Creating jewelry has always been one of my greatest passions. About twenty years ago, I saw an episode of the Carol Duval Show on HGTV. It featured polymer clay, a medium entirely new to me. I was immdiately drawn in, and Frank bought me my initial tools and clay. Thus began an incredible adventure that lasted until October of 2020. I developed a painful, incapacitating rash on my hands and fingers, which was ultimately diagnosed as an allergic reaction to my clay. After a hospitalization and surgery on my left hand, (of course I am left - handed), I knew my days of designing with clay were over. This coincided with the arrival of COVID and the closing of our store, Annie's Unique Boutique, which we had opened eight years earlier.
I missed my claywork terribly. I had played a bit with resin, and this seemed to beckon me. I became addicted to tutorials that I found online. At first, there was much experimentation and a few epic failures! Resin is a much more exacting medium than is clay, and it is definitely unforgiving. I had to train myself to measure accurately and to work slowly. Resin is sticky and messy. It requires many special tools. But the results amazed me. As my confidence increased, I began using resin as a paint, creating sun catchers and mobiles. Resin is a very lightweight medium with a transparent jewel like quality.
I am finally ready to debut my pieces this week on our Anniemara website. I am proud of my work. The pendants are uniquely sized and shaped. Each pendant has a matching set of earrings. I have even created "baby"dreamcatchers! I use geometric shapes as well as beads, wirework and macrame I have been able to expand my "Love this Beach" collection because sand mixes beautifully with resin.
There is a curing process of at least 24 hours, so I have had to exercise patience, which is not my strong suit. But the results are well worth it.
I hope you are as excited as I am about this new line. I guess it really is true that when one door closes, another one opens. I fell blessed.