No Matter How it's given, It's still a Heart! |
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Where do you live?
Tacoma, Washington
Describe your artistic style.
My husband says ''imaginative,'' that I pull things out of no-where.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
All things pure, natural and wholesome. I especially see innocence in a child's smile and, somehow, a new necklace, earring or bracelet is born.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Odd-shaped stones, especially ones with obvious imperfections. Crystals to showcase and remind me of the clarity that holds my eye forever forward.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
No Matter How it's given, It's still a Heart!
What inspired this design?
The healing of my own heart from five decades as a sexual abuse victim. My abuser (birth father) was sentenced on 11/09/09 to 17.5 years. He is now 71.
How did it come together?
''It all started with a Broken Heart that sought mending.''
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
After a near fatal illness in 2008, I had to change directions from flourishing Fashion Designer, I needed an escape for all the ideas in my mind. Thus, Broken Wing Designs was born.
Who introduced you to beading?
A class I took at a local bead shop, The Bead Factory, in Tacoma, Washington. After that, I was captured.
Do you have an artistic background?
Only if you include my love of textiles, 17th thru 19th century fashion--my personal obsession.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
Searching for best pricing with the most inventories available to me as a designer, we are perfect partners.
What other hobbies do you have?
Needle work, beading, drawing, stitching, drawing fashion/adornment designs.
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry-making is an outlet. I feel that the designs are like childhood memories, coming to life, or representations of times or opportunities missed. Jewelry, in any form, seems to me to make a moment in time stand still for eternity. I cannot function a day without my hands working their magic.
If you use jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are your selling yourself and your jewelry?
As a newcomer to this adventure, right now, by wearing my designs, I am offered money, or requests to make more. Slowly, I am growing. Our website is under growing pains, and I hope to attend some craft fairs in the spring of 2010.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have dedicated portions of proceeds to two of my charities. First, as a five decade survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I donate to societies to enable counseling for these children, and to allow them to attend final judgment-sentencing to have their Voice heard. Secondly, to the Alzheimer's fund, as I was diagnosed two years ago.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Let the pureness and excitement of your possibilities take on a life of their own. Let your designs have their ''Voice heard.'' |