Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010 featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain
Honorable Mention
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010 featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain
Finalist
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010 featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Grants Pass, Oregon
Describe your artistic style.
Whimsical yet practical.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Everything, I have to carry a sketch book with me at all times, because I am always getting ideas.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Definitely wire and gemstone.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Three of my designs were turned in for the contest (wire) for further judging.
Alex Waves,
PT Scrolls and
Onyx.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
That is an interesting but kind of sad story. I was in my 1st year at UCD School of veterinary medicine when my back went out. After 2 surgeries, which left me in bed for almost 2 years, I decided I needed something fun to do from bed or I was going to go nuts. So, I got into my giant back brace and wobbled down to my local bead shop, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Who introduced you to beading?
Well, I guess it was the bead store, but I also read a lot of books.
Do you have an artistic background?
Well sort of, I am/was more of a scientist, but I did do some acting in high school and college and was a make-up artist before embarking on my veterinary degree.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
I think it was from an ad in the Wire Artist magazine, a very long time ago.
What other hobbies do you have?
Veterinary medicine.
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
I am contemplating joining the International Guild of Wire Jewelry Artists (IGWJA).
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I just started making it a full-time career and I feel like a kid, I get to play all day long and people pay me to do it.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I am actually not selling much right now. I teach at my local bead shop and do special orders.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Yes, I donate pieces to Create for a Cause and the local food pantry for them to auction or sell.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Enjoy your art and never forget to PLAY!
View all of Kristin's designs in the Gallery of Designs. |
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