Meet Jaime of Ajjewelry

Meet Jaime of Ajjewelry

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ajjewelry

How many years have you worked with glass?

I have worked with glass for 5 years. When I finally figured out how to light my torch (I was terrified of it!!) and get the glass onto the mandrel, I was hooked after my first bead. Within 2 months I could make simple animals.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Everything and anything. I love to shop...I don't normally buy, but I see everything as new ideas to include in my work.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

Everyday and even in my dreams! I often wake up knowing what I have to create. When this happens, everything else tends to be set aside until I have complete it.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

All the time. I see everything as a possible new color scheme,texture, new ideas for jewelry that I just have to somehow work my beads into..... What inspires me is nature, messy kids rooms (funny how many colors there are), fabrics, magazines (clothing ones are the best for color combos), sunsets, foods and I think you get the idea now.

Do you create daily?

I am always creating, it is who I am. There are very few days that I am not creating something.

How important is it for you to create art?

Art is just a part of me, it always has been. For me it is like breathing, it is completely natural and not really even thought about. I never even really thought of me as an "Artist" until one day someone introduced me as one! I was stunned. I had never thought of my self as as artist.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Yes and no. When I am in my mode of creating....happens often!...I tend to forget time. I am lucky, I have a wonderful husband and children who support me in my art. However they do have their limits

Describe your studio:

My glass studio is also known as my garage. My dream is to add a sun room/studio to our home. This way I can create beads year around! The creating of my jewelry is done in my home, generally at the kitchen table.

Tell me something about you:

I am a wife. I am a mother of 4 beautiful children. We have 2 crazy cats. I have 3 Etsy shops. When I am not creating glass items, I am making soaps, crocheting bath items (puffs, washcloths, etc), sewing purses, hair bows (4 yr old must haves and of course I make too many for our own use!), painting furniture for reselling in local boutiques. or for personal use. And these are just some of the things I do. One day I would love to teach my community my knowledge of all the arts I do. But first I need to get through my first phase of life....kids.