aboutme-shortversion

Julie A. Collins

Miss Kittens Jewels

I became interested in jewelry design in 1995.  My life changed in 2005 when I bought a Brendan Blake borosilicate bead…love at first sight. I began small, first with gifts to friends, then selling to the nursery school moms. The impetus continued as I discovered new wonders: SRA lampwork beads; Swarovski crystals; Karen Hill Tribe silver; custom made toggles; wire wrapping; and semi-precious gemstones.   To maintain the highest standards, I personally perform all the creative aspects in my work. I use quality, one of a kind materials, .925 sterling silver and gold filled findings. Each of my pieces starts with a handmade lampwork bead - art in its own right-; then I pair the beads with Swarovski crystal, the finest crystal in the world; and finish it with a unique closure. No two pieces are ever alike. My past works can be found in Boston, Colorado, California, Arizona, Virginia, and overseas in Amsterdam, Germany, Russia and Scotland. My newest location is Colorado where you can see my work at the Colorado Creative Co-op, 2513 1/2 Colorado Avenue, Old Colorado City.

I feel a little like a cat on its fourth life; student of art; Army officer exposed to the world’s beautiful creations, Mom with the two most precious treasures, and now jewelry artist.  =^.^=

Credentials:

Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD) #1010

Founding Member of the Glass Artists of the Pikes Peak Region (GAPPR)

Founding Member of the Southern Colorado Bead Society (SCBS)

Current Secretary of the SCBS

Member of the Rocky Mountain Bead Society (RMBS)

Member of the Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS)

Certified Michaels and Joanns Jewelry Instructor

GRACE Coordinator for Aldrin Elementary School Year 2013-2014

Former Jewelry Instructor at the Air Force Academy and Grafenwoehr, Germany Arts and Crafts Centers

Former Commonwheel Artists Co-op Member in Manitou Springs, Colorado

Current Artisan at the Colorado Creative Co-op (CCC) in Old Colorado City

Current Jewelry Instructor at the USAFA Arts and Crafts Center

Gallery Shows:

“Flights of Fancy” July 2009 at the Commonwheel Co-op Gallery