What girl doesn't love jewelry? I remember loving the ten-cent "diamond" rings from the local toy store when I was 8 years old. And I spent summers during high school working at Olsky's jewelry store in Glencoe, Illinois. When business was slow, the owner let me sit in front of the vault in the back room going through the trays of rings, bracelets and necklaces which were covered with precious gems.

As an adult, following a rewarding career teaching autistic children in suburban Washington, DC and Chicago and once my two children were old enough to be searching for their own life's work, I shifted gears, beginning an exploration of my creative side I had yet to fully discover. I have three siblings, each with a talent they've developed since childhood. My brother is an author, and my sisters are both musicians, one a singer and one plays the piano. I was often asked, "So what do you do?" I had no good answer until about seven years ago.

I began crafting beaded jewelry in the late 1990's, studying with a number of respected Chicago area artisans. I combined my love of "antiquing with the beading techniques I had learned by designing one-of-a kind jewelry, using pins, buttons, earrings and other pieces unearthed at antique shops, estate sales and art shows, which I combinged with the contemporary look of semi-precious stones, pearls and metals. My pieces have been sold by shops in Highland Park, Evanston, Chicago and the Michigan shore as well as some of the Chicago area's most prestigious art fairs.

About a year ago, I added a line of crocheted sterling silver and gold-filled wire necklaces, suitable for both formal eveningwear and a more casual look. Most recently, I was commissioned by a friend's daughter to fashion special gifts for her bridesmaids. Since then, I have designed a line of delicate one-of-a-kind necklaces for special occasions-for the bride and her bridal party, and for exceptional anniversary, birthday and holiday gifts.

Special orders and custom designs are an integral part of my business. I delight in customers bringing me a dusty, forgotten heirloom from the bottom of their jewelry boxes, and then redesigning the piece with a more contemporary vision. Please feel free to contact me for more information about any piece you see, or to discuss a new design that would combine your vision and mine!

- Bobbie Hinden