Today we’d like to introduce you to Tosha Carter.
Hi Tosha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up surrounded by artists and musicians, creatives of different kinds.
Making art was just a part of my upbringing. The song was something I’d been immersed in and passionate about since childhood, but jewelry-making came to me later in my early 20s.
I remember being given gifts and tools for jewelry making from different friends and family members over the years. I suppose they knew before I did that I’d know how to make use of their offerings.
When inspiration struck to start creating talismans and intentional pieces of wearable art, I had an array of options at my fingertips.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My earliest pieces were simple beaded earrings made from the eclectic collection I had inherited.
Eventually, I learned different techniques like wire-wrapping and enjoyed creating crystal adornments. I had always been inspired by beadwork and its intricacies, but initially was too intimated to try. I didn’t even know where to begin.
Eventually, I worked through my doubt and researched what I would need to get started. I bought the supplies with a gift card I had received for Christmas and got to work.
I was right to be intimidated by this craft. It was not easy at first, and I almost gave up on multiple occasions. Somehow I would always return to the bead mat and eventually, I found my flow. I’ve been exploring different avenues of expression from this technique ever since.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’d say my favorite way to weave lately is through intuitive beadwork. These pieces are usually a co-creation between myself and my customer. I use my intuitive gifts to bring symbols, colors, and intentions into the design.
It gives me a lot of inspiration to work with, and the finished pieces are unique and meaningful. It’s connected me with some really amazing women with incredible gifts and stories.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory that comes to mind was camping with my family as kiddo. We were in the mountains and there were all of these wild strawberries blanketing the ground.
An all-you-can-eat perfectly ripe strawberry situation in the wild. I’ve yet to encounter such abundance like it. I ate so many perfect strawberries that day.
Contact Info:
- Website: Truejoygems.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/truejoygems
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/toshacarter
Image Credits:
Herban Sage Photo
