BESTeam Feature:: Headpin Wear

Tell us a bit about yourself.   

My name is Cathy, and I live in Benicia, Ca. I have lived here since the beginning of 7th grade when my parents decided to move here from Lafayette, Ca. The move was terribly hard on me, having lived in Lafayette, for many years, I had established many relationships. As I grew older, the move didn’t affect me as much, I actually began to like living here in Benicia. Now as an adult, I LOVE living here.

I have the best husband and 3 children, 2 of my daughters are grown and no longer live with me. I have a son, 14, who still resides with us. I am currently looking for full time employment. My current job does not provide full time work for me anymore due to the economy. My life is busy already at home, I know it will be much busier when I gain full time employment! I do look forward to that though, busy is good, and busiest is best!

Where would you like to be in ten years?

I would like to still be designing jewelry, better known, and living in a small place other than California.
I am really a country girl at heart. I would love to share that with my husband, Mark.
It would be a small place, with a garage for him, and a work room for me, and some extra land. I would like to have a flower and vegetable garden, maybe a horse, and definitely some chickens, goats and maybe a pig or two. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but it’s a dream, and in order to look forward to something, sometimes we must have a dream, no matter how small, silly, big, out of reach it seems!

How do you get out of your creative ruts?

Unfortunately, I have creative ruts more often lately. I don’t understand why, but I do. When I do, I usually back off of my jewelry for a few days or more then sit at my bead table again. I tend to go in spurts also. One day I will have million, no, not really, thoughts in my head, and then some days I will have a nothing. Sometimes that’s very frustrating, but I get a lot of other things done.
I have found that I have to be “in the mood” to design. And what I mean by that is:, I WANT to bead. I do not just sit at my Bead Table for the sake of it. I have to feel the passion of beading, as I am not one who creates for the sake of it. I create with something in mind, and I have to be patient enough and willing to try something else if what I make doesn’t turn out exactly how I want it.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Apart from creating things, which is really still creating, I cook! In addition, I love to cook!
Actually cooking is my biggest passion. The color and texture of food amazes me whether it is in a fry pan or on the BBQ.I love going to the grocery store, when I have unlimited money to spend, and ideas in my head. Unfortunately, that does not happen as much as I would like it too, because it would be everyday if I could! I always plan meals around color and texture. When we have Tri-Tip for dinner like tonight, I will pair it up with something softer and colorful like asparagus, which is in my fridge too for dinner. The best things I like to create are salads, soups and stir-fries. All of these to me are easy because you can throw in everything in BUT the kitchen sink, and have an excellent variety, and a very tasty meal I might add.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Ah, that is a tough one!
Because I design with great care and concern, I have to say I love EVERY piece I make. Although I do have several, that I am more partial too.

This bracelet listed below is my current fav.

I really wanted to express “Fall” in this bracelet. I really do love the texture, color, and shape of each Gemstone; I totally had that thought of incorporating each of those in mind when I came up with this design. Another thing I considered: was who would be able to wear this, and in this, I mean, young, old, and race. I wanted a style that would flatter everyone, no matter what age or race. I know that this bracelet will flatter, and add style to every age and race. Not only is this bracelet unique and fabulous, it accomplishes what I originally set out to do!

Where would you like your shop to be in ten years?

OK, now this is going to read somewhat strange, and is definitely out of context!
But I wanted to answer it this way.

In ten years, I would like my shop to be in a room of its own: A nice computer, with all the great software, like Photoshop, storage containers on shelves, full of course, organized, and within easy reach.
I would also like to have a plush lavender colored carpet on the floor, (because I love purple) in a nice sized room, with a window overlooking the bay, as I have now.
Right now, sometimes I design within chaos, my husband using the desktop and my son playing Xbox live. Sometimes it’s just not quite enough for me to think, I tend to get interrupted for this and that.

So, for me. I would like in ten years to have my shop in my own space. Maybe, and although this would make me sad, one day I will be able to use my son's room, when he goes off to conquer his own world.

Well I hope you have enjoyed reading about me, and you feel you know more about my personal side then just my creative side!
I also hope that I was able to a smile or two on your face, and say things that you could relate too!

Blessings,
Cathy