I love being married, being retired and living in Coronado! I never imagined having my own website and making such beautiful products.
Joan Madouse
I was married for 43 years and after being widowed for 6 years, I met a wonderful man online on SeniorPeople Meet.com. We lived 500 miles apart with me in Sacramento and he was in Coronado but after meeting in person, it was "love at first sight". Fourteen months later, I retired from my job of 26+ years as community administrator of a senior mobile home park in Sacramento and moved to Coronado, CA. We were married on February 20, 2010 in Coronado with 130 family and friends there to celebrate with us. Life is good for a new bride at the age of 67 which proves, never give up! My new husband was born in Allentown, PA and is a retired Navy Captain and graduate from the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
In September of 2010 I will be attending my 50th high school reunion in Fresno, CA for the class of 1960 Roosevelt High School. That should be a blast.
In January 2004, I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 100 pounds. Many of my health issues disappeared and I am thankful for this new chance as a healthier, happier person.
I love to dance and have taken ballroom dance classes for several years. A great way to exercise and meet new people.
What got you started crafting?
Seeing ideas from other craft shows and thinking, "gee, I bet I could do that." I started out making the soaps first, followed by the bracelets. This year, 2010, I branched out into making necklaces, earrings and scented candles. I also started making the scented Soap Petals. These are single use rose or lavender scented soap petals to use in the powder room. They are a fun product to use.
What is your source of inspiration?
I look for ideas for my jewelry designs at different department stores or other craft shows. I love candles and it's a wonder I don't use most of them myself since they are so pretty and smell so nice. I love finding new and different soap molds but I prefer ones that are more elegant looking.
What have you made recently?
I was at my first Gem Faire in San Diego and bought some red coral and unusual silver spacers. I made a necklace using these items but decided to make it over using a different design. Most of my necklaces have magnetic clasps or toggle clasps. I used the pieces of red coral (they were long in shape) and put small silver ball spacers between each link. At the center of the necklace, I used one curved silver long spacer with two large silver ball spacers on each side. It is unusual looking and I do wear my own jewely when I go out, I have had many favorable compliments about this necklace.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
In the past I have sold my craft items in Sacramento at different craft shows. I have my own website, which I designed and built myself. I took a one night, three hour class on how to build a website. Several weeks and many labor intensive hours later, my website is up and running. I hope to be participating in the annual Artisan's Alley Event in Coronado in early December of this year. Friends and relatives are always a good source plus word of mouth for selling products. I have also given many as gifts.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I am free to design what I like and what looks best for me. I feel my products are made with love and not on an assembly line. I do not make duplicates, so my designs are one of a kind. You will not run into anyone else who is wearing the same thing if you purchase my designs. It's enjoying the satisfaction that you have made something beautiful and useful to others and the buyer feels it too.
Find Me
LocationCoronado, CA
Email Address
Joan Madouse
Personal Website
http://www.joaniescreationsofcoronado.com