Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2009 Crystal Category
Finalist
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2009 Crystal Category
Finalist
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2009 Crystal Category
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Jersey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom
Describe your artistic style.
Sparkly, chunky and feminine! Actually I really like meeting the needs of all customers, but I prefer something bold, stunning colors and different.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Making people happy. Matching jewelry to outfits and tastes. I just love gemstones, color, detailed worth and feeling proud of a piece.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Art Clay silver, wire and crystals.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Beautiful Crystals and Pearls Wedding Day Necklace,
Bride's Bracelet in Stunning Crystals and
Sparkly Chunky Charm Bracelet
What inspired this design?
To match the needs of the bride--she had short hair, so a piece going down her back was needed. Her dress was full of matching crystals so the piece had to complement, but not distract, from the dress. So simple and delicate, but beautiful.
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I did do a few rough plans with different shaped bead rings, decided on a plan but, once I started, I felt it wasn't quite right, so the design changed.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
Started at 9 years old when I was drawn to the colors and shapes of beads in a shop and made them for friends and adults. Didn't do any for years then did my bachelor's degree in 2005 and picked it up again at a different level and became "obsessed" by it!
Who introduced you to beading?
No one. I was drawn to it and found it very therapeutic.
Do you have an artistic background?
As a primary teacher, I've always done creative displays (art/craft), but I cannot draw at all! I'm good at matching colors, shapes, designs and am a perfectionist, which suits it well!
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
I did a search and ordered a catalog and found the range great, prices reasonable (and I like the fact that you are rewarded for buying lots through discounts).
What other hobbies do you have?
Pilates, Art Clay Slver, teaching jewelry, cats, meals out, friends, walking.
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Member of Art Clay Guild.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
It's an amazing hobby, but also a job. I find creating focuses you, relaxes you and is therapeutic. It's the best part, teaching is great because you are sharing a passion, but making is fantastic!
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I go to craft fairs, make things there, and then to match things, do demonstrations. I'm in the middle of a website. I sell in a gallery and now share a workshop.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I recently made a piece for "Far Cry" charity and donated it to an auction.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Just follow your heart, designs are not right or wrong. Put your own ideas and designs into what you do, your own mark on it. Take your time, you can't learn it all at once, and give yourself time to enjoy it. Don't worry if you make mistakes, you learn by them and can always start again. Enjoy yourself! |
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