Patricia Johnson

Patricia Johnson

Green Mist Necklace and Earrings

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010

featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain

Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Salisbury, Maryland

Describe your artistic style.
Contemporary romantic.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I get my inspiration from beading magazines and beading shops.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Wire mostly; but lately I am pursuing polymer clay.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Green Mist Necklace and Earrings

What inspired this design?
The stones I bought and a few different design techniques I wanted to try.

How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I bought the beads first, then decided to try out some spiral designs for the focal bead and since I had already bought the gizmo and jig, I tried out different link designs until I came up with the one I used.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
It was about six years ago, a friend and I went to a quilting show. One of the classes they offered was on the spiral rope made with seed beads. I was hooked.

Who introduced you to beading?
It was my friend Sandra who talked me into taking the class.

Do you have an artistic background?
My mother instilled my love of art and encouraged me to take art classes in school.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
Through a friend who is a carver, but she dabbles in everything.

What other hobbies do you have?
Sewing, knitting, crochet and cake decorating.

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Not at the moment. I had a group of friends but they either moved away or took on a job.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I actually started off making origami earrings for the Art Institute here in Salisbury, where I volunteer. It gives me pleasure knowing I can create something someone else would enjoy wearing.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have entered a few shows exhibiting earrings and necklaces held at the Art Institute. This is the first contest I have entered.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Not at the moment.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Take classes in anything that interests you.