Down the Rabbit Hole

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In Girl Scouts back in the day, there was a song that went like this:  

"Make new friends, but keep the old.  
One is silver and the other gold."

Hello Silver... Hello Gold!   Welcome to The Heart of the Hive!



I'm Janet.  Wife, mother, grandmother -- and for purposes here -- jewelry designer!  My passion for jewelry design began nearly 20 years ago when a friend of mine opened a little bead shop.  I had no idea what a bead shop even was, but ventured in to say hi.  She helped me pick out two beads - just two - and showed me how to make my first pair of handmade earrings.  The rest, shall we say, is history -  and off I went down a wonderful rabbit hole of jewelry design!

Although mostly self-taught, I have taken classes in related artisan endeavors like lampworking and metal clay. Although I am now a certified metal clay artist, my love lies in assemblage and making many of my own components, like in this photo where I cut, embossed and stained the leather teardrop.




My style is rather eclectic.  Words I would use to describe my makings are:  earthy, boho, and vintage-inspired.  The photo below is a sampling of some of the things I've made recently, and some you may find if you visit my website Bee City Studio.



Now that I recently retired, I finally have time to devote my passion to this artistic endeavor.  The photo above depicts my love for working with brass, but also making my own components, like bead dangles, polymer clay pendants and beads, painted leather, handmade tassels...if it can be made, chances are I like to make it. 

"The Heart of the Hive" will be your place to find the buzz about jewelry and fashion trends, related guides and tutorials, new things I'm working on, monthly goodie giveaways, and of course new products in the store.   My hope is to open the doors and windows to the passions of personal adornment, whether you are a maker, a wearer, or simply an admirer with an appreciation for artistic endeavor.  




So please, I encourage you to leave comments and share your thoughts.  Ask questions, and let me know if you have any topics you'd like me to cover in future blog posts. 

If you'd like to see what's currently in the shop, you can shop now.

As I get this business and this blog going, I will try to post consistently, at least once a week to begin with.  And if you like what you see, please follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.  

Thanks for visiting the Heart of the Hive! Please share the buzz!

Gleam on,

Janet 



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