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Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2010 featuring Pearls, Organic Beads or Kato Polyclay™
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Canaan, Indiana
Describe your artistic style.
Flamboyant, realistic. I design praise banners and custom quilts. A large center motif is usually designed and created, then the background embellished to accentuate the centerpiece.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Almost everything. Designs and ideas for future pieces roll through my mind as I am working on a current one. I keep a notebook handy to jot ideas and sketches so they are not forgotten. I keep a camera with me most of the time to take photos of anything of interest: an interesting shape, coloration, sunset, sunrise, event, etc. I pick up all kinds of embellishments as I see them even though there is a current use for them. These embellishments are sometimes the inspiration for a design.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I work in all kinds of textiles-cottons, velvets, home decor, faux suede's. These are then embellished with fabric paints and inks, beads/beadwork, threadwork or anything that will enhance the design. I also love working in paper mache.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Princess Sierra
What inspired this design?
The wolf print that is on her cape, head piece and cuffs.
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
The design evolved as I was working. It became much more involved than originally conceived. As I looked at the designs in Fire Mountain's catalog, I knew it would have to be more than the original idea.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I have been designing quilts for over 30 years and praise banners for almost 15 years. I am always looking for and picking up textiles and embellishments, including beads, to be included in my stash.
Who introduced you to beading?
My sister, Jackie. She does quite a bit of beadwork and guides me towards correct methods and elements.
Do you have an artistic background?
I do not have any formal training. I am principally self-taught in every craft I undertake. I study books and now go online to learn how to construct whatever it is I am thinking about working on.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
My sister told me about Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.
What other hobbies do you have?
Quilting, reading, crochet, painting/dyeing fabric.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I always have several projects going and usually work on at least one of them every day. My crafts are my therapy. I am a 70 year old great grandmother in great health. I attribute this to my keeping busy. Beading has become a substantial part of my fiber art. My hobbies are once again becoming almost a full time career since I am endeavoring to develop an online site for my creations.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I am developing a web presence and promoting it through Facebook, a blog-carolynscanvas, occasional craft fairs, and placing items in a consignment shop.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Don't become discouraged. Design to suit yourself. Fire Mountain Gems and Bead company has the largest selection and quality for all your supplies. The prices are competitive and service is the best. |
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