“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.”
-Author unknown
JTM Designs is named after my most important job to date: Julia & Tyler’s Mom. After our kid’s were born in ’98 and ’03, I quickly adjusted to the name change from Sally Smith to Julia & Tyler’s mom. Although I never signed any paperwork to make it official, I answer to it daily.
In 2006, I incorporated my new name to begin selling my jewelry at a local Farmer’s Market. After my first sale, I knew what I wanted to do as my children continued to work me out of a job and grow up!
My first experience with juried art shows was as a tole painter when I was in junior high school. I grew up south of Buffalo, NY and have moved through: Rochester, NY; Baltimore, MD; Mt. Top, PA and finally (I hope) Chicago, IL. I teach beading and wire work classes in my home studio, JoAnns, Hobby Lobby and local bead stores.
I’ve been collecting beads for more than 20 years, and thanks to some talented teachers – a basic stringer, a metal smith and a wire artist – I was inspired to create designs with my massive collection of beads.
I spend my time playing with and taking care of our kids & dog, cutting the grass, and shoveling snow! I make the time to work in my home studio when I can. I try to spend a little time everyday working on new pieces and mastering new techniques.
I use the American Sign Language skills I acquired as an interpreter to teach the Baby Signs® Program in the community.
I encourage and support the efforts of our young daughter to raise money and awareness for autism.
I believe that sharing my knowledge of jewelry design has helped me to become a better designer. It’s important to me that I share what I’ve learned. I constantly thinking of design possibilities to put wire and beads together to create a piece pleasant to look at and to wear.
As I watch my children grow, I’ve found that I have grown along with them. They have have taught me to share everything, to be aware and wonder, and to play every day. I am grateful for many things.
Designing and teaching is rewarding to me. I always get back far more than I give, and I always give 100%.