Svetlana Bondavara

Where do you live?

I live in Bialystok, Poland.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?

I love learning new things, working with different materials, mixing stitches in one piece. I am always interested in the works of beading artists all over the world. Modern beading is so creative and variable! You can also find thousands of ideas for inspiration and developing your creativity in not beading handmade projects. As for me, I am fond of nature motives - flora and fauna elements in jewelry. These elements appeared in ancient times but still are actual in jewelry art in a new edition.

What medium do you work with mostly?

I work with different kinds of materials - classical seed beads, crystals, gem cabochons, and also velvet, threads, raffia, french wire, sequins. I like mixing materials in beading as it looks fresh and modern.

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

I started beading about 15 years ago, and my favorite beading techniques have changed several times since then. I began with simple stringing and connecting beads. Later I discovered bead embroidery and improved my skills in popular beading stitches.

Where and how do you sell your jewelry?

I own a small shop with beads and findings, and I also sell my works in it and online.

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

SnailyLove

What inspired this design?

The inspiration for my necklace SnailyLove was pretty little snails I met in Greece.

How did it come together?

First, I made the general sketch with the main elements (snails, stones). After making these elements, I pinned them on the manikin in proper places and continued with the additional ones. Then I sewed all the parts together and added the hanging cords and the toggle clasp with the tassel.