Low-income women train in jewelry making

Four years ago, James Coleman-Bey was out walking during one of his bi-polar episodes when he stumbled on a flyer. He picked it up and kept it. It was a promotional literature of Make Piece, a DC-based nonprofit organization, which trains low-income young women, senior citizens and people with mental illnesses in jewelry entrepreneurship.In December 2008, on a whim, Coleman-Bey made a phone call to the organization. Maureen Ward, founder of Make Piece, took Coleman-Bey's call, which he said changed his life.

For Coleman-Bey, 48, who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder at 17, Make Piece was exactly what the doctor ordered.

"Make Piece has taught me my life is not over. I still have a reason to smile," Coleman-Bey, the only male in his graduating class, said. "We laugh and have fun." His therapist said he needed to interact with people in a positive environment.

Ward started Make Piece 1999 to create an environment where people sat around, sharing stories and supporting each other while creating jewelry. Participants pay a $25 fee that is returned to them when they graduate. Participants learn techniques in wire wrapping, beading and pearl knotting. They also learn design principles, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy

"God puts people in your life for a reason," said 52-year-old Lisa McFadgen, Coleman-Bey's instructor, as she put the finishing touches on a necklace.

McFadgen herself is a graduate of the Make Piece program and is now in her fourth year as an instructor.

McFadgen, a former pre-school teacher, found Make Piece in 2004 after being bedridden with an injury.

"I slipped on some water when walking into the Powell-Lincoln Multicultural School one day," she said. "I ended up with a herniated disk in my neck and back."

Unable to return to work, she enrolled and soon after became an instructor with Make Piece. "I love people and I wanted to give back like others have given to me," McFadgen said.

Lillian Smith, 67, will graduate from the program next month. She was a medical assistant at the United States Solders Home where she retired after 29 years.

"Coming to class has been an outlet for me since retiring," she said. "I really like the group, because we all get along and I hope we continue to keep in contact with each other when classes are done."

One of the artisans in training, 50-year-old Pam Darb, was engrossed in making a men's bracelet with wooden beads and different-shaped stones during a class session.

"What I like about knowing how to make jewelry is that I do not have to buy anymore costume jewelry," said Darby. "I can make pieces to fit and add my own personal flair to them without anyone else having my piece."

Students are able to sell their work at shows that Make Piece coordinates through www.makepiece.org. The organization is also working on establishing a catalog and jewelry parties. Some of the necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are made with semi- precious stones, Swarovski crystal, pearls, and gemstones cost from $25 to $250.

DC's fashion industry is beginning to take note of Make Piece's contribution to the city's fashion scene. In September, Make Piece was the first and only jewelry designer to ever catwalk in DC Fashion Week. On the organization's blog, Ward gushes in a post,

"Fashion Fights Poverty has invited Make Piece to show their wares and educate the guests," Ward gushed in a post on the web. "That evening at the French Embassy, 15 glam models dressed in black, strutted, draped in layers of Make Piece jewelry.

Meanwhile, Coleman-Bey wishes Make Piece would get more funding to reach out to more people who would benefit from the program.

"It's a wonderful program," he declared. "With Make Piece, people have created a community of support and talent that has elevated the quality of living for its participants. It is peace for me and that is how I make my piece."

For more information to purchase jewelry or to become a participant of Make Piece, call 202-216-0053 or visit www.makepiece.org.