Teresa Dougherty

Teresa Dougherty

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010 featuring Seed Beads

Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Aptos, California

Describe your artistic style.
Whimsical, fearless and sometimes functional.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Nature.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Wire, beads, fabric and paper

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Bead Bird

What inspired this design?
I wanted to make a bird for my garden.

How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I had an idea of what I wanted, but as I added beads, I had to strengthen it with solid copper because of the weight. The feathers were an afterthought to add definition. I love the way the light shines through the glass beads.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I saw an article about how to make a gecko out of beads. What followed were birds, butterflies, dragonflies, ming trees, wreaths, baskets and a sitting woman.

Who introduced you to beading?
The newspaper.

Do you have an artistic background?
I have no formal fine art education, but have always loved doing crafts, printing and sewing.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
My friend, Paula.

What other hobbies do you have?
Golf, gardening.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Beading is my hobby. It gives me great satisfaction to create something special. I tend to give my bead creations as gifts created especially for them.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I haven't offered my beadings for sale. I am open to it though, especially by commission.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Be adaptable. What wasn't planned, may be better.

View all of Teresa's designs in the Gallery of Designs.