Karen Furman moves in a whirl, talking rapidly as her hands put together a custom-designed necklace. With her 3-year-old son playing around her chair and her husband asking about dinner plans, Furman is forced to talk, work, and move more quickly than most.
Yet, in the midst of the madness, she's able to create a beautiful crystal and pearl necklace from her own design. The item is now ready to grace the neck of an appreciative bride-to-be.
Furman’s company, SilverPines Jewelry, is the story of a hobby-turned-lucrative business. She started the home-based venture in the Spring of 2006 simply as a creative outlet, selling her jewelry at arts and crafts fairs, home jewelry shows and through her Web site. Before long, Furman developed a loyal customer base.
“I enjoy meeting people" says Furman, “and by the end of a show, I’m hugging people I didn’t know before, just because they found something I created that made them feel beautiful.”
A savvy designer, Furman loves the challenge of creating unique accessories and has been known to get up in the middle of the night to sketch out a design that’s popped into her head. Her most popular products often include semi-precious gemstones, such as turquoise, jasper, and agate, and also shells such as abalone and mother of pearl.
“No matter what, I want to make pieces that are strong and will last," the artist explains. "Having a 3-year-old son, I know what it’s like to have him pull on a bracelet or necklace.”
Furman will be appearing at a collection of arts and crafts fairs this summer. For a show schedule, or to order items directly, go to www.silverpinesjewelry.com.
