|
Moonfly |
|
Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Bloomington, Minnesota
Describe your artistic style.
Eclectic
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Everything inspires me. I could see an outfit on a mannequin and be inspired by the color combination. I recently completed a project that was inspired by a Christmas card.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I love to work with pearls, seed beads, and crystals. I have recently discovered enameled metal pieces and Lucite®.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Moonfly
What inspired this design?
A customer needed assistance with a project and I came across the combination of a C-Koop bead with the lovely vintage dragonfly. Once I got off work I made a bee line to the products and found a few findings to finish it off. I was so pleased with the finished piece and get lots of compliments!
How did it come together?
Once I saw the dragonfly with the C-Koop bead, the rest just came together... I added a few fun details, like splitting the decorative chain and dangling a bead I had removed. It was primarily unplanned.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I have been making simple bracelets and seed bead earrings for almost twenty years. I recently started stringing and doing some wire-wrapping, along with some more complicated seed bead work.
Who introduced you to beading?
My mother took me to many different classes as a child, in all sorts of media, and purchased beads and other products for me to experiment with.
Do you have an artistic background?
I have always created things, from string art to drawing, paper arts, and beading.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
I discovered Fire Mountain Gems and Beads while searching online for some crystals and charms.
What other hobbies do you have?
I enjoy making cards, scrapbooking, altering items, making my own charms and cooking and baking.
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
I recently joined the Minneapolis Beading Society.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry-making is a fun way for me to express myself through art and get to share it with others. I also work at a bead store, so I guess you could call it my part-time career.
If you use jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have sold some bracelets and necklaces, and I am currently making custom jewelry by request. I also make jewelry for sale at my job, and I'm starting an Etsy shop. I hope to participate in some boutiques in the spring.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have made jewelry to donate to online auctions for a few of my favorite charities. I also donate a portion of my proceeds from custom projects to the Salvation Army.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Take lots of classes. Read books, and practice techniques that you have trouble with. Take lots of breaks when creating, and enjoy the process. |
.png)
Create Your Account