After a 5-year sabbatical, I'm looking forward to teaching jewelry making classes again. Actually, I take that back. I taught a 5-week jewelry making class to eager 5th and 6th grade girls at my sons' school last spring. But now I'm finally going to be teaching adults again. I got my start teaching jewelry making at Michaels craft store by teaching customers how to use all of the products and tools. I also offered several beading classes, from beginner to advanced projects. The classes were p... Read Full Story

Hello everyone!! Today is the first day in a looooong time that a brand new item has hit my Etsy shop!!I call this pair of earrings "Silver Lace" and they are perfect for all styles and occasions. They are made of fine silver disks, each measuring 5/8-inch in diameter and textured with a piece of lace fabric. The reverse side has my signature. The silver has been lightly oxidized to highlight the texture and signature.The disks are finished with sterling silver French earwires. Rubber earnuts... Read Full Story

Just like George and Weesie, I am very pleased to announce that my beloved Graphic Jewelry Collection "is movin on up". But instead of going from Harlem to the East Side... Graphic has gone from my basement studio to the brand new (and beautiful) Creative Expressions Art Gallery in Mequon, Wisconsin.I must admit that I am very proud of my little collection... getting to hang out in a gallery with amazing works of art and talent.And the best part of having my work accessible to the public is t... Read Full Story

Bonjour everyone!! Here is just a little post to tell you what I've been up to lately... before I forget. This is also a nice change of pace from my usual posts about my life as an artist. Now, here's a little about my life as a tourist... in Paris!!I went to France (from 10/27/09 till 11/3/09) completely alone to enjoy a break from my every day life. My glorious week in The City of Lights included all the typical sightseeing, visits with both of my previous French exchange students and a bl... Read Full Story

Recently, I (finally) completed a custom order for a very dear friend of mine... Randi.A few years ago, she went to Israel on a tour of the Holy Land and had a wonderful time. She was able to see for herself many sites that we discuss in our weekly Bible study classes. The trip was very inspirational to her and created a deep fondness for the land and its people.Like most folks who take life changing trips... she brought something back to remind her of that faith adventure. And I am so glad s... Read Full Story

Hello everyone!! In this post I want to tell you a little bit about my latest adventure as an artist.When my youngest started full day kindergarten this fall (yippie!!), I was left looking for ways to add a little more purpose to my life. So one day I contacted a friend who was opening an art gallery and asked if she needed any help. To make a long story short... I will be an art consultant, class instructor and featured artist!!Last night was the grand opening of Creative Expressions Art Ga... Read Full Story

Hello!! I know it's been a loooooong time since my last post. A lot has happened but nothing that exciting that the whole world needed to know about. Until now. Now, I have my very own iPhone and to me that's noteworthy. After listening to me beg for months, my hubby got it for me for our 12th anniversary. This device is so cool and I feel like I have the world at my fingers... any place, anytime!!Now, I just have to figure out how to post pictures to my blog with this thing. - Posted using ... Read Full Story

Well, I pulled it off. The trunk show that I hosted at my home on March 19-21 is finally history. All of the planning and preparations have been completed, the house is (almost) back to normal and I can get on with real life.Don't get me wrong... I love opening up my home to show friends and customers my latest designs and offering a fun, relaxed way to shop. However, there is a ton of work that goes on behind the scene. I spent a lot of time doing production, promotion, cleaning and cook... Read Full Story

For all of you who haven't heard, Mama Mayborne Designs has recently turned five years old!! I cannot believe that I am still making jewelry and how much my product line has grown during a half decade.During the past five years I have made hundreds of items, shown at several places (including the Milwaukee Art Museum) and created an online presence. I'll never forget how it all began with the desire to make a few Christmas presents and my mama's relentless sales pitches. Now I a... Read Full Story

Ok, this isn't even funny. It feels like I merely blinked my eyes and a whole month flew by. What happened to February 2009?!? Today is March 1st and I am frantically trying to determine what exactly I did during the shortest month of the year. I hope that I didn't waste too much time on seeking heat and watching Days of our Lives!!There is only one way to figure out what I did... and that is to make a list of my major accomplishments (obviously posting to my blog was not one of th... Read Full Story