My Journey To Find My Unicorn

by Arbie Goodfellow
(Milford, Michigan)

From the beginning I have always loved art and being creative. I trained as a competitive figure skater for many years and during those years I used to design my costumes and bead them by hand.

As a Figure Skating Coach for more than 20 years I used to help design my students' costumes. It always gave me great satisfaction. I loved coaching.

Then I had a life momen ... which is what I call it... during a visit to England and whilst walking around Windsor, I decided it was time to become who I really was.

This may sound strange but I decided to be me... really me... the girl who loves Whimsy, History, Vintage, Europe, Glitter, Rain, Musty smelling Nancy Drew Books, Agatha Raisin, Period Movies, and anything Romantic.

Being in England just plain and simple inspired me to break out and take a chance on being "different" and that meant taking a chance and doing something I always wanted to do, which was embellish.

And I do mean embellish.

I love the feel and look of different textures and found that my passion lies in ribbon. Vintage ribbon I adore because I try to imagine who was the woman who had adorned herself with this bit of froufrou.

I told you I was romantic!

I purchased some antique ribbon and created my first creation which I still often wear today.

I decided at that point that I would like to make a career out of being a fiber artist or jewelry designer.

I have to state that I still LOVE Figure Skating... however, my theory is, just because you start out with one career doesn't mean you can't change careers later in life. Life changes and so must I.

After discussing career changes with my husband, he has undeniably given me full support and has encouraged me every step of the way. Which I am thankful for.

So here I am launching my new web site and I will be trying to make my passion into a full-time career. Which is doing what I love... sewing pearls and crystals and embellishments that I find throughout Europe onto sumptuous ribbon.

So my message to all is "The Unicorn does exist if you want him to".

To interpret that... Go after your dreams!

Arbie Goodfellow
Couture Jewelry by Arbie Goodfellow