Midnight Walkies
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010
featuring Seed Beads
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Merrimack, New Hampshire
Describe your artistic style.
It's actually pretty bohemian. I love to create something a bit off the beaten path, but still wearable for daily use.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Things that I love. Japanoiserie, dogs, fish, dragons and magic. Just being alive is magic.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Seed beads, fabric and polymer clay.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Midnight Walkies
What inspired this design?
Belle passed away at 12 years old in January. She was simply the most wonderful gift my husband has ever given me and I wanted to honor her memory.
How did it come together?
Most of the time my designs tell me what they want to be. I draw them out and then create.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
In my early 20's beaded watch bands were very popular, but I couldn't afford one ready-made, but I knew where to get supplies. After that I was hooked.
Who introduced you to beading?
I just started doing it and found that I loved it! It took 25 years before I met another beader.
Do you have an artistic background?
In kindergarten I won a scholarship to the local ''fine arts center'' and took classes for a number of years.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
A magazine ad. I really am glad I did because I can't find size 15 seed beads anywhere these days.
What other hobbies do you have?
I read, grow orchids, keep a saltwater fish tank, play guitar, knit/crochet, sew and I am crazy for Japanese anime and manga.
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
I apologize, but no, I don't. I do have a loomwork class I teach, which was new on April 24, 2010.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
It is a part-time career. It makes me happy, calms my tension. There is no description to the feeling of a customer who is pleased.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
Actually, it's strictly word of mouth.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I don't with beading, but I crochet squares for warm-up America and make dog jackets/blankets for the humane society.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Don't follow anybody's style/rules but your own, otherwise you'll be a robot. If it evokes your passion, it is your correct path! |