We had the good fortune of connecting with Dalena Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dalena, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In addition to being teachers, my parents are both highly creative people. My mother in music and fiber arts and my father in visuals arts. Creating has always been part of my life and my passion.

Beginning a handmade jewelry business gave me an outlet that allowed me to take inspiration from the world around me and translate that through metal and stone and create something unique.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started in 2012 learning to wire wrap a simple bead and string necklaces. Not long after that I began a journey into wire wrapping and creating more complex designs. Soon my passion grew and I started to experiment in copper and forming it with a torch and hammer. My inspiration for my rustic, southwest designs is strongly influenced by the Arizona desert where I live and work.

I have continued to challenge myself to develop and combine skills. Currently I am mixing metal forming, wire wrapping, bezel set stones and torch firing enamel. Any time I get to play with fire and melt glass and metal is a fun day!

My work is evolving and I’m currently in a phase developing themes of flowers and feathers in a strong, shamanic theme. I had a line of Warrioress jewelry for the woman who wanted to connect with her strength and be bold in the world. It was very successful as so many women are starting to come into a place of power in their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite spots are of course artsy and nature. For nature I love Sedona as well as it’s art scene. Also going deep underground at Kartner Caverns is always a treat and welcome respite from the summer heat. For the creative side we would need to visit the Musical Instrument Museum and then a visit to see the latest exhibits at the Vision Gallery in Chandler and the Chandler Museum.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been so blessed to be around artists who have encouraged, given feedback and lifted me up over the years. My first recognition is to Jim Garrison, an accomplished oil painter and artist. I still design consult with him on occasion. Other supporters have been Adriene Buffington who is an artists in fiber, glass, and visual arts as well as Linda McCurry who is a supreme master in fiber arts as well as painting. More recently the artists of Ocotillo Artist Group have welcomed me with open arms and provided a place for me to connect with the creative spirits of other artists.

Website: https://arizona-desert-gems.square.site

Instagram: 2012bellavida

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellaVidaCreationsJewelry

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@azdesertgems6284

Image Credits
Pics 1-5 credit Eliana Watson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.