Ezartesa

Where do you live?

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Describe your artistic style.

Artsy chic

What inspires you as a designer-artist?

I am inspired by people, art and nature. I am inspired by places I have been, people I've met, and I have a passion for nature. It's a most exciting feeling when I can share my emotions and deepest feelings with others through my art, not with words, but by using colors and forms which represent how I feel.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?

Cabochons, Delica glass seed beads, rocailles and crystal.

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

Star Beaded Sky

What inspired this design?

I love star watching on quiet summer nights. One day, when I was looking at the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads catalog, I saw a beautiful Lapis Lazuli cabochon. The description was ''the stone is like a night sky bedecked with stars.'' I immediately ordered it and when I got the stone, I was amazed. It's really like a star-beaded sky. That was my inspiration for my necklace, ''Star Beaded Sky.

How did it come together?

When I design, first I make quick sketches and then I order materials. When I get a package, I start out with the unusual cabochon stone. I love combining colors of different stones to make a perfect color palette. I am very aware that a piece has to be comfortable against the skin and have perfect balance. The process of working with beads is meditative and calming. Working with seed beads provides endless combinations, endless possibilities and endless enjoyment.

When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?

Art has been a part of my life since early childhood. At age 7, I started to study piano and ever since, music is integral part of my painting and jewelry making. After studying music for 7 years, I enrolled in art school and then in a university to major in art and design.

Who introduced you to beading?

 am a self-taught bead weaver. Two years ago, I was looking for jewelry to wear to my upcoming art exhibit, but I couldn't find anything unique and inspiring. One day, I saw a gorgeous, beaded necklace in a fashion magazine, it was ethnic inspired and very unique. I decided that I would like to learn to do something similar.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?

I discovered the medium of seed beads and became completely enthralled. I started looking for beading books and magazines, where I saw a very artistic and creative advertisement of Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. I loved the presentation and decided to try to order some materials. That's how I discovered Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. I started creating my own designs with unique combinations of semi-precious stones, good quality gold, silver, metal-plated seed beads, Czech and German glass and crystals that are elegant, exciting and different. I sell my creations on my website www.ezartesa.com.

What other hobbies do you have?

Painting and music.

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

To friends and I sell my creations on my website, www.ezartesa.com.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?

Find your own style and be original!

View all of Ezartesa's designs in the Gallery of Designs.