I have always wanted to make jewelry. Beside from my 4th grade friendship bracelet business (50 cents for an anklet, 30 for a bracelet…I was making a killing on the streets), it was the one area of the crafting world that I had unexplainably never dipped my large hands in. So when I drove by Creative Side Jewelry Academy of Austin on one of my many GPS re-routing adventures in Austin, I made a mental note (while simultaneously missing my exit) to check it out and see if they offered any introductory classes. So imagine the desk dance party I had when I discovered that not only do they offer a “simple ring making” class, but that it also was available through a discounted LivingSocial deal.  Sounds like a ringer!

I was able to get into a class a few days after purchasing the deal, and as soon as I walked into the studio those familiar, creative butterflies started swirling around my heart. I’m talking the same butterflies present when I first opened my mega box of crayons at age 5, first sat down at a pottery wheel at age 12, painted my first strokes on canvas at age 16, saw my first Degas at age 21 and walked into a small figure drawing studio in DC at age 26. For those makers, creators and crafters out there, you know what I’m talking about. I have to imagine it’s the same feeling my history-teaching brother has when he walks into a library, or how my mom feels when she opens her recipe box, or the rush Matt gets when his feet first hit the running trail. (Or my 95-year-old grandma when she walks into a Bingo hall.) It’s like a little Jiminy Cricket of sorts taps lightly on your shoulder and whispers in your ear, “this is for you.”

Throughout the night I tried to contain myself, my goofy smile and my camera as much as possible, but seeing as how I took 54 photos, made seven rings (most of the class only made four) and almost scorched my eyebrows off with a blowtorch…I don’t think “containing myself” was really my goal. Even at 10:30 (the class was supposed to end at 10) I felt a pang of sorrow – mainly for the two incredible instructors, Nora and Lindsey, who were still there helping this insane girl who made seven rings – that this initial discovery was over. Immediately after the class, I began searching through the Creative Side’s other class offerings as well as spent stupid amounts of time Googling variations of “how to make your own jewelry studio” and “soldering metal at home.” And of course….singing this song.

Thank you to Creative Side Jewelry Academy for the wonderful class, the opportunity to discover another area of creative expression and for your patience with me as I stayed three steps behind every other ring maker. For all those Austinites looking to adorn their fingers with handmade, hand-molded and hand-stamped rings, click here for the LivingSocial deal.

Ladies..I’m obviously going to need your ring sizes.