Why Sweet Pea?

My father used to call me Sweet Pea.  When I was a baby, my nightgown trailed behind me when I crawled, like Sweet Pea from the Popeye cartoons.  He passed away in 2001, so this is my way of honoring him.

How did you start making jewelry?

One of my sons was going to take a jewelry class in high school as part of his Art credit. We moved and the new school didn't offer that class, but the idea stuck in my mind.  Eventually, I took a class at Michael's and learned the basics of stringing beads, design, closures, etc.  I'm kind of famous for starting projects that I never finish but this was something I could finish the same day I started it.  That suited my instant gratification type of personality perfectly!

Why chainmaille?

I love wire. I don't know what it is, but I just love the look of it.  I tried wirewrapping but that just didn't feel like me.  I saw a picture of chainmaille online and fell in love.  I wondered if it was something I could do, so I played around with it and found out I could.  I love basic maille but I also enjoy adding other components to it, like glass beads, gemstones and buttons.  I think it's pretty cool how you can get a completely different look just by altering the size and/or width of the jumprings used.  Plus, it's different.  You certainly don't find chainmaille jewelry at Wally World or even the pricey jewelry stores in the mall.  At craft shows, there may be a ton of jewelry artists, but I've been the only chainmailler, so far.

Have you always been crafty or artistic?

Absolutely not!  I've always wanted to be but I can't draw a straight line with a ruler.  I'm kind of famous for not finishing projects.  I have a hooked rug that didn't even make it to half done.  I have afghans that stopped at the baby blanket stage.  I had a dollhouse kit that ended up kindling because I didn't know I had to sand each and every tiny piece!  The fact that I have stuck with jewelry for years is amazing to me.  But I love it and only wish I'd found it sooner in my life. 

Do you just do chainmaille?

No. I've done a little wirewrapping and bead stringing.  I've recently discovered the joy of wire crochet with beads.  The results are amazing.  Each piece is unique.  For now, the crochet work is available in my shop at the Heritage Crafters' Gallery in the Lynchburg Community Market.  However, if you are interested in a particular piece, please let me know.  If it's still available, I'll add it to the stock and it will be available for purchase through my online store.

What about your personal life?

It's actually pretty boring, but that's the way I like it.  My name is Cindy and I've been married to the same wonderful man for many years.  Together, we've raised 6 great sons.  I was born and raised in Central New York but moved to Central Virginia a few years ago - and love it!