How Dave Became a Jeweler
If you subscribe to the concept that 'there are no accidents' then you will appreciate the blessing and opportunity incased in my physically debilitating fall a few years ago when it looked like my walking (and earning) days were over.
While I was going through the healing stages and processes – on all levels: physically, mentally, spiritually – and trying to figure out 'what's next,' my best friend suggested I come to visit his home in the peaceful mountain resort town of Idyllwild in California. He generously promised that if I came and stayed for a lengthy amount of time he would teach me the fine art of custom jewelry making, which he has been doing very successfully for well over 20 years. Bottom line, he assured me, was that I didn’t need to walk to make jewelry and I may just enjoy it to boot... couldn’t hurt to check it out, he urged.
After a few months of respite and introspection, I headed off to Idyllwild to, at the very least, try something new and gain a fresh perspective.
To my utter surprise and delight I realized, as I immersed myself in the immense and amazing world of stones and gems, that I had stumbled upon my passion. I could hardly wait each morning for the sun to rise so I could get back to working with the wonders that Mother Nature produces. I learned to make ONE-OF-A-KIND pieces from semi-precious stones and gems and set them in sterling silver from one of the best in the country... what an opportunity!
Then, in 2005, setting out on my own, I gathered stones from all over the world, many of which can only be found in their own specific regions, and began turning them into pendants, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and beaded jewelry. As I began showing my creations, people started not only buying them, they also started asking me to make specifically customized pieces. Suddenly my passion became so much more than I could have ever imagined and quickly developed into a thriving and exciting business.
Fortunately I’ve been able to enlist my wonderful son’s help to keep up with the many orders and craft shows that we’ve been doing each year.
And now, here it is 2010 and I’m even more passionate about this custom craft than ever. The endless possibilities keep me in a constant state of inspiration and in a heightened state of enthusiasm almost 24/7. And, although I am able to walk some now (and am very grateful for that), my friend was right… I don’t need to walk to make jewelry.
The greatest part of all of this is discovering that I thoroughly enjoy making beautiful custom jewelry all day and every day that I can and that is something I never imagined for myself. Now I think that it just might be possible that this accident was no accident at all.
Sincerely and happily,
David Twaddell
Stonecraft Jewelry
(707) 445-1700
dave@stonecraftjewelry.net |
