“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
-Epicurus
Maureen Kirchdoerfer

I train in three different martial arts.
I am addicted to reality television.
I have two babies...a Great Dane named Mango and a Pomeranian named Dax
I taught 9th grade English for 5 years in the public schools
I believe that I am slightly A.D.D. or maybe not slightly but a lot
What got you started crafting?
Out of something bad, came something good. I started crafting jewelry during the time period I had spent back at home during the last few months of my Dad's struggle with Cancer. I needed an outlet for the stress, pain and anxiety I was dealing with in coming to terms that my Dad was dying. Creating allowed me that release. It still does to this day. It has become my meditation.
What is your source of inspiration?
My inspiration is my father's memory,
the wind on a warm summer day,
the sound of the ocean,
a building standing along the horizon,
a bird along the fence in my backyard,
a children's playground at recess...
I find inspiration everywhere.
What have you made recently?
I have recently made some silver aluminum metal cuffs that have various quotes and images that I have transferred directly onto them using Lazertran Image Transfer Paper. I love it! The possibilities. are endless.
Basically, I create images on my computer and then print them using my Inkjet Printer onto the special paper.
I cut the images to the size needed, and then you soak it in water.
The image releases, you set it on whatever surface you desire, and viola... the image is transferred!
I'm really working on trying to make this funky and unique. I am so inspired by the street art of artist Banksy. I am incorporating a lot of his aesthetic and design into some of these cuffs. Hopefully they will turn out as I want them to. I have already run into some snafus with the project.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I sell my jewelry and accessories online with Etsy, Sense of Fashion, and Funky Finds.
I sell my jewelry in person at the Main and Vine Art Gallery and Gift Shop in Keller, TX and the Lubeznik Art Gallery in Michigan City, MI.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
When you buy something handmade, you are buying something that has a meaning behind it. Someone made that item with love, patience, and skill. I believe that every piece that I make ultimately ends up with the person it was meant for, like a built in destiny for each piece. I believe that when I am buying handmade; that item was made just for me.

Find Me
LocationFort Worth, TX
Email Address
Maureen Kirchdoerfer
Personal Website
http://www.releasemecreate.blogspot.com
Store Website
http://www.zen25.etsy.com
hearthandmade
@ReleaseMeCreate
http://www.facebook.com/releasemecreations