In October last year, I began decorating satin Christmas balls — something I had been wanting to have time to do for years. That is the total extent of my arts & crafts history.

While looking for rhinestones for the balls, I got interested in vintage costume jewelry & began collecting a bit of it. That led to repairing some broken pieces. Pieces that could not be repaired were “saved” but I had no idea of any reason other than they were just too pretty to discard. One of the ladies in this designer's group showed jewelry that she had made from vintage components & I finally had a purpose for all those lovely pieces of “junk!”

I had no idea that anyone would buy them & I want to thank all of you who have bought & many who have become regular customers. I really appreciate the encouragement & it is wonderful to me that you like my designs. I still use vintage pieces in my jewelry, but I am also just beginning to make my own designs rather than just fixing up an already existing piece. I have so much to learn & I am loving every minute of it. My designs consist primarily of rhinestones - I do love that glitz!

Please feel free to write to inquire about anything that interests you. I also "renew" vintage jewelry - it is refreshed with new stones & possibly new filigree but retains its vintage origin. I sell a few pieces on eBay under the ID of sherrisjewels. (My seller's feedback up to Jan. 1, 2002 is found under lynn20101)