Local Highlight: Tammy Haas {Unique Wire Wrap Jewelry}

You probably don't know this, but I am accessory challenged. I can't accessorize an outfit to save my life. I have my staple gold and silver earrings and a necklace or two- and that's about as fancy as I can get. So when I find a piece of jewelry that is beautifully simple and can be paired with anything and everything, I fall in love.

This is exactly how I felt when I saw one of Tammy's rings. Tammy creates one-of-a-kind wire wrap jewelry and has FOUR different shops filled with beautiful pieces to meet any jewelry need. Whether you're a bride looking for the perfect gift for your bridesmaids or are in need of a special piece to gift to a close friend or family member, Tammy will not disappoint.

Tell us about yourself!
I am a self-taught wire wrap jewelry artist/designer. I have been working with wire wrap jewelry for the past 10 years. Prior to 2009, I was spending time learning the art of wire wrap design from artists like Sharilynne Miller, Dale Armstrong and many other established artists.

What do your shops offer?
I specialize in creating jewelry with wire wrap art techniques, a very old art form found in history for thousands of years. This type of art form uses techniques to create unique and one-of-a-kind jewelry art pieces. I use this method in creating rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, toe rings, and ear cuffs and other types of pierced body jewelry in my four shops on Etsy: Spirals and Spice (specializing in rings), Simply Ear Cuffs (specializing in ear cuffs and other jewelry trinkets at affordable prices), BridalBliss1 (specializing in Bridal Jewelry and Bridesmaids Gifts/Favors and Wedding Gifts), A Teardrop From Heaven (Specializing in Teardrop Shape Designs and Custom Jewelry).
Why and how did you get started selling?
In 2009, I opened my first online Etsy jewelry shop with encouragement from friends and family who were the usual recipients of the jewelry designs I was creating at that time. I wasn’t sure if I should hold out much hope for a jewelry shop since I was opening it during the beginning of our nation’s slow economic slump. However, to my surprise, my shop slowly took off and steadily began producing more and more sales.

How has your shop changed?
At first I operated my jewelry business on a part time basis while working a day job. By the end of 2011, it was becoming tough to work my day job and complete my jewelry orders and ship them. I worked long into the nights during holiday seasons. In 2013, I decided to take the plunge into full time entrepreneurship and began running my shops with the help of my daughter, Taylor, who helps with shipping and some design. 

What type of special materials do you use?
I use many types of gemstones and metals to create my jewelry pieces. I love to work with Herkimer Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies and Larimar gemstone. I create designs in solid gold, gold filled, sterling silver, rose gold, white gold, copper, brass and niobium (a non-allergic metal). I also create custom jewelry for those who are looking for something different other than the jewelry market’s mass produced pieces and keeping these designs at affordable prices so that a wide range of individuals can afford to have a wonderful piece of jewelry designed especially for them!

Aside from Etsy, where can we find you?
Recently, I was hired by Michaels to fill the position of Jewelry Instructor. I am having such fun meeting local people at my Michaels classes and having a fun filled afternoon or evening class creating jewelry with some nice, new friends! There are a variety of jewelry classes I teach at Michaels. If there is a specific jewelry piece that customers want to make, I can incorporate that into a class. It’s also great fun to take classes with a friend, family or group! If you would like to take one of my jewelry classes, contact Michaels in Visalia.

Something I couldn’t live without...my children and my iPhone!

Playing on my iPod is..."You Are I Am" by Mercy Me

Stay connected with Tammy and all of her shop updates on Facebook, and be sure to check her out on Pinterest.

As a special treat to our Citrus and Cream readers, Tammy has offered a 15% discount on all of her shops until 12/25! Head over now and finish your Christmas shopping! Use code citrusandcream.

AND, if 15% isn't a gift enough, Tammy is giving away two lovely rings! Enter with the Rafflecopter below. Two different winners will be chosen from the entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway