When I started making jewelry I didn’t have a clear focus of what I wanted to make. I had a lot of raw materials built up from years of collecting. People also started giving me odds and ends they didn’t want that I’ve ended up working into my jewelry. I like to use old watches, clocks and hardware components such as washers, nuts and screws. I’ve been combining these with gold, silver and copper findings and bits and baubles I get off of old pieces of jewelry and come up with some beautiful and unique pieces.

I’ve since found out that what I do is considered upcycling which is cool because I’m into trying to reduce our impact on the earth. I love Mother Nature and want the earth to remain beautiful and healthy forever.

I’ve also been trying to buy my supplies from United States based artisans and using metals that are not from strip mining. Not that I have anything against other countries I just feel that with our economy as it is that buying local and handmade is the best way I can contribute to helping people out. Hopefully if my jewelry venture becomes profitable I can even hire some people. I would also like to start a mobile bakery at some point as well using ingredients I get from local farmers markets and suppliers, and hopefully hiring even more people.

That’s my story and my hopes for the future. I believe in myself and my abilities and I know I will be able to achieve my goals and more. I am positive, stubborn and motivated.

Madd Dogg (aka Lori)

www.etsy.com/shop/rowan300