About me:

I was born in Chattanooga, TN and I now live in North Carolina where I recently earned my English PhD. I've been making earrings since I was a teenager and I've loved rocks and minerals since I was a young child. Together, these interests have led to a large collection of gemstone jewelry and found rocks.

My rock collection grew larger after living in New Mexico for four years, and the Southwest USA introduced me to a whole new world of gems, minerals, and jewelry making. I frequented a local mineral shop and began making earrings for myself again along with the occasional necklace. After receiving many compliments over the years, and from a desire to make more jewelry than I can wear, I opened my Etsy store, Bohemian Earth in 2011.

Each handcrafted necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings I make is crafted with love, careful attention, and high quality materials. Most items I make are one-of-a-kind or are a part of a limited edition series.

I really love being able to share this part of myself with others, and I hope you see something you love.

My Etsy shop, Bohemian Earth:

The name "Bohemian Earth" reflects the range of my interests in cultures near and far and my love of natural materials. I love the minimal and the extravagant, bright colors and deep earthy hues. I love delicate earrings and big, chunky, statement-making necklaces. I am inspired by the global East, West, North, and South. I think that my eclectic taste is reflected in my jewelry.

Where I create:

I create my pieces in my office (that in the past has functioned as a dissertation-writing haven, a spare bedroom for futon-sleeping guests, and a window to the world for my late pup, Ziggy Stardust). I sometimes sketch out designs before I sit down to create and other times I'm just burning to do something with my hands and I let spontaneity take over. When I'm ready to make a piece of jewelry, I take out beads and metals I think will best complete my vision. Sometimes I'll lay out a design on a bead board and leave it for days or months to stew, as it were. I'll move a bead or play with pendant options until I feel the design is perfect. Then, I begin composing... sometimes I'll string a whole necklace, try it on, and then start over. I want each piece to fulfill the feelings, the colors, or the inspiration from a painting, song, artist or writer that originally sparked the design. I also can create custom pieces for customers based on their color preferences or create something around their personality.

Where I buy my materials:

I buy my materials from local bead shops, fellow Etsy sellers, and a few other select online retailers who sell loose beads or hard-to-find components. I do enjoy buying materials in-person so I can really see and touch each strand of beads or one-of-a-kind pendant before I buy it. And, of course, by buying items in person, I'm also supporting my local economy.

Just so you know:

Through my descriptions, I aim to convey the concept behind each piece, what it's made of, and how to care for it (you can also refer to the section on caring for your jewelry in my shop policies).