Bonnie Barron

Bonnie Barron

Santa Getting Ready for Christmas Eve
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010
featuring Seed Beads
Bronze Medal Prize Winner
Category: Holiday

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Hamilton, Missouri

Describe your artistic style.
I first sculpted the face out of super Sculpey®. I made the body out of material, sculpted the hands and shoes. Then I painted the face, hands and shoes.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I have always liked to make my own designs. I have also worked in different medias. Some worked out, some didn't. Leather, oil paints, quilting, stained glass and beading.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I really enjoy all of it. I really enjoy working on a loom with the Delica® beads. This is the first time I worked a loom.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Santa Getting Ready for Christmas Eve

What inspired this design?
I have different Santa's and other dolls made by sculpting and dressing, I thought a beaded Santa would work well.

How did it come together?
I planned it out and redid parts that didn't come out right. Some went together real well. Santa's bag is crochet. Beads strung on crochet thread and crocheted.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
When my husband and I were snowbirds in Arizona, a lady taught me how to make a pair of earrings using the ladder stitch.

Who introduced you to beading?
I don't remember the lady's name. I got most of my basics out of magazines and books. I don't live near a bead shop.

Do you have an artistic background?
I took art lessons from Donald Andoffer. I painted with oil. I have won some prizes. My beading, I let my family pick their favorites.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
At an art show. Someone gave me your website.

What other hobbies do you have?
Oil painting, stained glass, quilting and sewing. I even did some beads by flameworking. My hand is not steady enough to do it anymore.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Hobby. I am one that has to keep busy.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have sold some jewelry and crafts, but I mostly do it to keep busy.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I donate to my church and they have an auction. People who don't do crafts will bid on them.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Don't worry about having to take out and do it over, it's a good way to learn.