Nannett Cepero

Meet the Designer-Artist

Where do you live?

Rochester, New York

Describe your artistic style.

Primitive, folk, ethnic, botanical.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?

My prayers for the world, my heritage, my daughter and nature.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?

Shells and seed beads.

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

Mother of the Bride and Mother's Pearl

What inspired this design?

The folk art of Panamanian Tembleques. These folk accessories spoke bridal to me. The mother-of-pearl reminded me of the song ''Mama's Pearl.''

How did it come together?

I made these pieces over a long period of time--I wanted them to show the Tembleque inspiration but reflect my love of botany and beaches. The creative process was trial and error.

Share Your Background

When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?

As a young child, I was born into a creative family, I began to experiment with beads given to me by my mother.

Who introduced you to beading?

My mother introduced me to beads and yarn.

Do you have an artistic background?

I am a person of extremes, extremely spiritual yet extremely scientific. I see the two areas complementing and supporting each other.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?

It was such a long time ago. I think it was an ad in a magazine or word of mouth.

What other hobbies do you have?

Crocheting, knitting and sewing.

Beading Success

What role does jewelry-making play in your life?

I hope to do this until I draw my last breath; it is my relaxation and prayer. As a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom, it is a pastime.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?

I share an Etsy store with my daughter, and now that my daughter is older, I will return to the art show circuit.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?

None at the present time, but I'm always ready to donate an item or time. I have a few dates scheduled for the Girl Scouts.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?

Never stop learning and be true to your vision.