Michele Dischino

Where do you live?

I currently live in Southington, Connecticut, and grew up in Mt. Vernon, New York. I've also lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?

I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, some natural, some fantastical. Many of my pieces are designed to evoke images of sunny days and sandy shores, and to make whoever wears or looks at them feel warm and happy. I'm also drawn to mystical objects and animals, and enjoy the creative freedom inherent in crafting a creature that only exists in one's imagination.

What medium do you work with mostly?

Beads, beads and more beads... I think I'm addicted to them! There are just so many pretty ones in countless shapes, sizes and colors. Once I have a concept for a design, I start looking through my bead collection to choose my palette and assemble all the different types of beads I might want to use. Other materials come into play as well, of course, but the beads usually drive the design.

Why did you become enchanted with this style of jewelry-making?

I've always loved to make things. From as far back as I can remember, I've been gathering arts and crafts materials and experimenting with a wide range of projects I could make with them. Jewelry-making is something I discovered relatively recently when my daughter, who inherited my love of crafting, received a friendship bracelet-making kit as a gift. I had so much fun helping her learn how to make those bracelets that I started exploring additional jewelry-making techniques and materials, eventually adding beads and branching out beyond just bracelets into making earrings, necklaces and even home décor.

Where and how do you sell your jewelry?

My designs are available for sale at the Southington Community Cultural Arts Center (SoCCA), a local non-profit which "strives, through the fine arts, to create a unique environment in which people of all ages, abilities, and experience can feel free to imagine, create, exhibit and welcome the arts into their lives." Forty percent of all my sales are donated to SoCCA to support their programs.

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

Dreamcatching Dragon

What inspired this design?

I've long been a lover of dragons, which, in some cultures, are symbols of good fortune, strength and health (rather than fire-breathing beasts). This dragon is indeed a friendly one, who sits atop a dreamcatcher where he can watch over his favorite crystal while also making sure that all of my dreams are sweet. I chose greens and earthtones for my color palette because they remind me of spring, rebirth and new beginnings, which I'm hopeful will happen when we emerge from the current pandemic.

How did it come together?

I had a general vision for my "Dreamcatching Dragon," but not a detailed plan when I first started out. I began by making some smaller "prototype" dragons, which gradually improved as I continued to practice. Once I'd gained enough confidence in my ability to create the dragon's body from seed beads, I decided on a color scheme and got to work on what would eventually become my contest entry. The dragon's details naturally evolved as I continued to add features, not knowing at the onset of each new idea how I'd accomplish my goal (e.g., adding wings), but enjoying the process of looking through my available materials and experimenting with the possibilities until I was satisfied with the end result.