|
Kanji and Bamboo Earrings |
|
Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Buffalo, New York
Describe your artistic style.
Oh boy, that's a good question. I love so many styles but I have to say I tend to waiver towards the sparkly stuff. Crystal is my favorite material. But I also love the chain mail category and am getting more into that and making my own jumprings to do so.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
My love for creating. I love choosing a bunch of jars full of beads and sitting down and designing what pops into my mind, it changes as I create. That includes when I sit down with my silver clay or other metal clays. Starts off with one idea then conforms itself to another.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Crystals by far along with jumprings for chain mail, semi-precious stones and beads and now all the metal clays. I have so many ideas in my head for combining them all.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Kanji and Bamboo Earrings
What inspired this design?
I love the oriental symbols and when I saw the bamboo the idea just popped into my head to create these.
How did it come together?
I planned most of it out, but also defined it as I went. I offer these on my website with your choice of symbol.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
Ten years ago and I'm all self-taught through books, web sites and just plain old experimentation.
Who introduced you to beading?
My ex sister-in-law brought over a box of necklaces that a woman was selling off when her mother who made them passed away. I said, "oh I can do that," and I've been hooked ever since.
Do you have an artistic background?
I went to college for design and photography and have always loved crafts growing up.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Oh, it was so long ago. I'm sure either a bead magazine or online search.
What other hobbies do you have?
Scrapbooking, photography, and any craft my daughters want me to help with.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Right now it is my part-time career but I'm working towards it being full-time. My dream and goal in life is to marry the love of my life and settle down and create.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have a web site as of this year and I am entering contests, advertising, social media, blogs. You name it and I'll try it.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Yes I have created a piece for Cystic Fibrosis and am also in the process of creating a piece for the Ronald McDonald house in which my daughters and I donate our time to. And last, but certainly not least, I am creating a piece or pieces in honor of my mother who has Fibromyalgia and I will donate proceeds to that as well.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Don't give up if this is your true passion and don't be afraid or too shy to reach out to the beading community for suggestions or help. |
.png)
Create Your Account
