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Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2010 featuring Gemstones
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Myrtle Creek, Oregon
Describe your artistic style.
My style is all over. I like being inspired by vintage, contemporary, anything that complements the piece. It reflects the mood I am in, or the feeling I get from certain components, gemstones, etc. I also like to mix and match colors with a color wheel and try to use complementary colors when I can.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with semi-precious gemstones, crystals and sterling silver. I also like to use jumprings and make chainmaille.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Midnight Romance
What inspired this design?
I challenged myself to use obsidian (which I have always loved) in a piece that still looked feminine.
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I first got the obsidian cabochon and crystals and I built it up from there. I usually find that a piece will come together on my bead board, rather than drawing a sketch and planning it out.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started making this style of jewelry about five years ago, when my husband, Jason, bought me a lot of half hard sterling silver. I have been beading for much longer.
Who introduced you to beading?
When I was 16, my mother, Terry, bought me some seed beads, earring kits and a loom as a present.
Do you have an artistic background?
I come from a family of artists and I have been exposed to many mediums of art. (Drawing, painting, etc.)
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
I saw the warehouse when I visited Grants Pass, but it was too late in the day to stop, so I found the website.
What other hobbies do you have?
I also like to sew, work with polymer clay, graphic design and photography.
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
I currently do not belong to any beading groups or societies.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
At the present time, my jewelry-making is a hobby, but someday I would like to do it full time. I like to make jewelry whenever I can because it is a really relaxing hobby for me.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I attend local craft fairs, enter my work into the county fair and contests and share photos on Facebook.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have donated pieces to local charities for raffles and fundraisers.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and use colors and styles you normally wouldn't.
View all of Randi's designs in the Gallery of Designs. |
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