Twist and Swirl
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads'
Jewelry-Making Contest 2010
featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads,
Wirework and Chain
Finalist |
|
Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
I am originally from Puerto Rico, but I have recently moved to Denver, Colorado.
Describe your artistic style.
I am a very creative person. I love to do and learn any type of arts and crafts. I know there are different people and different tastes, therefore people like different things. I try to make my jewelry very diverse. From simple to complex jewelry, and from acrylic beads to semi-precious stones. But my favorite beads to work with are glass beads because there are many designs that can be created and even transformed.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
The truth is that time is a big factor. Followed by the beads themselves. Sometimes by just looking at the beads I have available I start positioning them in patterns until I get a new design. I also like to see designs that are already made. Once I do them, I start adding or subtracting beads around the piece to see how it looks. It's a trial and error process.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Even though I work with acrylic beads, glass beads and semi-precious stones, my favorite beads to work with are glass beads (Czech beads and glass pearls beads) because there are many designs that can be created and even transformed using these beads.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
Over three years ago, my smaller sister started to do some beading. She did a few cell phone accessories, and I liked it. She stopped quickly, but I became very interested, and entered the beading world. Because my religious views do not accept jewelry, my friend and I started with hair accessories, cell phone accessories and watches. But today I create amazing things for any part of your body.
Who introduced you to beading?
As I said, my sister started beading but did not last long. Then my friend and I started beading at the same time, we even shopped together and shared designed ideas.
Do you have an artistic background?
In my family there are a few artists, including my mother, fortunately I have it also.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Through a classmate who also is a beader.
What other hobbies do you have?
Right now this is my only hobby, because I am finishing my Master's Degree, and that is more than a hand full.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Beading for me is therapy; it is my escape from the thesis. I bead when I have too much stress from the university. And sometimes I bead when I am bored. Beading is part of my life and who I am. Beading is part-time right now, but I really wish to make it a full-time career, even though I did not study Arts. I hope someday to own my own store.
If you use jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
Yes, I try to make an income with my beads, but I do not enter any fairs because we cannot afford it at this time. This is my first time entering a contest. I do not have a website yet, I just have my designs on Facebook. My plan is that as soon as I finish my thesis I plan to make one.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Beading is more than just making jewelry. It is a lifestyle, a passion and a desire for creativity. Beading takes time, and you will never stop learning. |
.png)
Create Your Account