Silver on Water
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads'
Jewelry-Making Contest 2010
featuring Gemstones
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
In a rural area, complete with horses and wildlife on a dirt road.
Describe your artistic style.
My style is best described as random. Whatever I see that hits me becomes a piece of jewelry that is designed around that special piece.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
The looks on the faces of my friends and family when I present them with their ''one-of-a-kind'' gift.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with beads made from gems and minerals. Especially when they bring out the natural colors of our world.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
I titled my piece
Silver on Water.
What inspired this design?
Because nothing is as precious or as beautiful as water in the desert.
How did it come together?
When I saw your silver beads strung together in the catalog that made me think of water glistening and flowing through a stream. I wanted to work with multiple strands of silver and the turquoise reminds me of the rocks in a stream.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
While in Maui in 2000, I found some wonderful 60-inch strands of pearls and thought if I could break them up, they would be wonderful gifts.
Who introduced you to beading?
No one. I'm self-taught and figured out jewelry-making as I went on.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
While at a craft fair in western Wisconsin, I saw a woman with a booth of wonderful jewelry that she made and asked her where she got her beautiful material. She told me Fire Mountain Gems and Beads and gave me your website.
What other hobbies do you have?
Bicycle riding, downhill skiing and sewing.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
This is the most rewarding, relaxing and wonderful hobby I have ever had. Nothing is more fulfilling than sitting down with some beads, an idea and some free time.
If you use jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
The only pieces that I have sold have been right off my person. Everyone is selling jewelry. I have more fun giving my pieces as gifts.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Yes, I always donate pieces to our 4H fundraising and silent auctions. I try to make pieces designed with the projects that the members participate in.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Just do what moves you and do what pleases you, that way you can stand above the crowd.
View all of Mary's designs in the Gallery of Designs. |
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