Judy Sadkin
This month we are introducing two of our newer members of the club. These two crafters joined Sun Lakes Arts and Crafts Association (SLACA) together one year ago.
Barb James
Barb is originally from Michigan. She started beading and making jewelry about 20 years ago. She attended some craft shows early on in her crafting career. Then she began to take things more seriously and began working to be more creative with new designs and using a variety of beads. Her crafts have grown from there. She now includes garden plant stakes and sun catchers in her array of beautiful items. She has endless ideas for designs for them
Working in Oregon for 10 years influenced her love of beach and coastal themed colors and designs. She enjoys working with crystals, glass, and semi-precious stones; using these elements in both her jewelry and sun catcher designs.
“Start with something that brings you joy” is her best advice to new crafters, “seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they see something they like is one of the best parts of crafting.”
Jody York
Jody is originally from Virginia. She and Barb worked together in Oregon. She knew that Barb made jewelry and asked if she would work with her to teach her to bead. They would spend time crafting on weekends where they collaborated on the craft. Three years later, they now attend craft shows together and still work together on designs.
Having a buddy to bounce ideas off of and to get a different perspective on what is being created is fun, but shopping for supplies together is even better.
Jody has made handmade cards for a number of years, and now includes sea-glass art designs, and of course, jewelry. For a number of years, she would spend her weekends stamping and creating cards. “Creating something beautiful.” according to Jody, “is the best part of crafting.” She loves working with silver and turquoise. She designs rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. She works with other elements but is always drawn back to the silver and turquoise.
Her words of wisdom to a new crafter, “Your first projects won’t be perfect. Learn from them and just keep creating!”
These two friends enjoy keeping people engaged in their art designs and they continue to look for ways to showcase different ideas and designs. They both advise to “stay tuned” for new ideas coming soon.
Jody and Barb, along with the other members of the Sun Lakes Arts and Crafts Association will be showcasing their work during our Holiday and Spring Shows at the IronOaks, Oakwood Ballroom. Visit SLACA.net for more information on our shows and joining the club.