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Tell me a little bit about yourself!
My name is Charmaine Vegas and I am the owner and metalsmith for Bless the Theory! I started {bt} after a 12 year career in Visual Merchandising. I began making jewelry in my late teen years. When I first started making jewelry, like most, I began with beading. I would attend all the gem shows in southern California; purchasing tons of strung beads and clasps and pendants. While studying Fashion Merchandise Buying, I stumbled upon the Metals Department on campus. I was intimidated at first. it took me an additional semester to get the courage to enroll in the beginning metals class. Shortly after I was working towards another degree! To this day, I continue to evolve and refine my skills by taking courses and workshops taught by seasoned metalsmiths.
Where did the name of your store come from?
Haha! I get this question often! And I enjoy attempting to give an answer! My name stems from the theory of adornment both in its retrials and beliefs. It is a lengthy theory that would probably bore your readers. It’s best discussed over wine and tasty hors d’oeuvres!
Why did you start making goods for Bless the Theory?
I started creating for my sanity. I always knew that I was going to be a craftswomen. It just took some time for me to accept it!
What is your favorite item?
My most favorite item is the “tapered linear ring”. And the reason behind this is due to its difficulty in fabrication! It is the most complicated piece to make in my currently collection yet, it looks effortless! Funny thing, the “tapered linear ring” came to be by happen-stance. I was making a ring for a client and realized that I miss-calculated the measurements. Never wanting to waste precious metals, I figured out a way to save the ring! I sometime have to take a deep breath when every I get a request for one! : )
What is your most popular item?
The “tapered linear ring” and the “Hex Cuff”
Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
I grew up in California and on Maui. So a lot of my inspiration is pulled from my city life and my island life. I’m drawn to modern silhouettes that you find in the cityscape. And I am drawn to the simplicity found in nature. There is a harmonious balance between the two that I appreciate.
What makes your store unique?
I use traditional metalsmithing techniques to create each piece. Which means I am involved in every step of the process. When am creating in my studio I am doing so with a calm flow. And I believe that shows in my work.
What is the toughest part about making your goods/your artistic process?
Producing large quantities. Metalsmithing is a tedious process. Precision is key! My eyes, hands and brain become fatigued when fulfilling large orders. I always look forward to a relaxing day off once I’m done!
Do you take custom orders?
I love doing custom orders! It gets my brain going! the time duration for a custom order really depends on what the client wants and the complexity of the piece. All custom order require a 10% deposit of the total cost which is due once the client is set on his/her design. Custom orders are non-refundable.
When is the last day I can order in time for Christmas Day?
The latest is December 12th for USA and December 2nd for International.
Where can I see more of your work and buy a gift?
Website: www.blessthetheory.com
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlessTheTheory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bless-the-Theory/535347826547886
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlesstheTheory
Instagram: http://instagram.com/blessthetheory
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This would be such a great gift and perfect for just about everyone! Simple, classy, and modern. If you want to see more in person, Charmaine will be at Maker's Mart for Small Business Saturday in Long Beach's East Village TODAY! Tomorrow, she will be at Patchwork Santa Ana, so make sure to stop by and say hi!
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