Amy Katz

Amy Katz

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2009 Crystal Category

Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Virginia

Describe your artistic style.
My style is to create beadwork that looks like "real" high-end jewelry.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
High-end jewelry designers and stores inspire me most.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Crystals and pearls, especially the 2mm round crystals.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Ice Princess

What inspired this design?
This design was inspired by my love of high-end jewelry.

How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I did a little of both. It started with a plan and then it took on an eye of it's own.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began beading in 1992 when my son was born. I felt like I needed a hobby. My first class was at a community center.

Who introduced you to beading?
Star McGivent.

Do you have an artistic background?
I have a creative background. I've been working in marketing and public relations for over 25 years.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
A friend.

What other hobbies do you have?
My children take up too much time to have other hobbies--I enjoy watching their activites.

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Northern Virginia Bead Society.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry-making is now my full-time career. It is truly a blessing to find something that you love and be able to do it as a career.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I teach locally and nationally. This year I taught at the Bead and Button Show and BeadFest in Philidelphia. I have a website: www.beadjourney.com.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
The bead society has outlets for charity work organizations. I have also donated kits to charity causes.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
If you're planning beadwork as a career, make sure you learn to market yourself.