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Click to Enlarge 		Michelle Heath
From Tulsa, Ok


Tell us your story.
I have been a wire artist for 6yrs. now. I started in 2000 by watching someone make name necklaces. I am left handed, so she was unable to teach me how to make them. I got some practice wire and my tools and figured it out myself. It took me about 1month to learn. I then opened up my business in one of the local malls in Tulsa, Ok. and worked there for a few months. The mall is not the best place. I moved to another mall for xmas and from there I went to craft shows. Because it is handcrafted craft or artist shows were perfect. And I did this for 2yrs. Then we had some financial issues and I closed my business for 3yrs. I found a GREAT regular job to help. I never stopped making jewelry. And in that time I learned how to make ALOT more things. Animals, Roses, my own design on a heart. Etc... I am back up and running as of last year. I had my jewelry in a artist owned gallery for a year until she closed it. I then started back into artist and craft shows. My husband and I are both making jewelry now part time. He creates one of a kind hand hammered bracelets and neckwires. Heavy chunky creations that are each original and incredible.

Where do you sell your jewelry? Do you have any tips on selling there?
We go to craft or artist shows on weekends. Oklahoma is having their centennial celebration this month (Nov. 2006) and we are in that. We have found this works for us for now. It is however, not our dream. We are working on that. My best selling tip: BE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JEWELRY! If you love creating jewelry (AND I DO LOVE IT!) Your customers will see it and it can be contagious.

What's your biggest selling piece and why?
Our biggest selling piece is several items. The half pound custom bracelet my husband creates, the name necklaces I make, as well as a new item. Threaders. Earrings with spirals in the back (thru the ear). I made 19 prs. at our craft show last weekend. The pic is of the bracelet.

What one piece of advice can you give to other aspiring jewelry makers?
Always practice. And make sure you love creating these items. It shows in your work and in your face when presenting them to your customers.

Have you quit your day job yet? Can you give us any idea how much income your jewelry is making?
No, not yet. The income is only enough to put back into buying silver and gold and paying for booth space for now. We're getting there.

What would you say to someone that might be hesitant to invest in Preston's course?
If you know nothing about creating jewelry, buy them. It will be worth it in the end.

Has jewelry making changed your life in any way?
It has opened my creativity up in many different directions.

Do you sell any of your work on line or on Ebay? Do you do well there?
No.

What's your plan for the future?
A store and working for ourselves.