Potter's Originals

Hand Crafted Items...all originals of my design in mind or yours if you like!!!

How I Got Started

My name is Jill Lorraine Potter.  I moved back to western Upstate New York after being gone for 30 years.  I live out in the country...about 40 mins. from any Mall or fast food.  I love the outdoors.  I have been back home for 3 years now.  I live in a village called Italy which is just 8 miles outside of Naples; known for Widmers Winery.  Finding a full time job in this area is easy if you want to drive 50 miles to get to work.  I picked up a couple of jobs working in local restaurants in Naples.  Last year I decided; with my Father's help, to quit one job and start doing what I finally found to enjoy.  I started painting back in March of 2007.  I use slate bits and just paint what I see in the stone itself.  Most of them end up being something of nature.   In June of 2007 I decided to make hand sewn beaded purses.   I still painted occasionally after that.  Then in about October of 2007 I started making jewelry at the suggestion of several friends.  I started with manufactured glass beads, silver and gold plated materials.  Around January of this year (2008) someone asked me if I could make her a couple of necklaces using swarovski crystals and at this point I had started using natural gemstones as well.  I decided at that point to start using Sterling Silver components if I was going to use Swarovski Crystals and Natural Gemstones; it just made sense to me to do so.  My prices are very reasonable; although with the cost of Sterling Silver fluctuating as it does my prices will fluctuate as well!  I am not out to get rich; I am just trying to start out and one day eventually make a living at what I love to do!

Sincerely, 

Jill L. Potter