Being a handmade artist today is different from what it was years ago. We live in a world where affordability often takes priority. I know this struggle all too well. Mass-produced items flood the market, created in factories within seconds. They bring brief joy—just as fleeting as the time it took to make them. But they lack something: the feeling of uniqueness, the touch of human hands, the essence of true craftsmanship.

As a jewelry artist, I know how much time goes into each piece. Even years later, I remember making my designs. Sometimes, when I pick up an old piece, I’m instantly transported back to the moment I created it—the music I was listening to, the TV show playing in the background. These emotions become part of my work, woven into every tiny detail. That’s the difference between handmade and mass-produced jewelry. There’s energy, intention, and emotion in each piece. They don’t roll off a production line.

Handmade jewelry takes time. Real jewelry isn’t made in two minutes; it takes hours of intricate work. Some of my pieces took two weeks to complete! Whether I pour, weave, sew, or crochet, every piece carries the mark of my hands, my skill, and my emotions.

A handmade piece is never just another product. It’s not designed for mass production. It may not be flawless because it isn’t created by a machine programmed to repeat the exact same movement a thousand times. Handmade items have quirks, little imperfections that make them unique. Beads come in slightly different sizes, resin reacts to temperature changes, and sometimes, a bead that’s just a shade off finds its way into the design.
If the jewelry is made from beads and I notice a mistake, I can fix it by undoing the stitches and reworking it. But resin jewelry is different—I can’t modify it after it’s cured. Air bubbles, color variations, or uneven surfaces might remain. These imperfections are part of the piece, part of the process. But that’s what makes handmade jewelry special. Don’t you agree?

I often hear the question: Is this just a hobby? It’s a common assumption about handmade work. Many people create jewelry as a hobby, following patterns for fun. I even design patterns for hobby beaders. And yes, I started as a hobbyist, too. But it didn’t stay that way. One day, a pack of beads arrived, tempting me to give it a try. My first attempt wasn’t perfect, so I started learning—researching, practicing, improving. Years of work and dedication followed. Nearly 20 years, to be exact. I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it.

Some people train to be doctors or engineers. I trained to be a jewelry designer. This is my profession, my craft, my passion.

Still don’t believe me? Try me. 🙂