Artist: Lorena Angulo
Website:
Lorena Angulo

Lorena, when did you become interested in art?
I was born in Mexico, and due to my father’s job in public works we had to frequently move from state to state, what gave me the unique opportunity to grasp the various cultural and artistic expressions of the different regions of Mexico and our Spanish and Indian heritage. That unique experience help me develop my deep love for Art, and to see all the various types of art created by different artisans was amazing. Mostly for me the traditional jewelry wore by the native Indians in South Mexico, Chiapas and Oaxaca, are my favorites.

How were you introduced to metal clay?
I was introduced to metal clay by a wonderful Artist Jeweler and Teacher in San Antonio, Claire Holliday, in 2006 at the Southwest School of Art. Since that day I fell in love with this great medium. Metal Clay opened the door to a lot of people without silver smithing background to create jewelry.

Metal Clay gives me the freedom to create a piece in such a short time, for me that is incredible, it is like magic!

How would you describe your art work?
My art work is a one-of-a-kind jewelry that transmits a feeling and a story, mostly influenced by my Mexican heritage. It is simple, but at the same time is full of delicate details that enhance the beauty and uniqueness of the piece.

Every piece has its own personality. My work is very artisanal and folk art influenced.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Working with Metal Clay (Precious metal clay or Bronze clay) the needle tool is something that I can not live without. Most of my work has a lot of detail that I created using the needle tool.

Where do your ideas come from?
From my cultural heritage and influences from Mexico. I really like to create art that represents my culture and that gives people a story in every piece I make. I’m very influenced by all sources of folk art that express a cultural heritage giving me the opportunity to add “soul” to my work.

Would you tell us about your creative process?
My first step in creating something is to draw it in my design book as soon as I have an idea. I always carry my book with me because I never know when an idea may pop up. But most of my creating happens in the moment I have the metal clay in my hands. I let my feelings take over and I do not stop until my piece is finished.

Sometimes I start with an idea but while working with the metal clay the original idea may be modified, and I end up with a piece totally different than the one I was planning to do. In my case the creative process is very magical and natural. I loved to listen to music while I am working on my studio. The music is usually a mixture of latin american artists, folk Music and english singers ;-}.

What has been your favorite project, to date, in your career?
Wow, that is hard to say. I always think that I have the “favorite” piece but as soon as I make a new one that feeling changes. Every piece to me is special, but if I have to say one in particular, it will be my first Milagro Heart pendant I made last year. It was my first big piece and when I finished it I fell in love with it. It was very hard to let her go to her new home when it was bought at a gallery in Kerville, Texas last year, but it was very comforting to know that the new owner happens to be a
person who really appreciates artisanal works and its uniqueness.

What certifications/honors have you received?

Rio Grande Master Artisan Certification, my work has been featured in the “2008 PMC Guild Annual II , Exceptional work in Precious Metal Clay” book and in the coming book from Barbara Becker Simon, “Metal Clay Beads” that will be publish in April 2009, one of my pieces is going to be on the Gallery section of the book.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Knowing that at the end the work will be finish and more beautiful that I ever thought.

Sometimes the pieces that get tough end up being the best pieces. It is like we always said in Mexico:
“Cuando te caen limones acidos, ponle azucar y haz limonada”
“When you get sour lemons , mixed them with sugar and make lemonade”

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry
To not be afraid and enjoy doing what you are doing. Be the best cheerleader of your work.

Everything that has been made with your own hands deserves respect and a lot of love and confidence.

Since the moment you created something with your hands, you have to consider yourself an artist.

Art does not have limits. Reading books and looking for new techniques all the time it is also very important.

We need to be open to learn new things and experiment.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
My two beautiful kids, Christian (10) and Veronica (6), and my awesome husband Jorge who supports my art a lot and has been the best cheerleader of my work. He was the first one to tell me that what I was doing was beautiful and that I needed to promote my work and called myself an artist.

I am blessed to have the family I have and very fortunate after all we went through with our beautiful daughter that was born three months early with only 1 Lb 11 oz. She is our miracle baby and the best teacher we all have that perseverance paid off very good at the end. Both my kids are my inspiration to always move forward and enjoy life at its best.

What are some of your other favorite things, including your favorite comfort food?
Of course, Mexican Food!!!! But the real Mexican food not the tacos with lots of yellow cheese and sour cream. ‘-}

The authentic Mexican food takes me to my childhood and I am happy to feed my kids with the same foods I used to eat.

I loved the food that my husband makes too!!! He is from Argentina and makes amazing things that our kids enjoyed too.

Book: Right now I am reading, “Three cups of tea” by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin. This is for my personal reading ;-} I love to read anything but lately I have been buying a lot of technique and workshop books relate it to silversmithing, jewelry making, enameling, Precious Metal Clay, Resin, Mixed media jewelry and I am waiting for the first book about Bronzclay ;-}.

Color: I am a rainbow person. I Like all the colors of the rainbow ;-} and if they are bright better for me.

Other hobbies: I make Folk Art and metal embossed pieces.

Artist: Jamee Jones
Business name: Jonara Blu Maui
Location: Makawao, Hawaii

Websites & Blog:
http://www.jonarablumaui.com
http://jonarablu.etsy.com
http://www.jonarablumaui.blogspot.com/

How do you describe your work, Jamee?
Fresh and Funky with an island twist. I also create romantic, feminine beach bride jewelry that has a beachy-organic appeal.

Originally my sister Kimberlee Aihara partnered with me before she became a wedding photographer here on Maui and so Jonara is a mix of our last names: Jones and Aihara. Add the Blu to represent the blue ocean that surrounds us and we’ve got ourselves a cute little name for our jewelry business!

What is your creative process like?
I think creating is quite emotional for me..I really have to be in the mood to design my most favorite pieces that I’m extremely proud of. At times like that it’s usually late at night when I’m way over tired and I become inspired by color and the music on one of my playlists. I find putting together a piece to be sort of like a puzzle…finding the right balance between color and shape is very exhilarating and leads to more creative ideas. It often takes me from days to weeks to complete a piece as I come back and rearrange beads until it finally looks right to me.

When in that ‘design mode’ you will find bead containers stacked all around me and probably 20-30 different strands and little piles of single beads strewn across my beading area. I end up using not even half of them when I finally make a decision. Usually whilst in the middle of deciding on what looks best for one idea I had..I often get inspired by the beads themselves and stick aside my original idea for another time because the excitement from the new idea is begging to be done right then and there.

Of course being surrounded by such amazing beauty here on the island of Maui goes with out saying..it’s a constant inspiration that is always there for me to pull from. The many brightly colorful flowers are a big inspiration, the ocean and it’s sea life and especially beach weddings. They really inspire me and have allowed me the opportunity to create jewelry for many of Maui’s blushing brides as well as other beach brides around the world.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I started creating my first jewelry pieces when only 9 years old. I had this babysitter named Jenny who watched me and my brother on Monday nights while our mom and dad were at lamaz classes preparing for our little sister Kimberlee to arrive. Jenny would bring this shoe box over full of little bottles of beads and findings and she would teach me how to make necklaces. I was in heaven! At the end of the last day she watched us she gave me the whole box of beads! I still vividly remember the excitement I felt as the new owner of those tiny colorful candy-like wonders and I often pull that memory out when my hobby has started to feel a little too much like work.

And I am both happy and proud to say that is exactly what my hobby has become…my job! In 1996 I started working for a local Maui ceramic jewelry artist. Having taken many art classes and having the knack for painting, I picked up right away on how to paint intricate designs on ceramic beads for this artist. I was also trained how to string the very well made heavy jewelry designs that this artist sold in local galleries. Having learned a little about the business side of jewelry making and being constantly inspired with new ideas for my own line, in 2002 along with my sister Kimberlee (because of course I taught her all about beading as a kid), I branched out on my own, selling at local craft fairs. May of 2003 I launched my online shop through RubyLane and since then I have added my Etsy shop and have enjoyed becoming part of the Etsy community. My sister Kimberlee left the world of jewelry making a few years ago to pursue her very successful wedding photography business.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
I cannot imagine living without pearls…they really speak volumes of time and natural beauty and are a lovely reminder of the sea. My other favorite is Hill Tribe silver sea creature and ocean themed beads and charms.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Besides what I mentioned above..just remembering my original excitement for the craft and fascination of beads themselves..some of the other things that inspire me to keep going is seeing what others have created, hearing how much people enjoy my pieces, the friendship it’s brought me from meeting fellow beaders and getting to know special customers, and also the ability to help my family out financially. Sometimes when I need a real kick in the pants I look over my work and accomplishments as a reminder to what I am capable of.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Well I am kind of all over the place and have a hard time focusing when it comes to learning new things. So I would have to say take a class if you can..it helps you to focus. I collect tutorials and purchase videos and can’t seem to ever actually sit down and do it. A class has set a definite appointment for you to spend time on that new aspect of your craft..plus it’s fun and inspiring to spend a few hours w/ others interested in the same thing.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I would have to say my family and spending time with them. While creating it’s easy to bury myself in my studio and not come out for hours..but I have made it a point to always spend family time throughout the day. Family time is addicting..so I often find that I have to pull myself away from them to get back into beading mode again!

What are some of your other favorite things?
Comfort food: Chocolate…Dark…always gotta have dark chocolate! My favorite color believe it or not since I was 5 years old was black. I used to get teased in school about coloring w/ the black crayon and told that only boys liked that. I liked other colors too, but I liked the way black made the color look. I remember my kindergarten teacher showing my mom a picture I colored. We all had to color a star…my star was black with multiple colored flowers growing out of it and evidentally the teacher thought it was pretty nifty. Since then my tastes have changed and I can’t say I really have a favorite color…I love them all and how each one can have an effect on the other. One of my favorites to work with though is brown…I like to put it along with a bright color combination.

Artist: Puakea Soares-Mercado
Business Names: Jewelry by Reshell and Stone & Bone
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Websites:
http://www.jewelrybyreshell.etsy.com
http://www.stoneandbone.etsy.com
http://www.creativecaldron.etsy.com
Blogs:
http://www.blacklightningstudiogallery.blogspot.com
http://www.jewelrybyreshell.blogspot.com
http://www.stoneandbone.blogspot.com
http://www.galleriaoffineart.blogspot.com

How do you describe your work?
I have two shops that I passionately divide my time designing for. My first shop on Etsy.com is Jewelry by Reshell. I’d say it’s my more modern contemporary urban styled boutique. with a flare for old classic styles and trends, with a touch of my own modern twist.

My second shop is called Stone & Bone, which is a tribally styled native inspired collection, incorporating bits and pieces of traditional materials as well as spiritual symbolisms, and giving it an abstract, yet metaphoric modern twist to my ancestral lineage.

I first had only Jewelry by Reshell, as my main platform for exhibiting and selling my jewelry. But being the Gemini that I am, One was just not enough. Plus, because my style and range varies according to my moods, and materials that I’m in love with at the time, I just needed another venue to support my native work, that’s when my second shop Stone & Bone was born.

I chose to separate my jewelry styles so that my target audiences could have an easier time navigating through thousands of jewelry sites. Keeping it simple and easy to locate, is half the battle of selling on the web.

What kind of training did you have which helped you to achieve your current level of artistry?
I’m a self created artist on all disciplines that I love to do. I’ve been drawing, painting, and beading since I was 4 years old. I can’t imagine my life with out arts and crafts, all of them. I’m an addicted artist, no matter what the medium I’m working with. It consumes me. As far as being a professional and making a living off of what I do, I’ve sold my work from the start. I always wanted to be in business for myself, and art was and still is the vehicle to my success. My jewelry business on Etys.com has giving me more exposure and venues to reach farther, and has allowed me to make contacts with other professional in the field, that has helped me to grow even more.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Oh yes, I can’t imagine my work as a jewelry designer with out wire. I’m just crazy about all things wire. It’s the most amazing material to work with. My work has taken a whole new life since I’ve incorporated wire into my designs. I see it now as a means to create more structural pieces, where as before, I felt my work was limited and lifeless. Let me not forget, my most favorite tool of all is my ring mandrel, with out it there’s no way I could create My Chunky Dinner Ring Collection. Trust me when I say without it I would be lost.

What inspires you to create?
Ah, alas I’m an artist, it’s who I am. If I didn’t create, my life would cease to exist.. It’s in every thing I do. I know I sound so dramatic, but there’s never been a day that goes by that I don’t create some form of artwork. To me life it’s self is inspiration. I’m an artist, I can be no other.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
I’m not one to give advice, or seldom take it. Unless I truly feel it in my bones. But what I tell myself everyday is , “Girl, you’re very luck to be able to do what you do. Love it, live it, and most of all share it with whoever wishes to be apart of the process. That’s all that matters, the rest will take care of it’s self.” Life finds away to make it happen, and passion fuels the rest.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
My work does get stressful at times. But I’m the one putting the stress on myself. I’m my worst enemy or my greatest alley. I’ve learned to step back and let it be (the Beatles had it right), and it’s worked itself out every time.

What takes up the majority of your time?
My family, I’m a wife, a mom, and a grandma. I love my family all very much. But they know if I’m busy working on a project to give me my space. They know if I’m not doing me, which is my artwork, I’m not going to be able to be good for them. Because it’s been my work as an artist and designer that provides for my family, and they understand that.

In closing I just wanted to say, In loving who I am, my work has improved, finding my niche and following my heart has shown me that anything is possible. I have high standards for my work, but I also know that the moment doesn’t always turn out the way I envisioned. It’s turned out better. So do what you do and love every minute of what you do, and the rest will follow.

The work shown:
Free Bird Beaded Embroidered Choker: My Native American lineage inspired this women’s beaded choker, with back stitch applique. I used an array of diffrent sized beads, cabochons, and light beige ultra suede for it’s backing. This piece is light wight and fit’s small to medium women’s neck. Available @ Jewelry by Reshell

Spanish Moss Copper Wire Cuff Bracelet: This definitely one of a kind copper bracelet, was inspired by the play of wire and the diffrent gauges. I loved the way the colors and tones emphasized the different sizes, age, and depth as well as texture. The roughly cut stone was the perfect choice for the focal bead, lending just the right amount of color and flare to make this ornament pop. Fits women’s medium to large wrists, Available @ Stone and Bone on Etsy

Fortune Teller Carnelian and Copper Charm Choker: I love all things Gypsy related. This wonderful women’s choker is all things that a fortune teller would adorn herself with. I choose to use carnelian as the my faceted focal piece, for it’s healing and protection qualities, and copper as a means to hold and secure them together, copper is said to be the metal of the Goddess of Love Venus, the collection of charms range from hearts to pearls and so much more. I loved the idea of the colored silk ribbon to be it’s tie, so that this piece can be worn long or tight near the throat. One size fits all Available at Jewelry by Reshell on Etsy

Fine Silver Link, Pearl, and Crystal Earrings

Artist: Tammy Powley
Location: South Florida

Website & Blog:
About.com Jewelry Making
Crafty Princess Diaries

[Editor's note - As the Jewelry Making guide at About.com, Tammy provides many projects for her readers.  She has graciously chosen images to share with you for which there are instructions!!  The link is below each picture.  Thanks so much, Tammy!]

Tammy, how do you describe your work?
My jewelry designs are usually petite and practical. I like to make jewelry that I find comfortable to wear, and I’m too klutzy to wear anything overly large. While I don’t totally “diss,” trends, I lean more towards classic looks with a little added zing. I like to use all kinds of materials, but very often you’ll find beads mixed in some how, even if the piece is primarily made of metal.

Silver and Crystal Autism Adjustable Puzzle Necklace

What is your creative process like?
I normally work best when I have chunks of time, and I usually work when it’s quiet because I’m easily distracted. When I hear music, I tend to zone out and my mind goes elsewhere, so I find it hard to concentrate. I don’t necessarily sketch out every design I create, but I do keep sketch books around and when I don’t have time to try to make a prototype right away and I have ideas floating around, I will sketch them out so I can refer to them later when I have more time.

I have a range of processes for creating work. For example, sometimes I will design a project around a specific item, so I’ll pull various odds and ends and see what I think looks good with it. Other times I may have a specific need, such as a new pair of earrings for an outfit I want to wear, so I’ll purchase specific supplies for that design and go from there. If there is a holiday coming up, then I will focus on creating projects related to the holiday because those are usually very popular with my readers, and hey, they are fun to do too.

Queen of Hearts Metal Clay and Crystal Earrings

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I have taken a lot of classes in jewelry making, lapidary, sewing, wearable art, book-art – you name it. I like working with different media, so whenever I get a chance, I try to take a class of some kind. For me, the classroom is a good learning environment because I’m a million-questions kind of person. I like to have a teacher nearby so I can ask questions as they pop into my head (which obviously can require patience on the teacher’s part!) Even if I don’t have time for a class, though, getting together with friends who have similar interests and crafting together has also provided me with wonderful learning experiences.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
If I had to go with one jewelry tool, I think round-nosed pliers are just essential for me.

What inspires you to create?
Colors and textures – I think that’s one reason I like to often mix beads and fibers in with metal.

There is no Frigate like a Book

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
I really don’t ever have a time that I feel like giving up on crafting. Because my time is limited, I really look forward to my “play time. I also find it very inspiring to write and publish my designs. I have gotten some wonderful and supportive feedback from my readers, so that also makes me keep doing what I’m doing.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Never stop learning and educating yourself. Classes are great to take if you can, but if not, books, the Web, DVDs, rock clubs, and bead societies are good alternatives. I learn so much from other artists who share their expertise.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I’m an English teacher, so that means lots and lots and lots of papers to grade!

Raku Bead and Hemp Necklace Tutorial

What are your favorite other hobbies?
I like to do all kinds of crafts, but other than making jewelry, my crafty time is often spent dabbling with paper-art and crochet.

Crocheted doll outfit made for one of Jean Yate’s dolls

Strawberry and banana ring

Artist: Kerry Wilkinson
Business name: PennyDog Jewellery
Location: Leicestershire, UK

Website & Blog:
PennyDog
PennyDog blog

Kerry wrote a fabulous Artist Profile over on Layers Upon Layers a couple of weeks ago.  Although I posted her there as a mixed media artist, I thought you all would be interested in her work as well since it’s jewelry.  So here’s the link  

Artist Profile with Kerry Wilkinson 

Dichroic three hinge silver encased pendant with sterling silver curved tubes, Czech glass beads and sterling silver lobster claw clasp

Artist: Karen Leslie
Website:
The Jewelry Collection by Karen Leslie

Chunky Amethyst nugget beads with fancy Bali saucer beads and spacers with a fancy toggle clasp

Karen, how do you describe your work?
My designs consist of one of a kind and limited edition pieces. I pride myself on the ability to find individual, distinctive and truly unique components to incorporate into my designs to make a special creation. My designs are contemporary and timeless and can go with any outfit.

Lapis rectangle center stone with Lapis round beads and Bali spacers, sterling silver lobster claw clasp

What is your creative process like?
As far as my creative process, I choose my pieces because I like the different shapes of the stones, color, and texture. I don’t always have a specific design in mind when purchasing my components. It could be months later when something hits me. At that point, I will know exactly what I want to do with it.

I don’t sketch out my designs. I like to put everything on the board and let it evolve from there. I think its fun to play around with the different stones and try to balance all the components to compliment one another.

I usually have the TV on while I am working. Not necessarily listening to what is on but more for background noise. If not the TV, then I am listening to my iPod library of songs.

Sometimes I can work for hours at a time. It depends on what I am creating and what my deadlines are.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
My training consisted of someone giving me a “crash course” in basic jewelry making. In addition, I have taught myself various techniques and I am always looking to take classes, learn new things and advance in my skills.

Double strand multi color barrel bracelet with sterling silver hear clasp with Citrine stone in center of clasp

What inspires you to create?
I seem to gravitate more toward the colors of nature and everyday life. There are so many different things during the day that can inspire you. For example, just looking through magazines or even watching TV.

I also spend many hours searching, planning and designing for each “collection” piece. To find these pieces, I search for them from all corners of the world. I am always searching for that “special piece” to incorporate into my designs. To me, all of the above play an important part in what inspires me in designing.

What inspires you to keep going or when the work gets frustrating or tough?
When I hit a creative road block or get frustrated while working on a piece, I usually put it aside and start to work on something else. After a while, I go back to the piece that I have put aside and have a different prospective now to work on that piece. Sometimes just clearing my head from that design helps me a great deal.

Ruby Zoisite coin shaped beads with double sided Bali beads, sterling silver lobster claw clasp

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
The handcrafted jewelry business is extremely competitive. It takes a lot of work, time and determination. If you want to succeed, you have to be persistent. The creative aspect is only one side. The business side is also another area that is often overlooked and is an important aspect.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I have a teenage daughter who plays soccer in school and on a traveling team. We are busy with soccer year round which takes up a considerable amount of time. I try to set aside time for work and family and balance it as much as possible.

Sodalite chips and sterling silver double strand bracelet with fancy double strand clasp with a Sodalite stone in the center

What’s your favorite comfort food?
I have two favorite comfort foods, Cuban and Indian.

Turquoise rondelles with fancy Bali beads, fancy sterling silver front toggle

Paris Photo Necklace

Artist: Beth Cummings
Business Name: Diffraction
Location: Chicago, IL

Website: Diffraction

[Editor's note ~ Beth was a recent supplier of a jewelry prize package for Blogtoberfest. I was so jealous of the winner!  Beth has made a very special offer to all readers of J&B...if you tell her you read about her on this blog, she is offering you free shipping on any order from now through the holidays.  Just tell her in the "Notes to the Seller" box, and she will refund any shipping charges!]

Ivy Stud Earrings

Beth, how do you describe your work?
I’ve always been a photographer, and one day I had this epiphany that I needed to combine my photography with jewelry in order to create some really bold, modern and graphic pieces. Basically the kind of stuff I like to wear. All the images that appear in my jewelry are my original photographs that I transfer to thick plastic and hand cut, shape and wire. When first creating the line I wanted a name that would reflect the uniqueness of the original photography while still sounding modern and intriguing. Thus, Diffraction was born!

Sliced Earrings

What is your creative process like?
Well this is really a two part question for me. The photography aspect of it happens in chunks, my husband and I will go on roadtrips, trips abroad or sometimes just to our local farmers market and I’ll capture things that inspire me.

New product lines tend to be epiphanies, I’ll be walking down the street and think I HAVE to make nightlights with my photos (coming soon!). I have to keep an ideas journal with me at all times because I really have a horrendous memory. So new products come flipping back through my journal and creating.

Wine Charms

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Besides my camera it’d have to be needle nose pliers. They are just indispensable for all sorts of details and wiring. Not terribly exciting, but necessary!

What inspires you to create?
The world around me! I love looking at the details of ordinary objects, up close and personal. Playing with angles and looking at things in a whole new way, which you’ll see in a lot of my pieces. We see so much ugliness in the world through the eyes of the media. I want to give an alternate look, a look of beauty.

Zesty Stud Earrings

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Chocolate! Well, that and I have a wonderful support system of family and friends who encourage and believe in me. It’s so helpful to have artistic and crafty people around you who are going through the same things.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Stay true to yourself and your aesthetic. I see so many people trying to follow what’s “hot” and it tends to make for a lot of similar work out there. And don’t sell anything that you are not proud of, ever. You are nothing without your reputation as an artist.

Plumage Earrings

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I absolutely love to cook! Having friends over with some good food, fun conversation, and a great bottle of wine. There is no better way to relax.

Roadside America Earrings

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Sushi, sushi, sushi. I’m pretty sure I could eat it just about every day, you know, if it wasn’t so expensive. When my husband and I met he hated sushi. I told him that just wouldn’t work for me. Slowly but surely I’ve gotten him to expand his love of raw fish. It’s been a pet project, and now he loves his tuna and cream cheese rolls. If only I could get him to try some eel!

Artist: Phaedra A. Torres
Business name: Lluvia Designs
Location: at a bead show, preferably, but in West Covina, CA when not.

Website:
Lluvia Designs

Phaedra, how do you describe your work?
I usually like to say that I specialize in “unwearable” jewelry. Mostly because it’s the easiest way to describe it, and partially because I just like to see people’s reactions to that. When I tell people I make jewelry, I usually add the disclaimer of “but not normal jewelry” because I can see the pictures forming in their heads of the jewelry they think I make. If I don’t steer them away from that image, they usually don’t know what to say when they actually see some of the junky crazy stuff I make. I spare us both the pain.

Lluvia Designs was born because I always liked the name and decided that if I had children, one would be named Lluvia, which means “rain” in Spanish. Well, I decided not to have real & human kids, so the name was adopted by my jewelry.

What is your creative process like?
I sometimes have an idea for a piece of jewelry rattling around in my head, but mostly I just pull out beads and they magically arrange themselves. I’m not that disciplined and very rarely plan and sketch out an idea. I grew up in a loud family and am loud myself, but strangely, when I’m being creative I like silence, so I usually don’t play music. I like working at night while everyone else is sleeping, and I talk to my dog (and myself) about what I’m making.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I really haven’t had any formal training, mostly informal “on the job” training! I’m not a very good student, unable to sit still in jewelry classes for long periods of time, so I’ve mostly learned by myself, and by trial and error.

I remember making jewelry “to sell” and I felt very much under pressure, always wondering if it would sell, would people like it, is it fashionable right now, etc. A little over 4 years ago I took a big risk and quit my comfy, familiar full time job, traded it for a part time job and began making jewelry full time. I knew I had to stand out, so I challenged myself, and I saw my jewelry morph into what it is today. I stopped making jewelry “to sell” and started making jewelry that came naturally from me.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Beads, of course! I use a lot of suede lace, so I’d be hurting without it. If I couldn’t fish through my boxes and boxes of found items, collected over the years or handed over from my mom, I would seriously be hurting…like “I need a margarita” hurting.

What inspires you to create?
I can’t pinpoint what inspires me to create, only that something leads me to my workspace in my garage and holds me captive there for hours on end. I’m very drawn to things I find in the street. I love to look on the side of the road for discarded gems. A simple bottle cap will inspire me and a necklace will be born around it.

I still remember what initially inspired me to make jewelry. When I was about 15 years old, my mom, who makes quilts and other sewn objects, had a booth at a small craft fair – and I was recruited to help her. There was a girl in the booth next to us selling jewelry and my mom bought me two pairs of earrings. After taking them home and inspecting them, I decided I could do it myself. And the rest is history.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
The beaded jewelry business can be tough, because there are so many of us out there. I focus on what pleases me. It’s very selfish, I know, but it works.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Challenge yourself. Take a step back, look at your work, does it “wow” you. Are you amazed? Forget about what you think will sell or please the masses, challenge yourself to make something above that, something that takes your breath away, something that you can’t stop looking at, something that you are truly EXCITED about, something that doesn’t let you sleep at night. Use materials that you wouldn’t normally use. Sometimes we buy materials and supplies we’re familiar with and it leads to the same types of designs over and over. It wasn’t until I stepped away from certain items I used over and over again that I was able to really experiment and develop my style.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I’m lucky that I only work part time right now, it leaves plenty of time to wander the world. I work in my garden, take my dog on hikes and walks, and travel. I took a 3 week trip to the Yucatan with my sisters this past summer. I always read voraciously and I like to grill things.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
I love traditional homemade Mexican food (believe me, it’s not the stuff you’re eating in restaurants!). There’s an Indian place I crave on a regular basis, which requires a drive through L.A. traffic, but so worth it. I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many great Asian restaurants here, so I have my choice of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, etc.

I love my job, my dog, my tortoise, my family, public transportation, and playing with clay.

The Harvest
Piece for Bead Dreams

Artist: Jama Watts
Business name: These Precious Things
Location: Lebanon, KY

Websites & Blogs:
Jama Watts
These Precious Things
These Precious Things etsy shop
Jama Watts blog

How do you describe your work, Jama?
My work is very much a reflection of what I’m into at the moment that I make the piece. I’m very ADD when it comes to my craft, learning new techniques constantly and playing with the results. I guess you could call it contemporary tradition! I do everything from pieces that look vintage to incorporating computer parts into my pieces.

As for my business name, I’m a HUGE Tori Amos fan and she has a song called “Precious Things.” It just seemed to fit!

What is your creative process like?
My creative process is all over the place! Sometimes I’ll order beads based on projects I want to do which may or may not start with a sketch. More often than not, I’ll order beads that I find interesting and will end up with a hodge podge of stuff. I tend to lay things out and see what appeals to me at the time. Or, if there’s a new technique I want to try, I’ll raid the bead stash and see what I think will work.

Seal Breastplate
Piece for the Maker’s Mark

There are pieces that require ALOT of time and I usually do those in little spurts of time. I just completed two pieces for a show called “The Mark of Great Art” sponsored by Maker’s Mark. One piece was a RAW Swarovski cuff, the other a large breastpiece comprised of silver clay, wax, Swarovski and seed beads with embroidery and stringing. That particular piece came very close to being hurled across the room on several locations. That particular piece had a deadline and will go on tour, which drove me to complete it.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
My degree is in art with an emphasis in art history. I’ve been painting and sculpting since I was little and decided to pursue that as I got older. I’ve never actually taken a jewelry class, but have read lots and lots of magazines and books. 6 years ago, my OB/GYN kicked me out of my studio when I was pregnant, even though I ranted & raved that I worked with acrylics and there weren’t any fumes. I needed something to keep me busy for the next 9 months and that’s when I discovered beading. I started with stringing, learning stitches, worked my way through silver clay, wire, bead embroidery and just can’t stop!

When my daughter was one, I opened up a gallery, selling my artwork jewelry and the work of other local artists. I’ve now been in business for a little over 4 years, spending my days beading at my desk or working on marketing.

I think my background in fine art has a lot to do with the fact that I like experimenting with different techniques, color combinations and materials. I don’t seem to have a filter or anything that tells me that I can’t combine one item with another. It leads to lots of “happy accidents,” as Bob Ross would say.

The Desert Meets the Sea
Piece for Fire Mountain Gems contest

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
My round nose pliers - I’ll never forget when I finally splurged for a good pair!

What inspires you to create?
I almost always have music or something going in the background. If I’m at work, my iPod is on constantly. At home, I might have music or a movie on. Music is a big muse for me, as is the art world. A song or painting might move me to create something. And if I could, I’d bead all day (which I’ve been known to do on weekends!). I tend to bead any time I can fit it in, but I really like to sit and bead for hours, if I can.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
If I’m not creating, I’m going crazy. If I’m not beading or designing jewelry, I’m at least painting, sketching or playing in PhotoShop. I learned a long time ago that I have to keep going. If I get stuck on a piece or frustrated with it, I put it down and work on something else. I’m still creating, but I know myself and that I need to step away for a breather. Else, I’m not a person you want to be around!

Green Eye

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If there’s a technique you want to try or materials you want to combine and people tell you that you can’t, prove them wrong! Or find out for yourself that it can’t be done one way, but can be done another. I tried peyote cab bezels and was never pleased with my results. Then, I bought Jamie Cloud Eakin’s book “Beading with Cabochons” and discovered a whole new way of setting cabs in beads. Voila! But, I also know that I’ll try tackling that peyote bezel again, because I won’t let the beads win! I’m too stubborn!

I think one of the biggest changes was when I decided (maybe to my demise) that I’d rather create wearable art than focus on what I think will be a big seller. It gave me the freedom to let myself go and create pieces that represented me as a whole, not just aspects of myself. Those pieces are little fragments of Jama.

Got Data?

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
Oh my… I’ve got a 5 year-old in split K/1 who just started playing soccer, I run the gallery, do around 10 festivals a year, am president of our arts & humanities council, president of our main street committee and am involved with several other organizations within the community. I live in a great little town that’s coming into its own and I want to see it thrive and prosper, not just for myself, but for my daughter and the generations to come. I like to go go go!

What’s your favorite comfort food and other favorite things?
I’m a mac & cheese a-holic, but if it’s something that I make all the time, it’d be nachos with lots and lots of guacamole! I’m also a huge Harry Potter fan, both of the books and the movies and music means the world to me. I’m constantly trying to discover new artists and going to concerts. I’ll be dead broke but I’ll find some way to make it to a show!

Apple (2001)

Artist: Amy Clarke Moore
Location: Lakewood, Colorado

Website & Blog:
Amy Clarke Moore
Six Swans Flying blog

Hannah in Helen’s Hands (in progress)

Amy, how do you describe your work?
I describe my work as bead embroidery. In greater detail, it is bead embroidery using size 15 Japanese seed beads.

What is your creative process like?
New pieces percolate constantly in the back of my mind. They pop up unexpectedly and I try to jot them down while they are fresh. I keep notebooks and sketchbooks handy for that reason—but I also rely on my camera to help me capture ideas (since I start with a photograph that I’ve taken). Some ideas are harder to capture in a photograph than others.

Light of Mine (2003)

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry? I grew up in a nurturing environment where creativity was encouraged. My mom—a watercolor artist—rather than sitting us down in front of a TV, put crayons, paints, and clay in front of us. As a result, my brother is an artist (working in watercolor, oil, and acrylics), my sister is a photographer, and I am into everything fibery—from spinning, knitting, weaving, and felting, to embroidery and beads. I studied art and fibers at Cornell College (under bead artist Mimi Holmes) as an undergraduate, and earned my MFA in fibers from Colorado State University under the embroiderer, Tom Lundberg.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
I rarely leave home (even to go to work) without my bead case.

Tell Tale Apple (2003)

What inspires you to create?
Fairytales, mythology, children’s stories and books I’ve read generate most of the fodder for my work. I love stories that resonate throughout generations and across cultural divides.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Beadwork is what I do to relax—it is what gets me through days that are frustrating and tough. If I’m struggling with a piece, I set it aside and start another one. I let my subconscious work on the troublesome piece—and usually work it out while I’m sleeping.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry? Make things that please you. It is really easy to get caught up in trying to make things that other people will like—but if you can make things that make you happy, then that happiness and contentment will show in your work.

Heidi’s Iris (2005)

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I’m a full-time working mother (and wife)—so there’s always a lot to do. My husband and I have a three-year-old daughter who is an amazing source of inspiration and so much fun. She’s already learning how to bead. During the day, I’m the editor of Spin-Off magazine published by Interweave Press. I love my job.

What’s your favorite book?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and all seven of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.