Keep Dreaming, Never Hold Yourself Back

Bay Area Jewelry Maker: Donna Brannaman

Donna and her husband Fred are the most wonderful, positive and loving people. They adventure, live life and don't let anything hold them back. They also are so welcoming to people. We met them in 2009 as they were one of our very first customers in the Bay Area, at a cooking class Chef Barry taught at a temple in San Leandro. They hosted a cooking class for our Kickstarter to help us raise funds. They are really incredible people. Donna has inspired me because when she retired she took up a passion of creating.  I have never seen her so happy. I love her jewelry and have a few pieces. It is never too late to follow your dreams. - Jennifer

Who is Donna?

I am a native of Louisville, KY but have lived in the East Bay the majority of my life. I moved to California when i was in my mid twenties. Today I live in Alameda with my wonderful husband Fred, and our two cats Bonnie and Clyde. I retired a year ago from a corporate job that took me all over the United States demonstrating and giving presentations on medical software. 

My husband and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary of becoming Vegan next month. I also volunteer at our local animal shelter.

Inspiration

I always felt I could create. When I was a child I made clothes for my dolls and then as an adult I made a lot of my clothes. After two years in a fashion arts program, I switched my major and graduated from Cal State Hayward with an accounting degree and worked as an accountant for several years at Children's Hospital in Oakland. From there life took me on a career path for the next 26 years in medical software. It wasn't until retirement that I renewed my passion and dedication to creating things. I started taking painting and jewelry classes; I spend my time in my large flower garden or creating either paintings or jewelry.  

What piece are you most proud of?

From a jewelry perspective I would say my watercolor bracelet is what I am most proud of. For these pieces I start with raw materials such as a straight piece of wire and a blank piece of watercolor paper to create the final outcome - a beautiful bracelet like the one pictured above. I have also recently started working with copper which gives me the same satisfaction as the watercolor bracelet. In copper, I start with a metal sheet and the end result is either a necklace or a pair of earrings. See, transformation is exciting  - in jewelry, and in life.  

Chipper Creations

I got the name Chipper Creations because I overheard my husband describing me in this way. You can visit my Etsy shop - Chippers Jewelry Box. 

Next I am planning an open jewelry holiday party at my house for the holiday season and would like to give home parties to show and sell my work. Contact me through Etsy if you are interested in hosting a party at your home. 

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