I was an Auto Mechanic for 40 years. I was forced into early retirement due to an
injury. I needed to find something to do as I always worked with my hands. My
first venture was making Horseshoe nail crosses. I made them for family and
friends until someone said “You should sell them at some craft shows” Before I
knew it my wife and I are selling Handcrafted!
I learned so much from all my fellow vendors. I wanted to diversify and sell some
different items so being “self taught” I went on the internet and watched videos
and learned to make different items that I thought would sell at these shows.
Over the years I made Photo Pendants and Photo Cuff Bracelets, did beaded
bracelets and Dream Catchers, painted wine bottles with lights and also dabbled
in some clay and also did Hand Stamped Jewelry.
With the profits from the craft shows I invested in a Kiln and started making Glass
Pendants, earrings and rings. I found my passion in making these. It was relaxing
and every time I opened the kiln to see what I created was like Christmas
Morning! We decided to try selling online. Sales were slow as all of these items
were One of a Kind and the pictures didn’t do justice to each of the pieces. But at
the Craft shows where people could actually see the item they were a big hit.
Holiday Season was good online so we continued listing.
When Covid hit the Craft shows stopped for us. I was also looking into doing
something that could be made and NOT be one of a kind. I came across a video
on making rings out of coins. Hmmm, I could make more than one item which I
felt would bring me up in the advertising. So I gave it a shot.
Well after 2 years learning and selling online I have sold over 1,000 Rings! The
kiln has been retired and has been replaced with a 12 ton press.
All of the reviews from my customers and repeat customers keeps me going.
I have always strived for all of my work to be of the highest quality.
My wife has also joined with me and is currently making inlay rings.
