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Click to Enlarge 		Barbara Hathaway
From Fulton, NY


Tell us your story.
I was first interested in wire wrapping back in 2000. I had been monkeying around at a friends house with some practice wire and stones. My friend as well as my bro. asked me if I'd done this before! since then I've done a lot of research into the history of wire wrapping, as well as continually improving my style. Last year I was approached by a fine arts event co-ordinator to start teaching classes in wirewrapping at her studio after I had won best of show for one of my pieces.

Where do you sell your jewelry? Do you have any tips on selling there?
Most of my jewelry is sold at fine arts shows and metaphysical shows that I attend along with my brother(he taught me how to cut stones and I taught him how to wire wrap)

What's your biggest selling piece and why?
The pendant closest to my hand(laboradorite)was specially cut and wrapped to this wonderful pet psychic's spec's. When I ground down the back of this huge half polished piece, there was kind of an image on the back that she wanted showing. So the harness made for this stone showed off the back as well as the front.

What one piece of advice can you give to other aspiring jewelry makers?
If you find yourself having trouble on a particular wrap, set it down(I know this is hard to do) and take a break. you'll find that stepping away for awhile will give you a renewed point of view. So don't give up!

Have you quit your day job yet? Can you give us any idea how much income your jewelry is making?
Right now, it still is considered a progressing hobby to me. The occasional classes help me to offset the cost of supplies. I've been told countless times that I need to have my own booth at shows, but, I find that some of the table costs are way beyond my means. I'd need a backer.

What would you say to someone that might be hesitant to invest in Preston's course?
I would say to look through what Preston has to offer, especially if you don't have any classes offered locally. Through Preston's courses or even through the individual dvd's/tapes,you'll be able to comprehend the basic's to start you on to your own style of jewelry!

Has jewelry making changed your life in any way?
YES! I am hopelessly addicted to finding new ways of wrapping various hand cut stones. It has given me a new sense of meditation with wire working. I am hoping to find a way of re introducing wirewrapping as a therapeutic outlet for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)as well as type of physical therapy for eye to hand fine motor skills.

Do you sell any of your work on line or on Ebay? Do you do well there?
I tried once. My jewelry was hopelessly buried in a myriad of pages within pages. I had gotten only one bid on a 6 day auction. (it was a good thing I had a reserve price on it) So, I'd say I didn't do well.

What's your plan for the future?
Eventually I would like to be able to have my own table at all the metaphysical gem shows around here on the East Coast! I already have a following. It's just the cash flow that's impeding me.