Spice Route Studios - Wearable Art Jewelry

After 73 years on this planet one would suppose that I would know who I am.

I am a lover of beauty, a quester of unusual items, but do I know who I am? I doubt that any one knows who they are or she is. We are constantly evolving into something different.

Many years ago I knew that jewelry was to be alife long love affair. I had jewelry items from childhood though my adult years.

I started out bidding on estates that the coroner's office of the court system was selling, also the conservators auctions and when I won these items I kept a few and sold the others. I found that many of these items needed repairs and started taking classes to learn what needed to be done. Those classes included fabrication and casting.

As I worked, I found that I wanted to improve items that had come my way. Bit by bit I added my own personality to the mix and started to sell the overage in a small way.

I sold at wine festivals, and put pieces in galleries in Hawaii and California.

About this time I was asked by Klutz press to work on a couple of their books and was well paid, I had a piece in another book's gallery, and that is my total claim to book fame.

I am certified as a Pearl and bead stringer by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

I have worked for many years stringing pearls and other beads for several jewelry stores here in Calif. I have just recently stopped this part though I still do work for a few private clients..

My work has evolved from simple bead stringing to complex Macrame', art pieces. I work with a multitude of wonderful focal pieces, beads, fibers, whatever I find in all of these enticing boxes lining my studio walls.

Many of my treasures have been picked up from my travels. I keep my eyes open for that special something. Not all of the treasures have come from my foreign travels but closer to home. Flea markets used to be a real treasure trove, odd auctions (not ebay) enabled me to find many wonderful Chinese treasures from the Qing Dynasty and earlier.

Some may say I am first cousin to a pack-rat but it has all been worth the effort to be able to draw on something that is not found at the local bead shop. Of course the bead shop is very important, as well, as they will have that missing item you really do need to complete the piece.

I am looking forward to sharing my unique talents with those of you who travel our unique Spice Route; and hope ypu all enjoy our new and exciting Virtual Oasis site.

Sometimes, you might not find me at home. I still travel the world looking for treasures and if I am very lucky I find them

Patricia Norman