Former Fishing Guide Makes Jewelry

You might not think jewelry making is like fly fishing, but apparently there is a connection.  The News On 6's Rick Wells reports a former fly fishing guide from Alaska turned jewelry artist shop owner in Tulsa, finds the rewards are the same for both.

On Tuesday, some ladies were working on fusing glass.  It's one of the art projects available at Island Dreams Beads.

Tammy Coker owns the shop.  She's a former fly fishing guide from Alaska.

"Those are fossils of sharks' teeth from the ocean shore," said Tammy Coker.

She's got beads from all over the world in here ready for the right project.  Local artist Judy Ferguson is helping some ladies design a necklace.

Ruth Mastin-Jones is silversmithing.  She's using heat to solder two pieces of silver together.  When she's finished she'll have another piece like one she's made.

You can find your own stones, cut and polish them or get some all ready to go.

"We do the rings, pendants, earrings, whatever. The whatever anyone is interested in," said Tammy Coker.

Coker has tied flies using beads and feathers to make decorative hair pins.

"This kind of stuff in Alaska I sold like crazy," said Tammy Coker.

But, going from fishing guide to owning an art store, where's the connection?

"When you make your own piece, and create it from a raw material there's nothing like that.  The pride you get and the relaxation and enthusiasm you get," said Tammy Coker.

Fishing or fashion:  the creativity, the peaceful satisfaction are pretty much the same.

Island Dreams Beads has classes and art camps for kids going through the end of July.