Paula Higa

Design Idea C23X Necklace

For a Special Occasion
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2012 featuring Crystal
Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Lincoln, Vermont / USA

Describe your artistic style.
Romantic, Marie Antoinette, Renaissance, Rococo.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I love to combine colors, textures, materials with my own creativity.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Lace, crystals, semi-precious stones, and a lot of threads!

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
For a Special Occasion

What inspired this design?
Every woman has that basic formal dress. So I decided to create a jewelry piece that could transform that basic dress into an elegant, exquisite outfit.

How did it come together?
When I create my designs, I start with the colors I want to combine. Then I let my imagination flow.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began making jewelry in 2004. I remember I was still in Brazil, my home country, when I decided to make an art that could fulfill my time in the States, while my husband was getting his PhD degree.

Who introduced you to beading?
Myself. I am a self taught person, and also very curious.

Do you have an artistic background?
I am a dance faculty at The University of Vermont. I create choreography for my students in the same way I create my jewelry, mixing colors, textures and materials.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
I was looking for an online store where I could find all the materials I need in just one place. Well, here it is, the best online jewelry supplies store ever.

What other hobbies do you have?
Singing and cooking (sometimes).

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
I belong to a group of artists and artisans in Vermont.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry is my part-time career. I love to create my pieces. It brings me peace, joy, pleasure and also makes my brain work.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I sell my jewelry in my Etsy shop. However most of my sales come from Edgewater Gallery in Middlebury, Vermont. They carry the most unique fine art in the entire state. I am so lucky to be part of their hall of fame!

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
When it is possible I help somehow. I have already donated some pieces to help our local library and my daughter's cooperative pre-school.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
If you believe in your art, please never give up. It can take a while but your effort will be compensated.