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Circle of Hope > Return to Circle of Hope Artists > Jewelry Artist

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Crystal Vase Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010 featuring Seed Beads Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist Where do you live? Steubenville, Ohio Describe your artistic style. Art Deco--nature with its French curves usually defines my sterling wirework. But I have other favorites, art novena, Victorian and various ethnic groups. What inspires you as a designer-artist? Recycling inspires much of my work. But nature is my biggest inspiration. I also love theatrical costumes and period style. What materials do you most enjoy working with? Silver, gemstones and Swarovski crystal. Seed beads and polymer clay also intrigue me. What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story? Crystal Vase What inspired this design? My mother loves cutwork glass. I appreciate the way the beads reflect light like glasswork. How did it come together? The design was in a continual state of change throughout the construction. Notice the many layers of beads. These were added as the design evolved. Share Your Background When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading? I have altered clothing for over twenty years. Repairing and altering wedding gowns started my beadwork. The transition was gradual. Who introduced you to beading? I purchased an estate from a crafter and was thrust into it. Do you have an artistic background? I am a costume and jewelry designer, milliner and freelance writer. I have been interested in art since infancy. How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®? Through free catalogs and PBS (Beads, Baubles and Jewels). What other hobbies do you have? Recycling, sewing and other fiber arts. Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups? Ohio Beader's Buddies, several facebook groups including Art Bead Scene. Beading Success What role does jewelry-making play in your life? This is a part-time career at present. I would like to expand into full-time, since this is a lucrative business. If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry? I enter contests and interface with designers. I also sell on Etsy. See www.sew-and-so.net for my links. Do you participate in any charity fundraisers? I have not at present given to charity as much as I would like to. I have donated to Fire Mountain Gems' Circle of Hope. Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists? Always use a percentage of profits for restocking supplies so that you have a fresh source of inspiration without loss. Profits are inspiring.

What inspired you to donate your bead(s) to Circle of Hope? My grandmother died from breast cancer. Personally, I feel a responsibility to do what I can to help. Since I make beads, I felt this was my time to contribute. Fund the fight against breast cancer with your purchase of these one-of-a-kind beads! View all handmade beads donated by Donna Davis.