Sylvia Jeyapandian

Sylvia Jeyapandian

Diamond Fall Necklace
2009 Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest
Crystal
Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist

Where do you live?
Milford, Connecticut

Describe your artistic style.
I like to create designs based on Indian jewelry with a Western touch.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Culture, nature, color of the beads and the mind to create new designs.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I like to work with seed beads, crystal beads and also I like wire jewelry.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Diamond Fall Necklace

What inspired this design?
I wanted to create a necklace that fills the neck and wanted to give it both the Indian and the Western touch.

How did it come together?
I just wanted to have something floating or dangling and I wanted it to be worn with a Sari or a party dress. First I made some sketches then I tried and it came out very well.

Share Your Background:

When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I just started beading seven months ago, but I had the passion and fervor to create new designs. I am a Computer Science Engineering graduate and we recently moved to America as a Family. I was at home and I thought to learn something from America. Also, I have a dream to start a social group for the welfare of women and poor people when I go to India in our native place. I thought beads would be good and jewelry will live as long as women live. Then I decided to learn, and I am learning and trying different designs.

Who introduced you to beading?
Once when I went through the Google search and came across the word Bead jewelry. I tried to find someone who teaches this and found one local store and learned from my teachers. Pat Roof has been teaching and she enjoys teaching the basic bead weaving techniques using seed beads. Barbara Richard, has been published several times in Beadwork magazine, most recently in the April/May 2009 issue with the project ''Urban Chic,'' a necklace of pyrite and silver with peyote bezel work. Kira Nelson has many years' experience in various visual arts forms. She is great in wire jewelry and she taught me wire jewelry. Above all, Kristen La Viola, who is the owner of Manifest Beads, is also a great inspiration for me to dream of helping others in my life.

Do you have an artistic background?
No, but I have a huge collection of Indian Jewelry and that is the inspiration for my designs.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
Through Google search.

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Yes, the group which I belong is Manifest beads, Milford, Connecticut. Here we as club members learn more from each other and share our ideas with each other.

What other hobbies do you have?
Nothing specific, but now I bead a lot.

Beading Success!

What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I bead everyday. I am happy while I'm beading because it takes out lots of pressure in me and I can concentrate to finish a new project. I feel relaxed and satisfied in beading.

If you use jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I sell to my friends. I participate in contests conducted in our bead club.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
A few times.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Have a goal and determination. Do it with a passion and love for it.