Julie Johnson--The Moody Moose
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Betty's AF Ball Gown |
Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live? Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska Describe your artistic style. Abstract What inspires you as a designer-artist? Where I live inspires me most--Whether it is the landscape of this great state, or being military, I am inspired by all aspects of my life. What materials do you most enjoy working with? Crystals and copper/bronze metals. What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story? Betty's AF Ball Gown What inspired this design? My dear friend Betty brought to me a swatch of the fabric from her ball gown that she was going to wear to the Air Force Ball and asked if there was something I could make to go with it. How did it come together? I always interview my clients to try to get a picture of what they're looking for--I can't explain how, but I have always been able to capture the perfect piece for my clients. Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading? In 2007 we drove from California to Michigan to visit family--I purchased a beading magazine (BeadStyle) and that was it for me. Who introduced you to beading? Myself. Do you have an artistic background? Self-taught. How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®? For a short time I was a bookkeeper for a jewelry maker--I had to enter in the receipts. That's the first I heard of Fire Mountain Gems. What other hobbies do you have? Working with clay and scrapbooking/card making. Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life? A hobby that quickly turned into a full-time career. If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry? I sell my creations at a local gift store and through my studio in my home--A lot of my business is word of mouth and through social networks (i.e. Facebook: The-Moody Moose)--My return business is numerous--I did my first craft fair in October and the response was incredible. Do you participate in any charity fundraisers? I create bracelets for a few of the squadrons on our base--their booster club gets a cut of the profits. |