Please welcome our newest members…
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Marianne Bea Olajos
Peterborough, Ontario. Canada
I started with loom beading at age 10, made costume jewelry in my
late teens, changed to tip and extension acrylic nails in my early
twenties. I was taught hobby ceramics by a friend around 24, where I
started to get a name for myself as a ceramic artist. I stayed with
that, tapering off as my health and eyesight started to deteriorate.
I returned to costume jewelry and beadweaving, and managed to get
known as a decent artist in the field. I met someone, now one of my
dearest friends, around 2 years ago at this time, who saw me filling
up at Michael’s with gemstone beads, and polymer clay, and she
invited me to jewelry/metalsmithing classes at our local Art School.
I was so excited, and joined early 2014! I now have more tools than
I probably need, but I truly enjoy making jewelry. I work in
Sterling, most times, but I love copper and brass too. I bought a
Smith Little torch in oxy/propane, and now the Orca torch. I love the
fact that I can combine my beads with precious metals, and create
some beautiful pieces. Thank you for this excellent opportunity to
learn. I am retired at 51, due to illness, and I use this as my
therapy. I am in the process of registering a company under my artist
name, Marika O design. I will soon have a website, and new info to
help me on my journey
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Ravina Larson
Saint Helena, USA
I am interested in learning any and all aspects of jewelry making,
metal smithing, and fabric painting. Also, I’m interested
in discovering tools and materials used in these mediums.
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