The girl behind the beads

While most college students have left behind the carefree days of childhood hobbies in favor of homework and college life, there is one student who has expanded the boundaries of her childhood passion. Sophomore Melissa Hurckman began creating unique pieces of jewelry when she was a child. Fully aware that she wanted to become an art teacher, she used the hobby to entertain children in her life. "I knew I was interested in being an art teacher for much of my childhood," Hurckman said. "I would try to make fun art activities for the other kids my grandma babysat and making things with the beads was often the activity." She turned it into a more serious hobby when she needed jewelry for a variety of outfits, but didn't want to spend money on the sometimes-pricey accessories. Hurckman created interesting pieces that grabbed the attention of friends and family, who inquired where she purchased the jewelry. Enough of these instances propelled her to create and sell her handmade jewelry at a low cost. Hurckman began researching ways to replicate her jewelry and sell it to the general public for a small price. "I'll make [the jewelry] if I need it for an outfit, and then I'll remake it to sell," Hurckman said. Hurckman first began selling her jewelry on eBay, but the large number of jewelry sellers on the Web site made it difficult for her to sell her handmade trinkets. While looking for an alternate online shop, Hur discovered Etsy.com, a Web site marketplace for handmade and vintage items and supplies. She created her online shop, naming it Love Me So. Dazzling glass earrings and tarnished copper-wire rings with a reasonable price tag adorn the pages of her online shop. From simple designs to colorful beadwork, her jewelry is eye-catching with a cost that makes it practical to look into. Hurckman creates her jewelry with the meager bank accounts of fellow college students in mind. "I know how it is to like stuff but not be able to afford it, so I aim toward college students," Hurckman said. By keeping the jewelry chic yet cheap, she hopes to attract the more budget-friendly crowd. Although Hurckman makes a small profit from the treasures she sells, her membership in the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority inspired her to donate some of her profits to help others. Along with assisting the sorority with the Robbie Page Memorial Fund, the Sigma Sigma Sigma philanthropy, Hurckman also donates 20 percent of her profits to the fund. This fund supports special play therapy for hospitalized children, focusing on their emotional and developmental needs. It also develops playrooms and funds for professionals in the play therapy field. "I think donating to help support a play therapy program for seriously sick children in hospitals is a great idea," Hurckman said. For those who wish to accessorize their outfits with a unique piece of homemade jewelry, Hurckman has a Facebook fan page that features photos of her jewelry, promotions and new items available in her collection. Although she said her shop has not been very busy during the past year, the benefits of creating the jewelry alone are enough to keep her going. "Making jewelry is often used as an escape for me," Hurckmans said. "When I'm stressed out, I find that it is nice to sit down and make a pair of earrings or something."

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