Jewelry Artists

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Annabel Vagay

Vintage Style Semi-Precious Stones Long Necklace
 Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Manila, Philippines

Describe your artistic style.
Wearable handmade designs.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Imaginations, my children and people who discourage me.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Mineral stones, crystals, gold, silver and pearls.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Vintage Style Semi-Precious Stones Long Necklace

What inspired this design?
Challenge, somebody asked me to make an elegant piece out of brass and cheap metal that can meet her standard…luckily this piece is going to Italy.

How did it come together?
Never planned it, just went to the flow.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started when I stumbled in a mini kiosk of handmade accessories. I bought one acrylic bracelet, went home, cut the string and assembled it. Kinda fascinated me. I search for some beading stores around Manila, bought some materials made few pieces for myself and relatives, the rest is history. Now I'm exporting to Italy little by little. I have a home based shop and kiosk and sell online. I am a more self-taught person and attended workshop once just to have a formal certification. I think my passion and determination to explore and experiment new ideas in beading keep me going.

Who introduced you to beading?
Nobody

Do you have an artistic background?
I think I have.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Search engine

What other hobbies do you have?
Cooking and watching food network, reading and browsing.

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Not this time, looking forward to.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
It's an anti-stress hobby, profitable and enjoyable part-time career.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
Mostly I accept customize handmade jewelries, I want my clients to see their designs materialize and be satisfied, give them warranties and freebies. I have a little kiosk and home based shop, I'm planning to join trade fairs someday, if God permits.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Not yet but I'd love to.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Pursue and nourish your God given craft and talent, don't let frustrations beat you.