It's Cool to be Square! |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Tucson, Arizona
Describe your artistic style.
I describe my jewelry as conservative and classic designs.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
The touch, the feel and the color of the gemstones, pearls, and silver I use in my designs.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Semi-precious gemstones, turquoise and sterling silver.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
It's Cool to be Square!
What inspired this design?
The beads inspire me. I let the color and style fall into play.
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I purchase the beads I like and mix and match them until I get something I think will meet the customer's approval.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I needed to give a gift to a graduate and had some pearls laying around that I had purchased at a gem show held here in Tucson. I've been hooked ever since.
Who introduced you to beading?
Actually, I learned stringing pearls from YouTube of all places, but I've taken some classes at my local bead shop, which really helped me a lot.
Do you have an artistic background?
I depend on my own artistic abilities. I've always loved textiles, and I have found that handling the gemstones and making beautiful things is very gratifying.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
I'm a nurse, and a patient at our office told me about Fire Mountain Gem's website.
What other hobbies do you have?
I enjoy sewing/quilting, knitting/crochet but don't have much time for them now that I have discovered jewelry-making.
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Our local bead shop has beading workshops that I like to participate in.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Making handmade jewelry is my part-time career. After a long day at my nursing job, coming to my design studio after supper always gives me comfort and gets my creative juices flowing.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I'm just getting started, but I do have a website at ggsbydesignonline.com I've been building up my jewelry line to be able to have a Trunk Show before the holidays.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Just keep making things that make you feel good about what you've created. |