“It has been said trees are the Earth’s effort to speak to heaven. As they reach for the sky, but their roots are firmly grounded. They sway in the wind and remain flexible. Trees have many symbolic meanings. May yours always bring you peace, joy, and protection.”
Shannon Williams
Shannon's designs bring you closer to nature. The delicate spirals and twirls and her choice of stones make you think of enchanted forests, elves and unicorns.
A self taught jewelry designer, living in Austin, Texas, Shannon describes her workshop as a craft room full of beads. She lives in a house surrounded by forest.
“I would love to tell you how quiet it is out here in this country area. But the truth is, I think the birds out here sing the loudest. The racoons are clumsy as they walk on our metal roof. The deer snort and whistle. The squirrels love to bark as they pester my dogs. The cicadas in the Summer are the loudest of them all, as they sing a song of how hot it is. I love each of these creatures and feel inspired by them. I sit outside and watch them. I like to get my beads and create outside under a shady tree. I always like to create either outside or by the window. “
“When I was a little girl, I always had a fascination with beads and pretty rocks. I accidentally became a jewelry designer when my husband did not get paid for a job he did. I was pregnant at the time and was worried about money. An idea came to me that I could make clay pendant necklaces. I made some and sold them. Then I thought I wonder what else I could make? When I told friends I wanted to make jewelry they gave me boxes and containers of supplies. I ended up with everything I needed to get started. When I started playing with wire I fell in love.”
“Wire is my favorite material. It takes over my hands and calms my mind. I like the idea of taking something and sculpting it. Transforming it into something better. Wire has a will power of it’s own. I listen to what it wants me to make it be. I have learned a lot about patience from wire. My style is organic, I like this because it quiets the voice inside that feels the need to be a perfectionist.”
“I think my emotions help me create. I just channel the spirit of what I am feeling into a piece. My feelings are neither good nor bad. They just are a part of my journey. I find the beads that are calling my name and just get started. I try to not over think what I am making. If I listen intuitively it will show me the way. I allow spontaneity, and follow that creative spark.”
“One of the many jewelry designers that I really respect is Sherry from Sherry’s Jewels. She runs around online in many different jewelry making groups answering questions and supporting other artists. She is very talented. She has a big heart and is very funny. I always love to create with her. I am lucky to be surrounded by so many other artists as we all grow and support each other in our art. I feel like I am living that saying, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”Do you have a favorite item?
“My favorite items to make are my tree and moon necklaces. I have made them several different ways.
“The forest with an amber Sun is a favorite. I liked the idea of making a cluster of trees. With the sun awakening, and the bird playing in the branches.”
Text: Sandra Kemppainen, photos: Shannon Williams
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