Donna Hunter

Donna Hunter

Monet's Garden Ensemble
2009 Fire Mountain Gems and Beads Crystal
Jewelry-Making Contest
Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist

Where do you live?
Woodstock, Georgia

Describe your artistic style.
Jazzy! My designs are an eclectic blend of natural stones and sparkling glass with an Art Nouveau flair.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Nature has been the greatest inspiration to me as an artist. I work outdoors where my senses are totally immersed in glorious colors, textures and light.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Natural stones and crystals are some of my favorite materials. The light from the crystals beautifully complements the distinctiveness of the natural stones.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Monet's Garden Ensemble

What inspired this design?
The inspiration for this design was my love for Monet, and my love and fascination of dragonflies.

How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
The design began with the beautiful vermeil dragonfly pendant. I chose an impressionist palette in crystals and assembled the piece in natural light, adding cloisonné to remind me of the waterlilies. Gold figure-8 accents were added to represent a dragonfly's movement along the water.

Share Your Background

When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began making and designing jewelry around 2005 to satisfy my own tastes and as gifts for my friends, who encourage me greatly.

Who introduced you to beading?
Beading became an extension of my love for stained glass, an expression of color and light in wearable art.

Do you have an artistic background?
I have been an artist all my life. Painting, printmaking, graphic design and stained glass are among my mediums with Art Nouveau a consistent element in my style.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
My aunt crochets beads and she turned me onto Fire Mountain Gems' catalog.

What other hobbies do you have?
Reading, swimming, fishing, photography. Anything outdoors! Basketball, jazz music...

Beading Success

What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry-making is a way to bring pleasure to me and my customers. I am getting a reputation with my skills and people are anxious to see my new products and ask for custom orders. It is very rewarding doing custom orders--they are special gifts and increase in sentimental value.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
My friends are my best customers and advertising. I also do craft fairs and have jewelry on consignment at local gift shops and spas. I have a website: adivinedesign.org

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Just do it! Play with colors, textures and use natural light!