Black Crow – Trudy Gerritsen

Name: (Black Crow) Trudy Gerritsen

Website Link: http://www.blackcrowjewelry.nl/

Where are you located? I’m located in a small town in The Netherlands.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I grew up as an only child with beloved parents. My mom was creative too and she could make wonderful things with knitting. I was a creative child with a special love for collecting beads and feathers, pieces of wood and stones. Ever since I can remember I was  very interested in Native culture and their respect for nature and all living things! Many years later, I started to make dreamcatchers with gemstones, and that was (again)  the restart of my love for beads!

When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art? I started with making dreamcatchers when I had my own small bead shop on the world wide web. In the beginning, there were only glass crow beads and gemstone chips that I used for my dreamcatchers. That was in 2004. A few years later, the bead collection became bigger and I started to sell other gemstone beads and that was also the start for making jewelry myself. The addiction to seed beads was much later and I created the first cuff in April 2007 after I saw the art of Heidi Kummli.  Designing and making jewelry started as a hobby, but slowly it became my work and I love it !

What do you make? My favorite piece of work is to design and create a beadwork bracelet, especially turquoise and bridal cuffs, but I also make rings, necklaces, earrings and jewelry with gemstones and natural beads. I guess bracelets are my favorite because I wear them myself too, I never wear necklaces.

What materials and methods do you use?  I love to work with gemstones and all other natural materials, for the cuffs I always use leather as a backing. The seedbeads I use are size 15-11 and 8. The methods I use are beadwork (embroidery) and beadweaving. At the moment, I am busy trying some new stuff like lace or wool in combination with gemstone cabochons.

Where do your design inspirations come from? My inspiration is in everything I see – nature, a picture or painting, people…just everything.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? I work the best when I am alone at home, just with our 2 cats, a strong cup of coffee and a CD by Metallica in the CD player.  I don’t have space for a separate studio, I always work in our living room, but it is still a dream to have my own studio one day…

Where can your products be seen?  My products can be seen on: http://www.blackcrowjewelry.nl/

Upcoming events:  I don’t do shows, but a few times a year I’m on a local art market in the neighborhood. 

Magazine articles or press: An article in a local newspaper and in a women’s magazine and my work can be seen in the book “Flatwork” written by Nicole Campanella/Beadwright.

Who are you a fan of? Sherri Serafini, Heidi Kummli, Jamie Cloud Eaking, Good Quill Hunting, Kerri Fuhr, Vampi Choi.

Price range:  $20.00 – $400.00

Tell us  a little about one of your favorite creations: It’s hard to choose a favorite one, I love many of my cuffs, especially the turquoise ones…but this one is my favorite!Just simple earthtones in combination with lovely turquoise cabochons, they don’t need more.

Anything else you wish to add?  Thank you so much for choosing my designs for your interview, it is a great honor and I am delighted  to be on your beautiful website among such other great artists!

Silke Buechler – Calypso’s Beads

Name: Silke Buechler a.k.a. Calypso’s Beads

Website Link: http://www.silkedesign.de and http://www.glasperlenreich.de

Where are you located?  Ulm, Germany

Tell us a bit about yourself: I was born and raised in the idyllic city of Ulm which is located in the South of Germany, between Stuttgart and Munich. I used to work in an advertising department of a big international company and, in addition, was occupied with media design works on freelance-basis till I became a “late”-mummy in 2007. Now, I enjoy my three years “baby-break”and after that will only work part-time so that I am able to have more time for my beloved glass beads.

When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art? I was caught by the bead virus in summer 2004. I saw some lampwork beads in a shop window and that same day spent hours investigating, surfing the Internet and reading all about lampwork beading. One week later, I sat at the torch by myself and tried the first beads.

What do you make? Beads of soft glass – mainly bead sets – rather seldom focals. And I almost only do beads that are wearable. Therefore, most of my beads are flat / squeezed, because I myself prefer to wear flat rather than round beads and not too big, because you want to hang them round your neck or wrist and if they are too big, they become too heavy. I love making beads with fanciful patterns so that each time you look at them, you might find something new to discover.

What materials and methods do you use? All kind of soft glass, goldstone.

Where do your design inspirations come from? From everywhere … shopping tours where I see skirts made of beautiful patterned fabric, flipping through a magazine with interesting advertising pictures, a weekend-trip to a beautiful town in springtime, walk in the park …

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? My studio is in my house. I have a separate room stuffed with glass and all the accessories. My “realm of glass beads”(hope I translated this correctly..)

Where can your products be seen?  http://www.silkedesign.de or the German link http://www.glasperlenreich.de or on etsy

Upcoming events: I do not do shows – only very small ones here in the area where I live.

Magazine articles or press: Glas…Perlen…eigenArt, GER (ISBN 978-3-00-022186-6)

Who are you a fan of? There are many many bead artists that I like very much. When I started bead making, Corina Tettinger’s book “Passing The Flame” was my bible – I really love this book. Today, I adore the beads of David Sivers, Lisa Fletcher, Manuela Wutschke and Lydia Muell.

Tell us  a little about one of your favorite creations:  I do not really have favorite creations. Almost each time a new set is completed I am thinking “wow, I like this set so much, I will keep it for myself.”  Then the beads lie there on the table some days and when another set is finished, I decide to give the older set away. Can’t keep all those beads for me 😉 ….. The beads I am making reflect the mood I am in when sitting at the torch. Perhaps this is why I love each new set most.  There are sets that I do not forget because they meant a milestone for my work. These are certainly the sets that I did during my four month stay in Thailand .. one of those:

And this set is also rememberable for me:

Kerri Fuhr

Name: Kerri Fuhr

Website Link: www.kerrifuhr.com

Where are you located? British Columbia, Canada

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a full time glass bead designer living in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. I live with my very supportive boyfriend, 3 dogs and my rather pugnacious cat!

When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art? I started eight years ago when I treated myself to a glass beadmaking class for my 30th birthday. The class was taught by a friend of mine, Walt Pinder, and I had so much fun that I bought myself a beginners kit and started making beads in my garage at home. After a few years of learning the basics and making gifts for friends, people started to ask to buy my beads! So I ventured into the world of bead shows and started selling my work. Learning jewelry skills along the way, I then started selling my beads and jewelry in local galleries and now for the past four years this has been a full time career for me.

What do you make? I create glass beads as well as jewelry. I mostly specialize in creating beads for other jewelry designers to use in their creations as well as specialty focal beads for collectors world-wide.

What materials and methods do you use? I create my beads using glass rods imported from Italy as well as specialty glass made in the US and Canada. I use a small table-top torch that is powered by an oxygen concentrator and natural gas which is fitted directly from my bench in my studio. Using simple tools and small threads of glass called stringer, I “paint” with glass in the torch flame and create my miniature works of art one at a time.

Where do your design inspirations come from? I find that most of my inspiration comes from the natural world around me. I enjoy creating beads with insects and birds especially. Dragonflies, honeybees, ravens and herons are among my favorite subjects to depict in glass. I strive for realism in my pieces and so I spend a lot of time studying my subjects. I also love history and the designs in late medieval and victorian tapestries inspire me. I currently have a line of beads I call my “Tapestry Collection” that are inspired by the botanical styles of these historical woven pieces.

studio

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? I am fortunate in that I have an amazing studio right in my backyard! I designed it and had it constructed to be the perfect environment for making beads. An eleven foot workbench, a custom – fitted gas connection for my torch, lots of windows and ample storage make it a great place to work! I also decorated the studio in a lavish Moroccan theme, as our climate here is often grey and rainy so I wanted a cheerful and sunny place to work each day. Warm colors and exotic touches keep my spirits up and inspire me everyday, no matter the weather!

 

Where can your products be seen?  You can visit my website to view galleries of my past work as well as view work that is currently available. I sell my beads on Etsy. There is also a link on the “Available Work” page on my website and bead show updates are listed on my website also. 

Upcoming events: I will be at several great bead shows throughout the year!

The Best Bead Show – Miami, April 24-26
Double Tree Merchandise Mart – West Hall
711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami FL, 33126
http://www.crystalmyths.com

Whole Bead Show, Vancouver May 1-3
Empire Landmark Hotel
Crystal Ballroom
1400 Robson Street, Vancouver BC
Friday & Saturday 10am to 6pm
Sunday Noon to 5pm
www.wholebead.com

Bead and Button Show June 4-7
Midwest Airlines Center
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI
www.beadandbuttonshow.com

Puget Sound Bead Festival July 10-12
Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center
1500 Broadway Ave; Tacoma, Wa
www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com

ISGB Gathering Bead Bazaar July 24-26
Miami, FL
(more information TBA)

Magazine articles or press: I have been a featured artist in The Glass Bead Magazine, as well as recently featured in the Flow Magazine for the Glass Craft Emerging Artist Awards.
Who are you a fan of? I admire so many talented glass artists it’s hard to mention them all, but Vittorio Costantini, Andrea Guarino, Leah Fairbanks and Holly Cooper among my favorite glass artists!
Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: I have recently been experimenting with enamels (powdered glass) and I enjoy the watercolor-like effects I am able to achieve on my beads with them. A bead entitled “Heron’s Moon” is one of my most recent favorite creations made with the use of enamels and fine stringer.

Heron's Moon

Anything else you wish to add?  I am now starting to teach intermediate and advanced glass bead classes at various studios throughout the US and Canada and am working on a tutorial series on the techniques I use to create my beads that will be available soon! Please check my website for updates!

 

A look back at our December featured artisans

A summary of our talented December featured artisans.  Be sure to check out their websites.

Keep up to date on the latest events and news about your favorite World Artisan Gems by bookmarking and checking in at World Artisan Gems News and Events

Please be sure to vote for our site here and add us as a friend on Myspace

 

Irina Pertseva

Esmeralda Designs

Suzanne Golden

Ira Zelickman

Zuda Gay

Sue Horine

Merle Berelowitz

A look back at our November featured artisans

We are on to another month of great artisans. Hope you enjoyed viewing the work seen here and visit the websites of our featured artisans to see their latest creations.

Keep up to date on the latest events and news about your favorite World Artisan Gems by bookmarking and checking in at World Artisan Gems News and Events

Please be sure to vote for our site here

Morwyn Dow – Another Country

Naked Jewelry

Stephanie Sersich

Beaded Bear

Tuyen Huynh

Gemella

Cynthia Tilker

3FineDesign

Stephanie Sersich

Name: Stephanie Sersich

Website Link: www.sssbeads.com

Where are you located? 15 Perkins St. Topsham, Maine 04086

Tell us a bit about yourself: I live on the coast of Maine, and my work is very much inspired by the ocean and the treasures beneath. When I’m not making jewelry, I love to run my dog on the beach or in the neighboring woods. I love to knit and garden, too! Textiles and my garden also bring me loads of inspiration.

When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art? I have been making jewelry since I was a little girl – I always say, since I was stringing pasta on yarn! I began working with glass and making beads when I was in college. My art became a business 10 years ago when I got out of college.  My mom collects ethnic jewelry and clothing, so it’s been a passion for as long as I can remember. While I originally learned to make beads on my own, my best tricks and techniques came from Sage and Tom Holland, who live and teach in the Ozarks of Arkansas. They were some of the pioneers of the bead-making movement. I feel very lucky to call them my friends and mentors.

What do you make? I make glass beads, using the ancient technique of lampworking.  I make my jewelry by combining them with vintage beads, talismans, natural materials, cords and fibers. My jewelry is full of color and texture. The large neckpieces are pretty wild, and I also make individual beads and smaller items for other jewelers to incorporate into their own pieces. 

What materials and methods do you use? I make my beads from Effetre and Bullseye glass (both soft glasses), chosen for their high-contrast color palette. I use other beads and items that add a different sheen than the glass.  I like to mix shiny and pitted, new and old, bright and muted. The assemblage-type pieces are made from my signature Spiny Knotting technique, which is derived from macramé knotting.  I also love to just simply string beads, but mostly I can’t help adding fibers and knots to make my items more unique.

Where do your design inspirations come from? The natural world is an endless source of inspiration.  I love pod-shapes and radial forms, like flowers and stars. I like rocks and shells, encrusted with barnacles and sea-shells and funny-shaped growths.  Anything with a varying texture and things that stick out.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? I live in Topsham, Maine in a Greek Revival house, built in 1830. My studio is in the carriage house. I make beads and teach classes on the main level and string beads and work in the upstairs office, in a well-lit room with high-ceilings.  I love space, and that’s important when you have a lot of stuff.

Where can your products be seen? As far as retail locations, I have my work at several galleries, like Foundry Lane in Portland, Maine and Arts Afire, a glass gallery in Alexandria, Virginia. I also do several bead and craft shows (listed on my website) in different parts of the country. I’ve recently written a book called Designing Jewelry with Glass Beads, published by Interweave Press, and I have an example of almost everything I make in there! There are 20 “How-To” projects, as well as classifications of glass beads, a history of glass beads and useful tips and tools for beaders.

Upcoming events: This season, I have two craft shows in New England, but I’m also preparing for the Pasadena Bead and Design Show in January. I have a piece that just won an award at The Bead Museum in Washington, DC – part of their Celebrating Beads event. In March of 2009, I am teaching a collaborative class with my friend, fellow beadmaker Michele Goldstein, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where we plan to bead and laugh ourselves silly.  I love to teach, and workshops are the events that I look forward to the most.

Magazine articles or press:
My own book: Designing Jewelry With Glass Beads
And I have photos in several others, including:
Beads of Glass by Cindy Jenkins
Contemporary Lampworking and Formed of the Fire by Bandhu Scott Dunham

I have had magazine articles in Ornament, Beadwork, Bead & Button Magazine, Lapidary Journal and others.

Who are you a fan of? Other people’s jewelry & beads?  Gail Crosman-Moore, Michele Goldstein, Dustin Tabor, Amy Johnson, Lucie Weir, Bronwen Heilman, Caitlin Hyde, Isis Ray

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:  Like to make the big, outrageous pieces, like the Fiesta Necklace.

Fiesta Necklace

Anything else you wish to add? There are two things I love about my job – combining the colors and textures, and teaching.  Nothing brings me more joy than coaching a student to make something they had never envisioned, but that comes from inside them.  The exchange of excitement gives me a true connection to other people.  The power of creating something joyful from inanimate materials is a thrilling experience.  I just can’t get enough of it.

A look back at our October featured artisans

Thank you for visiting all of the great sites of our featured October World Artisan Gems. We have a growing mailing list with many people coming here to see the beautiful work of these talented emerging and established artisans and their newest creations.  Artisans featured here produce unique and one-of-a-kind artwork ~ don’t miss out ~ allow World Artisan Gems to be your guide to the most spectacular jewelry and glass art from around the world!  Thank you for spreading the word and showing your support for these talented independent artisans!

We will soon be featuring a section of this site dedicated to posting upcoming shows and events for our featured designers. Check back in the coming weeks for this page.

Gabriele Servayge

Patrizia Tager

Tihana Rukavina (Ignis)

Bijoux d’Odalisque

Yvonne Cornelius

Andrew Brown

Loella Medina

Andrew Firth

Donna Millard

Lynda Andrews-Barry

Donna Millard

Name: Donna Millard     

Website Link: www.fyrebeadz.com

Where are you located? Currently in Rice Lake, WI but I hope to be moving back to Alaska soon.

Tell us a bit about yourself: Born and raised here in the mid-west but once I moved to Alaska I’ve since become an Alaskan through and through.  I can’t wait to get back, it is there that I find the most influence for my work and peace and harmony in my life.

When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art? There is a large outdoor market in Anchorage every Saturday during the summer months and it was there that I first became acquainted with lampwork.  I was fascinated, to say the least and have been captivated ever since.  One thing led to another and I started to make unique jewelry pieces with my beads and often sterling wire.

What do you make? I make a large variety of bead sets and focals.  Often times I make florals or my “Loon” beads.  I’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting with all the new silver glass in my focal beads as well and I’ve recently developed a new beads style of organic water bugs.  Sometimes I saw my beads in  half and make my own sterling settings for them.

What materials and methods do you use? Effetre, double Helix, R4 glasses, silver foils, enamels, etc.  In my jewelry I use PMC and sterling wire, misc. stones and FW pearls.

Where do your design inspirations come from? Having just spent 7 years in Alaska, much of my work has been influenced from the beauty that surrounded me there.  The ocean, the mountains, glaciers and so on.  My florals were often inspired by the lush gardens in Anchorage, and yes, lush due to the 24 hours of daylight during the summers.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? Right now my studio is located in the back sunroom of my home.  I’ve completely converted it into a studio that overlooks my backyard where there are many flowers blooming in the summer and many birds.  I usually have some sort of music playing in the background as I work.

Where can your products be seen?  On ebay  My work can be found on etsy,  Aurora Bead and Craft in Wasilla, Alaska, and Beadartists.org

Upcoming events:  I will be attending a private art show in Wasilla, Alaska in November 2008

Who are you a fan of? Many of my peers of which there are too many to mention.

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:  My favorite has to be my newest Waterbugs.  There were something that just happened one day as I was working.  I was so excited as I saw them begin to transform right in front of me.  It was awesome, as glass always is.

water bugs

Anything else you wish to add?  I want to thank you for featuring me on your website.  I am honored.

Andrew Brown

Name: Andrew Brown

Website Link: www.kbglassworks.com  and  www.glassartists.org/AndrewBrown

Where are you located? Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tell us a bit about yourself: I love to push and test the limits the medium of glass has to offer.

When and why did you begin creating your art? My love of art and creating art began when I was very young. I followed my passion by attending Savannah College of Art Design. After graduating in 1998, with a BFA in illustration, I moved to Albuquerque and co-founded KBGlassworks. I now work independently.

What do you make? Combining flameworking, fusing and cold working, I specialize in unique wearable art and paperweights. 

 

 

 

What materials and methods do you use? My primary material is borosilicate glass. I flamework, fuse and coldwork.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? I currently work out of Greymatters Studio and out of my home studio. I also really enjoy doing collaborations with other glass artists. I love feeding off of other artists’ drive and inspiration.

Where can your products be seen?  GlassArtists.org, An online community for glass art  Arts Afire Gallery, Alexandria, VA,  and www.kbglassworks.com,  a shared website with Andrew Brown and Bryan Kitson artwork.

Upcoming events:  Arts Afire Glass Gallery, Alexandria, VA. TRUNK SHOW, Visiting Artist: Andrew Brown, October 18 and 19, 2008, Gallery Receptions: Saturday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

14th Annual Best Bead Show – Tucson, AZ – Spring 2009

Seminar on Electroforming: International Flameworking Pre-Conference. Salem, NJ, March 20, 2009: www.salemcc.edu

Magazine articles or press: Featured artist on Glass Alchemy website and current advertising
The Flow Magazine, Vol. 1 Issue 4, Bead & Button Magazine (March 1998) Artist Article.  Bead & Button Magazine (December 2008 #88 Collectors Edition) “Artist Spotlight”

Gabriele Servayge

Name: Gabriele Servayge

Website Link: www.gabrieleservayge.com

Where are you from? Germany

Tell us a bit about yourself:  I am a Belgian, but I was born in Germany and I am living in Germany most of my time. My original profession was social work and  I did this for several years.
For my future I am interested in art therapy education. But at the moment I am very satisfied with creating glass beads.

When and why did you begin designing jewelry/art? I started making glass beads 5 years ago. Before this, I was looking for a method in which make it possible to paint and form beads with different colors and shapes. Then I saw glass beads on Ebay and I was so fascinated with them that I knew that is what I wanted to do.

What do you make? I make glass beads.

What materials and methods do you use? Mainly I make not round glass beads, but squeezed beads, so that I can use this surface for my ideas. I like to make shells on a waterground in green/blue colours. But I also like to make some flowers an murrinis.

 

Where do your design inspirations come from? My inspirations come from signs in nature, especially from the water.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? I have a nice place at home, I have there the best feeling for making glass beads. By walking in a beautiful park I always get some new inspiration.

Where can your products be seen?  My website and Ebay

Who are you a fan of? I like artistry, which is made by American and Australian natives. I like how they put the spirit of nature in their symbols.

Tell us  a little about one of your favorite creations: I mostly  make glass beads with shells on a ground of green blue oceancolours, I love the colours and the round spiral form of the shells, it let me feel the spirit of the ocean.

A look back at our September featured artists

Thank you for visiting all of the great sites of our featured September World Artisan Gems. We have a growing mailing list with many people coming here to see the beautiful work of these talented emerging and established artisans and their newest creations.  Artisans featured here produce unique and one-of-a-kind artwork ~ don’t miss out ~ allow World Artisan Gems to be your guide to the most spectacular jewelry and glass art from around the world!  Thank you for spreading the word and showing your support for these talented independent artisans!

We will soon be featuring a section of this site dedicated to posting upcoming shows and events for our featured designers. Check back in the coming weeks for this page.

Elements Jewelry

Vampi Choy

Klewism

Good Quill Hunting

LunaverSoul

Galleria Divina

Imnium

Jean Power

Astrid Riedel

Julia Goland

Sarah Kelley

Sasha Magdic

Susan Stevens

Astrid Riedel

Internal

Name: Astrid Riedel

Website Link: Flickr     Etsy

Where are you located?  South Africa

Silvered Beauty

 

Tell us a bit about yourself: Well, originally I am from the Netherlands, but immigrated with my parents many years ago to South Africa, where I still live currently, with my husband and 2 children, and a dog called Sherlock!

Little Ponds

 

When did you start designing jewelry/art? I have been creating glass beads since 2003 and am enjoying it tremendously, my original training lies in Goldsmithing  which I have practiced many years, but bead making has taken over my passion.

What do you make? Glass beads 
What materials and methods do you use? I use mostly Moretti glass and other special silver glasses. I love using silver foil, copper mesh, copper leaf, and enamels.

 

Where do your design inspirations come from? I don’t think I have a specific style, because I enjoy trying out as many new ideas as possible, it keeps me challenged and moving forward. I’m inspired by the colors of the flowers and creatures around me, and there are certainly other glass bead artists who inspire me too. 

Floating

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? My studio is at home, I have a wonderful loft area where I spend many hours creating my beads.

 

 

 

 

Where can your products be seen? You can find me on Ebay  and on Etsy by  name, and you can view my beads anytime on my Flickr site and BeadArtists.org

Who are you a fan of? Many of my fellow bead artists

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: Each new creation seems to be my favorite! But I like the feather bead a lot, I think the style is unique to me and I found it amazing how the glass interacted with each other to give it a real feathery appearance.

feather bead

A look back at our August featured artists

Thank you for visiting all of the great sites of our featured August World Artisan Gems. Be sure to join our mailing list so you’ll have instant access to and be the first to know the latest information about the most talented emerging and established artisans and their newest creations.  Artisans featured here produce unique and one-of-a-kind artwork ~ don’t miss out ~ allow World Artisan Gems to be your guide to the most spectacular jewelry and glass art from around the world!

Beadcomber

Melissa Michaels

April Star Davis

Julia Bristow

Inner Eye Creations

Mango Tango Designs

Broken Teepee Designs

Diana Kirkpatrick

Zoya Gutina

Organic Mechanics

Barbara Svetlick

Ocean Life Designs

Kristy Lee

Clearlight Jewelry

Ileana Munteanu

Marie Cristine

My Belle Bijoux

Julia Bristow Jewelry

Website Link: JuliaBristowJewelry.com

Where are you located? Northern California near Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park

Julia Bristow Seashell Brooch

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My Bio: Julia Bristow Jewelry is unique and elegant, hand-crafted, nature-inspired, one-of-a-kind wearable art jewelry. Each piece is designer-signed with engraved tag. Every piece of jewelry is hand-crafted by artisan/designer Julia Bristow. All jewelry pieces are hand wired or woven and meticulously pieced together using a variety of high-quality semi-precious gemstone beads, beautiful sparkling Swarovski crystals, Czech glass flowers, fruit, leaves, etc., and various pearls, shell, clay and wooden beads. The jewelry designs are inspired by my love of nature and every attempt is made to incorporate that beauty directly into each piece created.

"Ultimate charm bracelets"

When did you start creating your jewelry/art?

I originally began collecting vintage/antique costume jewelry because I found it appealed to the little girl in me to collect these sparkling rhinestone treasures and place them in a jewelry box, as they were pretty and fun to look at. I eventually realized I was more drawn to the signed, hand-wired and woven pieces with intricate designs which clearly demonstrated the detailed workmanship of these various artisans. My sister gave me some beads, findings and tools to make my first beaded bracelet. I had my own ideas after looking at all of my collected vintage pieces and with that new-found knowledge of how to go about it, I was on my way to realizing my new passion/hobby/career. I went on to teach myself various techniques which would enable me to create exactly the designs I envisioned.

Julia Bristow beaded guitar strap

What exactly do you create? I make one-of-a-kind, beaded, handcrafted, signed, wearable-art jewelry, loom-beaded guitar straps and belts, healing gemstone and fertility jewelry and keychains, vintage-style fruit jewelry, handwired brooches, etc. Vintage style fruit and flower jewelry; surf, beach and nature-loving casual wear; healing and fertility gemstone jewelry; hand-beaded guitar straps and belts; children’s jewelry; eyeglass holders, and whatever else I can think of.

What materials and methods do you use? I use quality semi-precious gemstones, pearls, Swarovski crystals, shells, MOP, ceramic, and Czech glass beads. Occasionally, I will find beautifully-designed polymer clay beads as well.

Julia Bristow purple robe locust necklace & earrings

Where do your design inspirations come from? All of my designs are inspired by nature – ocean, sand, forest, trees, flowers, rocks, water and sky. Every piece of jewelry I make is inspired by one aspect of nature or another. I always have some type of plant, flower, tree or scene of nature in my mind that I am trying to recreate in a piece of jewelry. Semi-precious gemstone beads, shell, and wood beads are my favorite beads to work with because they come directly from the rocks of the earth. I enjoy the beauty and feel of each individual bead as no two gemstone beads are exactly alike. I admit my designs are based more on an artistic idea rather than any type of fashion trend. The beauty and colors of the beads themselves also inspire me.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? I like to always be around my family/kids so I prefer to work right in the main living area. I have my “studio” workspace there so I can enjoy my family as I am working. As long as I am by a window with plenty of light, I am quite content.

Where can your products be seen? I decided to develop and manage my personal web site in order to display my jewelry and offer it for sale when I started to run out of room for all of the pieces I was making. I am also a participating designer at various sample sales and events, which are listed on my blog where you can subscribe via email for automatic updates of events and newly added items.  My Etsy Shop.       Become a Fan on Facebook.

I am also listed on several indie artist websites including Indiepublic, FashionIndie, Fashion.org, SPJ, and so many others.

Nature's Presence Collection

Upcoming events:

Harvest Festival Original Arts and Crafts Show at Ventura Seaside Park, Ventura, California October 3-5, 2008.

10th Annual Bass Lake Holiday Crafts Fair & Tree Lighting Celebration, November 28-30, 2008, beautiful Bass Lake, California

I participate annually at the Ventura Holiday Street Festival (booth 221), Downtown Main Street, Ventura, California (this year on December 7, 2008)

Pasadena Bead and Design Show January 15-18, 2009, Pasadena, California

I also participate annually in the Ventura 4th of July Street Festival (booth 221), July 4th, Downtown Main Street, Ventura, California

Magazine articles or press: I have been featured in articles on various fashion websites including: Shefinds.com, LA-Story, Styledash, Fashion156.com, Red Carpet Threads, Beading Daily and The Glamorous Bee. Julia has also recently been mentioned on Stylebakery.com‘s “Daily Scoop” and OK Weekly.

Who are you a fan of? I am very much inspired by jewelry designed by Miriam Haskell. I am a fan of several glass bead artists, including Harold Cooney, Anastasia, and Molly Cooley (who was actually interviewed on this site!) and many others.

Julia Bristow Fruit Necklace

Price range: $10-359.00

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: I don’t really have a favorite creation, as each piece of jewelry I make is special to me for one reason or another. I did recently released a very limited edition jewelry collection called Nature’s Presence which is a small collection of one-of-a-kind nature-inspired pieces using beautiful hand blown glass centerpiece beads made by Harold W. Cooney, which I found to be very beautiful and unique. The advertisement for the collection can be seen on this YouTube video:
Anything else you wish to add? I enjoy connecting with other jewelry designers/enthusiasts. You can add me as a friend on Myspace or you can help support my site by becoming a “fan” of my Facebook page. I appreciate the friendships and all of the nice comments received on these sites. I am also a contributor to Designers4Africa and I encourage others to become involved.

Julia Bristow bib necklace

Thank you Julia for the informative interview and we can’t wait to see what you will create next!

Inner Eye Creations – Molly Cooley

 

Name: Molly Cooley – Inner Eye Creations

Walk along shore

Website Link: Inner Eye Creations
 

Tell us a bit about yourself: I live in Northern Lower Michigan with my three sons, Adam, Josh, and Mike, and my husband Darin. My background is in management, but I quit three years ago to pursue lampworking.

When did you start creating glass beads? I have been making lampwork beads for approximately 4.5 years. I am self-taught. I learned to lampwork through the many wonderful books available. I had a one hour session from Chris Fisher of Snow Fire Beads to learn to make florals (I just couldn’t figure it out on my own!!). She is a great lady.

What exactly do you create? I make lampwork focal beads primarily. On occasion, I will make a set, but I prefer focals.

What materials and methods do you use? I have tried most glasses, but mostly use Lauscha and Moretti 104 co. On most of my beads I use enamels, frit, pixie dust, and/or silver foil. I LOVE the combinations of textures and colors these create.

Lady of the Lake

Where do your design inspirations come from? I love nature. The feelings that trees, flowers, water, and sky invoke can be quite powerful. I also use emotion. I have been fortunate enough to get quite close to a few of my customers. Within their stories, emotions of joy, anguish, pride, frustration, and love can lead me straight to an idea or creation of a bead. I listen to my inner self…I meditate. When I am having “artist’s block,” I meditate and usually a new idea comes forth. I know that many of my creations come from a higher place than myself and I am just the messenger. That is why I choose not to tell a story about the bead in my auctions. Each person will have a different take on the feeling of the bead. That is very personal. I choose not to infringe on that.

Angel of Purity Dogwoods in Bloom

Where can your products be seen? Inner Eye Creations Ebay Store and Inner Eye Creations Blog

Upcoming events: I have become quite a hermit in the last few years. I don’t do shows or events. This month (and maybe longer) I am featuring my beads for $25.00 “buy-it-now” in my Ebay store as a thank you to my customers. It is going quite well. I have found that I am terrible at multi-tasking websites or places to showcase my work. I can do one thing at a time well. My children keep me very busy.

Who are you a fan of? I have always been a huge fan of Patti Walton. I also love Manuela Wutschke. I think there are so many wonderful creators and many more to come. I am in awe of so many people’s work. Everyone is different and it is all beautiful.

Price range: .99 to $95.00

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations (seen below): My favorite creation in terms if meaning to me was a bead I made while thinking about my son Josh. When he came into my life, my whole world changed. He pulled me from the darkest depths of myself and shined his light into me. One of my dearest customers bought this bead from me, had it made into a pendant, and sent it back. It was the only bead I have permitted myself to keep. I called it “Take My Hand.”

Take My Hand

 Thank you Molly Cooley ~ It was a pleasure to have this interview with you.