Sugar Gay Isber Meet the Designer-Artist
Welcome! Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I'm Sugar Gay Isber, and I'm thrilled to be here with Fire Mountain Gems! I've been designing jewelry for over 20 years, and Fire Mountain Gems has been one of my go-to sources from the beginning. I’ve always loved their variety and quality, and now I get to share my passion with you through projects and tutorials.
Where do you live?
Austin, Texas.
Describe your artistic style.
Colorful, happy and fashion-forward.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
The beads and products that I use! I am surrounded by the good stuff!
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Beads and wire.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Red Drama.
What inspired this design?
It is all about the beads--and they are all Fire Mountain Gems!
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I just add as much of the good stuff on there as possible.
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
As a painter, I wanted to stop the traffic going by my booth at art shows, so I made a bracelet that was colorful just like my paintings. At the end of the show, I realized that more people wanted my bracelets than my paintings, so I slowly transitioned to mostly jewels. I still paint and my jewels look a lot like my art!
Who introduced you to beading?
I have a studio that doubles as a store. I sell on my website, at outdoor events and through many wholesale accounts. I have to do everything possible.
Do you have an artistic background?
I have a Master's Degree in Humanities and also in Visual Arts.
A while back, I was recognized by Hermes as one of the top 50 artisans in Texas, which was a real highlight of my journey. But for me, it's all about creating pieces that connect with people and bring them joy.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Good question. I guess Google.
What other hobbies do you have?
Painting, gardening and home renovations. But mostly, I work at my business.
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
It is a full-time, all-the-time and forever business. I dream about jewels. I have worked with brides to make jewels that will be shipped all over the world. I have worked with Karen Davidson (great-granddaughter of Harley Davidson) to create a new line that I will make for Harley Davidson. Canada's largest bead wholesaler once came over for coffee to see my studio and talk about doing a TV show. I collaborated with three stylists for their visions regarding magazines photo shoots. I also worked with Ivana Trump's people about her collection for this summer for The Shopping Channel. As you can see, jewelry making keeps me very busy!
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I work hard at marketing. I don't sell off my website for many reasons. I attended a large fundraiser for breast cancer that Harley Davidson was holding and sold $2,000 worth, giving half of that money to the fund. I sell on my own show on The Shopping Channel. I work very hard at the sales. I also send out e-blogs with tons of photos to my mailing list of almost 400 fans. I am the jeweler for The CN Tower and many museums in Canada, along with our government headquarters. I have made jewels for Michelle Obama, Camilla and Prince Charles, Lady Gaga, Martha Stewart and many more.
In addition to designing, I also teach jewelry design at Austin Community College and have written two books—Making WOW Jewelry and Amazing Resin Jewelry—which are all about bringing bold and fun ideas to life. They are available on Fire Mountain Gems.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
TONS!!!
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Work very hard, love your art and keep trying new styles so you grow!
To see more of my work, check out my social media, @SugarGayIsber, where I share my latest designs and behind-the-scenes fun. I'm excited to inspire you to make your own beautiful creations with Fire Mountain Gems!