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Sea Glass Angel
Night Owl
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2012 featuring Metal
Finalist |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Milford, Connecticut
Describe your artistic style.
Rustic, sometimes simple, sometimes ornate. I strive to be different and unique.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Everything around me inspires me. I take a lot of inspiration from nature.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with silver and gold filled wire and Metal Clay. I wish I could afford to work in 14k yellow gold all of the time, but that's not an affordable possibility. FMG sells almost everything I use in my designs.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Sea Glass Angel
What inspired this design?
I had a HUGE piece of sea glass sitting on my desk. I had no idea what to do with it. It was too big to wrap as it was and I didn't want to cut it. It was very thick and opaque. About 3 months later, it hit me, a face, it needed a face. After that it all fell into place. She's been a favorite ever since. People that own them LOVE them.
How did it come together?
After I painted the face on the sea glass, I started to wrap it not knowing where it was going. Her 'hair' seemed to flow into place while I was in the process of wrapping it. Hair needs sparkles and crystals. It works.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began making jewelry in 2008. Simple wire work.
Who introduced you to beading?
Our local bead shop, Will-O-Wisp, owner Kira Nelson. She's fabulous!
Do you have an artistic background?
Yes, I'm a professional, commercial illustrator. I've worked on everything from animation to print to TV. My clients have included everything from American Express® to Campbell's®, MandMs® to Pepperidge Farm® to Zours® candies.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
I found FMG through trade publications, specifically, Wire Style.
What other hobbies do you have?
Right now, physical therapy. LOL! :)
Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Not at this time due to health issues.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I love it. Making jewelry takes me away from the stresses of deadlines and pressures of illustrating. It soothes my soul.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have my own website, I have stores on ArtFire and Etsy.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have made jewelry for our local Art Council in Milford.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Have fun. Don't make it a competition. Don't follow the crowd.
View all of Chris's designs in the Gallery of Designs. |
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