Fire and Ice |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Charlotte, North Carolina
Describe your artistic style.
Organic, with a lot of inspiration from nature and a fun use of elements.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Everything that I see around me! I'm constantly drawing inspiration from everyday beauty ... a color scheme that someone is wearing, a beautiful or unique plant, and movement.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Seed beads, cabochons and silver.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Fire and Ice
What inspired this design?
I started with the blue cabochon, and the entire piece evolved as I beaded.
How did it come together?
I began with the blue agate cabochon and laid out how I wanted the piece to hang (there is no clasp) and looked through other beads that I had, trying to incorporate a wide range of colors. I then matched seed beads and decided I wanted the piece to flow together, so I incorporated aspects of water and movement with the colors and placement of the beads.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
When I was about 4 I remember picking up some dental floss and making small flowers with seed beads from a kit I was given.
Who introduced you to beading?
I sort of stumbled into beading, after I was given a jewelry-making kit.
Do you have an artistic background?
Yes, in addition to beading, I love painting, knitting, crocheting, drawing and playing music.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
It was from an online search for "best jewelry suppliers." Once I found everything I needed in one place that was affordable with a great selection, I never looked elsewhere.
What other hobbies do you have?
Surfing, being a paramedic, running and hiking. Though, crafting is one of my main passions.
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
No. It's just me, myself and I!
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I bead almost every day. It's therapeutic and an awesome creative outlet. It is not so much a career as it is an obsession!
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I don't currently use it as a source of income. However, I have entertained the idea and might do so to help pay for school in the near future.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I donate jewelry that I make to several different organizations and I also volunteer my time and skills at local hospitals and sport events.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Create and explore! There are so many different techniques, teachers and online videos out there that it's really easy to get exposure to new things. I've learned so many skills from books, online forums and YouTube videos that I never would have tried if it wasn't so readily available. Most beading is difficult when you start, but once you get a rhythm and see a pattern, it's easy and fun! |