Wire Artist of the Month May 2011: Cathy Whitten

I have always enjoyed the creative process throughout my life. I enjoy singing, writing poems and songs, playing guitar as well as creating delicious food and desserts. I really stumbled upon making jewelry because my daughter has been making beaded jewelry for many years, but I never really wanted to make jewelry. But when I saw the jewelry that could be made using the wire wrapping techniques, I knew I had to try it. It is something I really enjoy and I am glad I discovered it.

I have been creating wire wrapped jewelry since June of last year after watching one of Dale's inspirational teaching DVDs. I am married with two kids living in rural West Texas. We live out in the country and have a wonderful life. We travel the rodeo circuit with my son. He is very involved in rodeo. We have horses, cattle, dogs and other animals. The town closest to where we live has a population of 250 and has one blinking red light.

The country life is what I have always known and it's what I love best. I love to write songs, sing and play my guitar and I love cooking for my family. I recently wrote a song that goes,

I'm a misplaced country girl working in the city,
Trying to make a livin--make my way.
And I'd love to trade these high heels for my Tony Lamas
Sittin here in traffic on this beautiful day.

That pretty much sums it up.

A close-up of Cathy's Featured Piece, Ruby Zoisite Necklace

I found this beautiful triangle piece of Ruby Zoisite and immediately the idea for the piece came to me. When you find a gemstone like this one, it is easy to get inspired. I think the rubies in the zoisite look like flowers. And flowers are so in this year with fashion. I matched the necklace to the focal gemstone using fuchsite rubies beads and genuine ruby beads. I have worn this piece several times and have noticed that everyone comments on it. These are the types of pieces I enjoy making. They are a lot of fun.

Cathy's Ruby Zoisite Necklace in its entirety

Making jewelry for me releases my creative energy. It is also something I can do that takes my mind off of everything else. I enjoy making things others can enjoy. My jewelry-making started out as a hobby, but has become a part-time business for me. I plan to make several shows this year.

Although I am fairly new at making jewelry, I try my very best to make things that will last and that are quality pieces. When I make a new design, I will wear it to make sure it fits well and that there are no defects before I give or sell it to someone. I don't like to use plated metals and my favorite wire to use is sterling silver. However, I have started making pieces using copper, which is more affordable and has become very popular. I like to try and make pieces that will stand out and that my customers will receive many compliments wearing.

A Closeup of Cathy's Ruby Zoisite Necklace Clasp

Ruby Zoisite is gemstone-filled necklace made from a Ruby Zoisite 50 x 50mm cabochon, of course, 5mm thick, wrapped in sterling silver and hung on a strand of alternating ruby fuchsite and genuine ruby beads, finished with an adjustable chain clasp. The necklace is 22" in length with a 2" sterling silver chain extender on each side for a possible 26" length.

Very nice, symmetrical cab frame; I enjoy that the topping reverses the shape of the cab, and I love the consistency of the wraps and pulls!!

About wirejewelry's Wire Artist of the Month Program

Each month, we pick a talented wire jewelry artist and their work to highlight. We know we have some incredibly talented customers, and we seek to encourage and highlight those members of our community by highlighting one wire artist every month.

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