Finally Found What I Wanted to Do

by Wilma Travis
(Crystal MN USA)

Green Spring Lampwork Beads by Wilma's Whimseys

I have been dabbling with crafts all my life since I was 16.

Started by making an Easter outfit, which was done on a treadle machine. My parents were so impressed that they bought me a brand new Sears automatic sewing machine.

I continued to sew until my last child was born and grown past the stage of wearing clothes that my "Mom" made - however, my daughter still asked for the occasional prom dress and wedding dress!

Life goes on, sewing was put aside for ceramics, which were then put aside for porcelain doll making.

When I left NY to move to MN I left that all behind me, just brought a few things to keep me busy.

Kind of lost interest in that, and started making stained glass. Oh I loved it - or so I thought!

Then somehow or another I got interested in lampwork beads and went wild getting everything I needed, and began creating and selling on Etsy.

Well one can only have so many beads, right? ...so what is the next step? Make jewelry from my lampwork beads.

Thus Wilma's Whimseys was born - more of a play on all the whimsical crafts I have been through, only to finally find my true love of lampwork beads and creating jewelry from them.

I went wild with the creating, opened a website and began selling at craft fairs last year.

I am so very happy that jewelry making has come into my life. I now do chainmalle; viking knit; and trying to learn how to do wire wrapping and macrame to further incorporate my beads into.

Who would have figured after all these years I have finally found something I love to do, and it relieves the stress and anxiety of everyday life.

I have posted in the new Etsy store a "pandora troll bracelet".

Wilma Travis
Wilma's Whimseys
Wilma's Whimseys Etsy Shop
Wilma's Whimseys Blog
Etsy Esmarts Shop

Comments for
Finally Found What I Wanted to Do

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Wilma
by: ChezChani

I would be surprised if any crafter hasn't dabbled in a multitude of crafts. We just can't help but look at something and say, "I could do that." It's a blessing and a curse.
I love your lampwork beads and I know that one of these days, I'm going to have to dabble in that too!

Great Beads at Whimsey
by: Anna Lee

Wilma, every time I receive an order from you my friend, it's just like christmas morning! Your beads are beautiful and very well made. I always appreciate your careful packaging and the thoughtful little notes you include to me make my day. It's also a joy working with you on our eSMArts team!

At your etsy online store http://whimsey.etsy.com I just bought some of your cored Pandora style beads and just can't wait to get them! I'll be back for plenty more of your goodies to incorporate into my handmade jewelry designs. I just can't wait to see what you'll come up with next!

~Anna Lee Husband
Oracle Design Group
http://oraclegemdesigns.com
http://gahooletreedesigns.blogspot.com
http://sassydlite.blogspot.com
http://esmarts.blogspot.com

What a woman!
by: Jamie

Wilma, love your story! I think you are one fantastic woman who never stops inspiring and helping others. I am blessed to be on eSMArts with you and everyone else. Our store is slowly growing...visit http://esmarts.etsy.com

Jamie
Creations by JAE
http://creationsbyjae.etsy.com
http://creationsbyjae.blogspot.com
http://www.creationsbyjae.com

A Fellow eSMarts Team Member
by: Teri

Wilma, my friend, we have eSMArts to thank for bringing us together and helping us to develop our business! Check out our team store at: http://esmarts.etsy.com All proceeds from the store go to support special projects and causes, all non-profit donations.
http://sandtcreations.etsy.com

Congratulations, Wilma
by: Joella

Very nice article, Wilma. You do the eSmarts Etsy team proud.
I keep eyeing your lampwork but need to bring in a bit more money first.
Joella
http://www.alwayswiredbeadlady.etsy.com

Wilma
by: Theresa

Thanks for sharing your story, Wilma. And I thought I couldn't make up my mind in what art to pursue. Maybe it IS normal to explore different things.

I'm so glad to get to know you by being on eSMArts Team with you. You're a real joy!

Your Biaggi Bracelet in the Team Shop is amazing. Great lampwork beads there. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16631980

Theresa
Studio618

Congrats!
by: Janine

Your beads are soooo beautiful- I look forward to buying some! I am glad I am not the only art nut out there! I love how people always ask me what art I make and I have a laundry list-their eyes widen in amazement! You must feel the same too!
Janine
janinedesign.com

Dabbling
by: Helene

Hiya, Janine. I've 'dabbled' in several of the arts and crafts, some more than others.

It's a good idea to continue to dabble. Take classes about the stuff you know and classes on crafts you haven't tried before.

It all goes to keeping your own work fresh and moving forward. It's a danger to live in isolation ~ I should know ~ and a thrill when you get a boost or a good idea while brainstorming with other 'crazies.'

I am honoured to be in the same guild with you.

That's what I think.
Helene ~ Glass0Beads.etsy.com