The shapes, patterns, colors and textures of the beads are my real tools in designing jewelry. Depending on my mood, I will create something earthy and chunky, a delicate piece with crystals & pearls or an eclectic mix. Each piece, with an infinite combination of materials and design elements is a visual treat.

Denise Penick

If four years ago someone told me I would be creating jewelry, I would have responded- No Way! I don?t even wear a lot of jewelry and it is so tedious! Oil painting is my art medium.

In the summer of 2003 I was the Arts & Crafts Director at Camp Towanda in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Stephanie, the co-owner, and artist as well, asked me to plan jewelry making activities for the older girls. My first reaction was PANIC.

At camp, in our store of supplies we had wire and glass stones (the kind used in dish gardens). In order to teach the girls how to wire-wrap the stones for pendants I tried to perfect a method. As I practiced, the young counselors liked the pendants and I started to give them away. Every wire-wrapped stone turned out different and even today I can't teach someone how to wrap a stone. I now use genuine gemstones and sterling silver wire; these unique pendants are best sellers at crafts' festivals and shows.

It was on one of my days off I discovered the bead aisle at the local craft store and after that it was no turning back. All my extra money went to buying beads and jewelry-making tools. I found both wire wrapping and beading relaxing and the quiet activity relieved the stressors of the day. And, people wanted to buy my pieces!

Since then I have learned the many gemstones (if only we had these beads in my college geology class?!). I love the colors, patterns and textures. I love ordering and handling the beads, as well as creating a variety of jewelry pieces, combining different materials and elements. Creating jewelry satisfies my artistic need to explore endless visual qualities and my obsessive-compulsive side to be busy all the time.

When a package of beads and materials arrive; it is a holiday for me! Even though I still have to make myself wear jewelry, I love designing and making it and derive immense pleasure from other people admiring and wearing my pieces. My studio/workshop is a bright and cheerful room in my home set up for both creating and the business activities of Personal Adornments. And, I do occasionally pick out a piece for myself.

ABOUT ME

Personal Adornments, Owner~Artist

Fuqua School, Art Teacher
Longwood University, Adjunct Instructor

EDUCATION

Virginia Commonwealth University, MAE Art Education

Longwood College, BS in Art Education

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Virginia Elementary Art Educator, 2000-2001

Longwood Center for the Visual Arts Community (LCVA) Achievement in the Arts, Individual Award, 2000

Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Scholar, 1999

Educational Travel to Italy, 1998

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Leesburg, Ida Lee Park Spring Bling
Fort Clifton Fine Arts and Crafts Show
John Tyler Community College Arts and Crafts Show
Farmville Chamber of Commerce Christmas Arts and Crafts Show
Blackstone Arts & Crafts Show
Heart of Virginia Festival, Farmville, Virginia
Reidsville Exhibit Center, Bead and Bling Show, Reidsville, North Carolina
Virginia Show Productions, Showplace, Mechanicsville, Vriginia
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts Made in Virginia Show
Danville Festival In The Park

Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA) Juried Exhibitions:
Virginia Beach Contemporary Art Center
Jefferson Center, Roanoke, Virginia,
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia

"You did a fabulous job on the bracelets. They were just what I wanted. You certainly have talent. My daughters loved them and wear them everyday. Thank you." Pam

Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry, Personal Adornments, January, 2008 �

handmade beaded jewelry, handcrafted beaded jewelry, personal adornments, unique jewelry, fashion jewelry, hand crafted jewelry, beaded jewelry, handmade jewelry, gemstone jewelry, turquoise jewelry, Denise Penick

Handcrafted Beaded Jewerly

Personal Adornments

Home

Eclectic Bracelets

Double Bracelets

Gemstone Necklaces

More Necklaces

Show Schedule

Artist~Educator

Contact Me

ABOUT ME