JEWELRY
Monday
April 22, 2013

If there's one thing prison gives you, it's time. How you choose to use that time is entirely up to you. Many guys enter the system and find themselves caught up in prison politics, joining gangs, smuggling and/or selling drugs, making and selling wine, nothing that's going to do anything but extend their time. From a personal standpoint, I chose instead to use my time constructively, to try to better myself, and my future. I enrolled in a number of correspondence courses designed to help me change, to become a better man. No matter how successful I am, I won't get a single day off my sentence, but that's okay by me, as I'm not doing this for the benefit of anyone other than myself. I'm doing this because I sincerely desire to become a better person, a decision which has brought me immense personal satisfaction.

Another way I've managed to use my time constructively is by manufacturing my own line of handmade jewelry. Although this wasn't something I ever had the desire to do prior to my arrest, I've nevertheless discovered that I have an amazing talent at turning mere beads into something extraordinary and unique. I take great pride in my work, and although I don't mean to brag (all right, maybe a little bit), it shows. At this moment in time, I've already found 1 location to sell my work, and I'm looking for others (if you know of anyone or anyplace interested, please let me know). If you happen to be interested, I'm including a few pictures along with this posting. You should also be able to view them, or even buy them, by going to www.prisonart.org and clicking on the "Jewelry" tab. If you'd like to buy them directly from me, simply send me a letter, and I'd be more than happy to let you know what I have in stock, or make a custom piece for you.

While it's true that even the best picture doesn't do justice to something crafted by hand, I'd still be interested in hearing what my readers think about my work. I'd also be interested to know what you think a fair price would be for something that has between $8 and $10 worth of materials in it, and between 20 and 30 hours of work, depending on the version.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, or simply want to reach out and make a new friend, I can be reached, either by leaving me a post here, or by snail mailing me a letter to me at the address listed below.

Shawn L. Perrot CDCR# V-42461
CMC-East Cell#6326
P.O. Box 8101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8101

[photos of inmate's jewelry]