Interview with Ann, from Always There Designs
"As an engaged bride-to-be, I understand what it is like to try to find beautiful items for myself and my wedding without spending a fortune. I create all of my jewelry to be affordable so everyone can enjoy it."
- Favorite type of jewelry to make: Stamped jewelry. It is so cathartic to be able to come home after a long day and be able to sit down with a hammer and make something beautiful. There is something special about being able to put so much of myself into a piece of jewelry. I literally start with a piece of metal and, by the time I'm done stamping, oxidizing, and polishing, I have made that piece of metal into a work of art. And each piece is different. There will never be two that are exactly the same.
- Getting started: I have always been a creative person. My mom is a professional photographer so I guess it runs in the family. I've tried every type of craft out there, from sewing to scrap booking to pottery. I always really enjoyed making jewelry. I officially started doing stamped jewelry about a year ago when went to buy a piece myself and all I could find was sterling silver. I knew that if I didn't want to pay that much, other people didn't want to as well. So I set out to start making affordable versions myself and fell in love with it. I played with several metals until I came upon aluminum and I've never looked back. I prefer it over sterling any day and it really makes it affordable so everyone can enjoy stamped jewelry.
- College: I actually haven't graduated yet! I will be finishing up the last of my pre-med/human biology degree next year. I had planned on going directly to PA (physician assistant) school after graduation but now I'm holding off indefinitely on that so I can continue with my jewelry. I have found something I really enjoy doing with the jewelry and I can see myself doing it for years to come.
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When I received my necklace I was so excited that it was a pearl - I love pearls! Ann was so nice to talk to and discuss options, which is important to many brides or brides-to-be! One reason I instantly was drawn to her shop was the prices. As she stated in her interview, she knows what money is like when you are planning a wedding and trying to actually "save" some for when life really begins. Yes that is me in my cute necklace! Love it! She "hammer stamped" Bride and added a cute Swarovski pearl to it. Lovely! She makes ones that say 'Engaged', but 'Bride' does last longer ;)
Ann may give you something extra special at Always There Designs if you mention that SAHM&TW(2b) sent you!
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