An Interview with Jewelry Designer Christine Smith Artist Bio for LifeVerse® Jewelry I met Christian Mom/Christian Jewelry Designer Christine Smith when she called me with exciting news during Christmas vacation. She told me she wanted to design Christian jewelry and had just created some samples, would I have time to giver her my opinion on the samples? Passionate about fine jewelry and knowing Christine would have something unique, I encouraged her to come over immediately. Bringing her young daughters, freshly made sterling silver bracelets and an infectious smile…we sat in front of a holiday fireplace and examined her artwork from end to end. Right away I knew that Christine was on the right path and I encouraged her with my own comments and suggestions for her scripture bracelets. Kim:  How did you get started beading? Christine:  I started beading from an answered prayer request, as I sat in the car one day and could not remember my favorite life verse. Below my life verse was another verse that said “Wear these words upon your arm, bind them to your foreheads…I looked at my wrist and thought “I can do this, I can make beautiful jewelry with my favorite scripture so I can remember the verse.” I would not wear a plastic WWJD bracelet, I needed something to reflect my appreciation for style and fashion. Once I created my own bracelets, my friends started asking me to create bracelets for them, and by word of mouth my business grew and grew. Kim:  I noticed on your website www.LifeVerseJewelry.com that you have a range of scripture verses and design styles  Do you have favorite? Christine: I definitely have a favorite…my personal Life Verse! My sterling silver bracelet has the words Heart-Soul-Mind and a Mom heart charm. I wear mine in simple sterling silver, no crystals and find that it looks great with everything I wear. I also wear the lighter Whispers of Faith message bracelet with the words Faith-Hope-Love and often wear both bracelets together Another favorite bracelet design includes the names of both my children. I am often embarrassed when I meet someone and I forgot to wear bracelet! You see, when I am crafting and making the sterling silver bracelets, my own bracelets will “smash” across my bead mat, sending about 50 sterling silver beads and crystals into my white carpet! I cannot wear jewelry when I am beading because it knocks away my design in process. Often in a hurry, I will leave my studio and forget to replace my bracelets on my arm and that will be the one day that I meet someone and want to share my story…except that I am not wearing a bracelet! A few times I carry a “spare” in my purse, protected by soft fabric and I remember to place the bracelet upon my arm. When I am not working, out having fun, relaxing, attending worship or visiting the coffee shop, I always wear my handmade jewelry! Kim:  How would you describe your design style? Christine:  I prefer elegant, French inspired jewelry with much attention to detail. I am more traditional or classic in style, designing pieces that will last through many fashion seasons. If you want bling-bling hip-hop jewelry, you will need to look elsewhere. My design style is classic, elegant and high quality to reflect the style of the women who wear LifeVerse bracelets. Kim:  You are constantly creating new styles, what inspires a new design?  Christine: My designs are inspired by an emotional event, such as an illness, faith walk or celebration. My heart pours into each new piece I create, exploring why the bracelet is created, the story behind the life verse, and the sentimental charms to match the words. A design begins with a story and ends with a life verse bracelet that a woman will keep forever. Kim:  What do you like least about beading? Christine: It is very addictive and consuming, and I need to pull myself away so it does not become obsessive! I can’t have long manicured fingernails because when my nails are long I am unable to pick up the delicate beads. Thanks, Christine!  To see more of Christine Smith's elegant designs, visit www.LifeVerseJewelry.com