Darla Smith -- Designs by Darla

From early childhood, Darla had an obsession with jewelry, always “collecting” all she could get her hands on. As a result of all of this collecting, she learned how to do minor repairs. In 1975, while in a craft store she was drawn to some beads and her first design was born. For twenty years she created jewelry for herself, family and close friends.

As a result of owning an antique and collectibles store, she realized that other people shared her obsession with costume jewelry. In 1996, she expanded her hobby into a full-fledged operation, taking over the dining room with case after case of beads and findings and drawers full of tools. She sold her designs through her store until the fall of 1997, when it closed (due to the illness of her business partner).

Always a computer buff, she quickly discovered the internet and eBay as a new way to sell her designs as well as her inventory of collectibles. She sells on eBay under the seller name millwdantq. She also designed and maintains her website: Millwood Enterprises, with a special page for Designs by Darla.

She now designs in a small studio that is connected to her bedroom, so that she can work whenever the muse strikes. She lives in rural central California -- in the heart of the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley. Preferring country settings, she lives on a country hillside where doves and pheasants are regular visitors.

Darla’s other passions include her family, her husband of 16+ years and their son. Gary, her husband, has even developed a knack for collage jewelry design and construction. He even has a few pieces available on her website.

Darla and her family have a deep love of animals, dogs in particular. They breed and show American Staffordshire Terriers — they have their own website: Eurythmic Canines. Darla is also an UKC licensed conformation judge for American Pit Bull Terriers, Poodles and Afghan Hounds. But, her main interest is running a rescue program for purebred dogs, specializing in American Staffordshire Terriers/American Pit Bull Terriers. The rescue website: K9 Rescue Ltd showcases all the wonderful dogs that are available for adoption, as well as listing other resources for dog lovers. The Smith family shares their home with their own dogs, a moluccan cockatoo, a rabbit, 3 hermit crabs, a button quail and various foster dogs awaiting adoption.

Darla is a member of Jewel Collect, Jewelry Talk, JOC, IJDG and VFCJ.