ABOUT SPARKLES BY TAMARA
I was born in 1975 on April 30th in Los Angeles, California as the second born of three children. Although, both of my siblings were very artistic and talented at an early age, I was the shy child who had no artistic talent.
Then, as I was approaching age 30, I got my first jewelry kit as a gift. In the jewelry kit, there were bungee cords and some different plastic beads that I would string together and then tie the ends together to make a rudimentary piece of jewelry. The more I practiced and studied the jewelry making process, the more I desired to create a more sophisticated and unique jewelry line and become and expert in the art of jewelry creation. To achieve this, I learned about different types of genuine natural stones, crystals, as well as using the tools I may need. I started exploring bead stores and asking questions and gaining knowledge from experiences jewelry makers. I began taking classes, practicing, and getting more familiar with how to hone my craft. Before long, I was creating and abundance of jewelry that I liked and that was styled just for me. I started wearing my pieces every day, and then started giving them away as gifts. Eventually, people began to take notice of the jewelry that I wore and offered to pay me for my unique and fashionable pieces. Now, several years and thousands of jewelry pieces later, I am still shocked at how far I’ve come and grateful for the interest that so many have had in my creations.
Making jewelry is an outlet for me to freely express myself and let the real me shine through. Each piece is uniquely crafted and designed with inspiration based upon the beauty that surrounds me and my current feelings and emotions. For example, if i’m feeling anxious, I may design a piece filled with lots of color and details, this may even take me longer to make. In turn, if I’m feeling sad or lonely, I may work with stones more closer to my heart, like turquoise, because that was my mother’s favorite. All of my work truly comes from a place within my soul. More importantly, I love the look on my customers faces when they see a piece of jewelry that speaks to them and their hearts.
Looking back on my younger years when I wasn't so sure of the creativity within me, I now see I was just as talented and artistic as the rest of my family. Now I have the confidence to express myself to all of my customers and family and friends around me, and it is all because of that one little jewelry kit and my love for the art of jewelry creation.