe that one item you want but can’t seem to find anywhere. I’d make it for you if I possibly could, and we’d become friends for life.
However, unless you happen to live in Port Alberni, that’s probably not going to happen so let me tell you what to expect from me:
All Handmade Jewelry, made by me personally in my home studio.
Quality Products. Not just beautiful, but strong too. Carefully shaped, wrapped and smoothed for comfortable all-day wear.
Great Service. Prompt and friendly communication. Frequent updates on how your order is progressing. Answers to as many questions as you want. And if you sign up to receive occasional emails from me, you’ll get access to special discounts, promotions and first crack at any new items. Plus, I promise not to spam you. Sound good? Just look for the big yellow box on the right side of the page.
Prompt Shipping via Canada Post First Class Mail. Within Canada, shipping time normally ranges from 2 days to 2 weeks. From Canada to the United States, 14 days is typical. During the winter holiday season it’s best to allow at least 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy your visit to Ship Creek!
*(Yes, I know what it sounds like. That’s why I chose it. It also happens to be a picturesque street name in Port Alberni, where I live. And it tickles my funny bone. )
Got a Question? Lay it on me!
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