Kei Matsushita

Sakura Map
Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Los Angeles, California

Describe your artistic style.
Natural

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Movies, animation, nature and people.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Crystals, seed beads, wire, wood, stone (nature), buttons.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Sakura Map

What inspired this design?
Japanimation

How did it come together?
Defined itself once I began.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started 8 years ago my friend took me to bead shop and I was amazed how many wonderful colors beads have and so many selections! I was not good at making any craft but I was falling in love with beads since then I cannot let go of this world!

Who introduced you to beading?
My friend.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
My friend gave to me as gift.

What other hobbies do you have?
Sewing

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Beads are my life! I cannot live without beads, it is my life saver. I was not good at anything since I was a kid so I did not have any confidence and did not know how to communicate well and after growing up, for some reason I stayed home. I was having a hard time trying to find who I am, but since I met beads my life is changed! I found my own dream and I realized that beads made me alive and gave me a chance to start fresh and I realized that I can talk and meet people with beads. I don't have to explain myself much, just let beads talk! I really appreciate beads. Beads make me healthy and mentally happy. Part-time career (I wish full-time).

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I do have website, enter contests and send photo and samples to shops but it's been so hard.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Yes I do. I make jewelry to support Japan tsunami earthquake and I'm hoping to support any rescue or foundation.