Dianne McLaughlin

Design Idea C73G Bracelet

Midnight Treasure
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2012 featuring Metal
Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
I live in Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Describe your artistic style.
My wire work is Art Nouveau in style.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I am inspired by nature and the sea.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I work mostly with wire and glass.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Midnight Treasure

What inspired this design?
A beach in the Caribbean where I found the sea glass one night in the moonlight.

How did it come together?
As with all my designs, I start with a rough idea and a long piece of 20 gauge wire and the piece just grows from there.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began making jewelry in 2008--with simple stringing techniques.

Who introduced you to beading?
I was captivated by the beauty of Victorian beaded purses which I eventually taught myself how to repair and recreate.

Do you have an artistic background?
I am entirely self-taught. I've always been able to look at something and see how it was done. Since childhood, I could take a vision from my head and make it happen.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
Google!

What other hobbies do you have?
Antiques, oil painting, watercolors, rug hooking, lampshade making, lampwork glass, sea glass collecting.

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
No, but I am an instructor at the Philadelphia Bead Fest.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry making plays a huge part in my life. I work on my designs every day--sometimes every night as well. My wire work gives me peace--it is my therapy and I'm happy it is also a successful business.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I do a few shows through the year but most of my business is conducted through my website, www.spiritoftheseaglassjewelry.com. I have entered one contest--so far.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I am on the board of directors of the North American Sea Glass Association, a non-profit which promotes the use of genuine sea glass in jewelry and other creations.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Do what you love and you'll love what you do!