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Brooches |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Winsted, Connecticut
Describe your artistic style.
I don't really have a specific style. It really depends on my mood.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I would say my family really inspires me when I'm making jewelry. If I'm having a crazy day, my pieces seem to be made with bolder colors and different textures. If I'm having a mellow day, my pieces seem to be a little more traditional.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I love working with glass and gemstone cabochons. Big gemstones are another favorite.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
This is a sample of my brooches made with clay, cabochons, crystals and glass.
What inspired this design?
It's just what I was feeling at that moment.
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I just let my hands do all the work. They seem to have a mind of their own.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
My mother used to make beaded jewelry and beaded flowers so when I was about 10, she started sharing her supplies with me. I started out making stretch bracelets and ankle bracelets. Now, 37, I'm making everything from all the traditional jewelry and brooches, gemstone trees, mini wind chimes, key chains and bookmarks.
Who introduced you to beading?
My mother. I was just about born into it. My mother use to make bouquets of flowers with beads and also jewelry. It's always been a part of my life.
Do you have an artistic background?
I wouldn't say an artistic background as much as a crafty background. From as long as I remember, I always had my hands on some kind of craft whether is was beading, cross stitching, crocheting, punch needle and needle pointing. Other than my family, beading is my love, my passion, my life, my sanity.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
A Google search brought me to you.
What other hobbies do you have?
Punch needle, cross stitching and reading.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry-making has taken over my life. Even though I do have a full time job as a legal assistant, I also work full time (over 40 hrs a week) with my beading business. I own 3 online stores plus my own website, sell at craft fairs and hold beading parties. I currently have a 2 hour commute to my "real" job, and my goal is to be able to support my family, which consists of my husband and 3 kids, within the next 3 years working from home with my beading business.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have 3 online stores and my own website. I also rent tables at craft/vendor fairs. I also belong to several online "Work at Home" and "Moms Working from Home" groups.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Not yet.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Go with your heart. |
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