Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2010 featuring Pearls, Organic Beads or Kato Polyclay™
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Maple Valley, Washington
Describe your artistic style.
Casual and fun.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Nature.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Silver and gemstones.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Pearlessence
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
A friend's daughter wanted me to make jewelry for her bridesmaids out of freshwater pearls. After several designs, this one just came about. (She ended up using one of my other designs for her wedding.)
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started making jewelry after attending several parties where I loved the jewelry, but didn't want to spend that much money. After pricing some of the beads, I soon realized I could make my own jewelry for a lot less and I could make it to my own specifications.
Do you have an artistic background?
No, but I have enjoyed crafts my entire life.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
On the internet.
What other hobbies do you have?
Reading, fitness, watching my boys practice sports and cross-country skiing.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
It started out as a hobby, then became a stress relief. Eventually, friends and family asked to buy some of my jewelry. So I sell it on occasion.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I sold it as a fundraiser for our church youth group and had a private sale in my house for friends.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I sold it at church and gave a portion of the proceeds to our youth group.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Don't rush your work, step back, take time away from it and let your creativity evolve over time. You come back with a fresh perspective each time. |
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