1) Tell us about your work and what drew you to it.
My mom was AMAZING when it came to crochet, and had a box full of State Fair ribbons, including Best in Show, and drawers FULL of the widest variety of superbly handcrafted doilies and table cloths. Watching her turn spools of plain beige thread into these beautiful works of art made me want to learn to crochet. Chunky vibrant yarn, a fat crochet hook and one easy-peasy granny square pattern kept me entertained for decades until the desire to master thread crochet became too strong to ignore. Shortly thereafter I saw a wire-crocheted bracelet on the cover of Bead & Button magazine and was drawn to it like a moth to a flame! Not only did I learn how to crochet with beads and wire from that magazine, but I also learned how to make jewelry in general and about the endless creative possibilities of beads, wire and fiber. Bead Lola Bead was created in response to my need to bead, my passion for creating sparkly, shiny, woven and beaded treasures, and my need to do something with all this stuff I can’t stop making!
2) What is most enjoyable about your work?
Playing with beads! I love mixing, matching, embellishing and combining beads and components in new and unexpected ways. There’s never a question as to what I am doing when I’m beading because beads are EVERYWHERE! I’m talking finger-paint messy, gotta-see-every-possible-color-combination, where-the-heck-are-we-going-to-have-dinner-tonight kind of EVERYWHERE! It truly is a lot of fun!
3) What is your biggest challenge?
Staying focused. I have so many ideas swirling around in my head and written on little pieces of paper that it’s sometimes hard to finish or follow through on one project idea before yearning to start another. I need to figure out how to channel my creative energy and ideas more effectively and efficiently.
4) How are you inspired?
My greatest inspiration comes from custom orders and contests. There’s something about parameters set by others that drives my creativity in a very unique way. Being asked to use certain metals, stones, colors, shapes, sizes, and beading techniques in instances and quantities that I normally would not use, forces me to look and use the particular elements in ways I may not have otherwise thought of.
5) Apart from creating, what do you enjoy/what are you passionate about?
Family, friends, love, laughter, joy, freedom, the breathtaking colors of Autumn, the LAST snowfall of the year, mourning doves, angels, photographs, memories, hugs, coffee, television, music, frozen custard, lemons, sparkly things, “craft days,” Panera breakfasts, my husband’s cooking, my kids singing, bead stores, book stores . . . shall I keep going?
6) What is something you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet?
Polymer clay! But until I get my little focus issue under control, that medium will have to wait.
7) What is your most cherished handmade item?
I am blessed to have so many creative people in my life that I simply cannot pick one item that I cherish more over another. Each item is adored and treasured not only for its uniqueness but also for the love and memories each piece elicits. Just last week I received new handmade treasures for my birthday: a Christmas plate, painted notebook, earrings and crocheted heart pillow. I mean how can I pick a favorite when they’re all made and given with love? I can’t . . .
8) Tell us your top five!
Music: Nickelback, Daughtry, Black Eyed Peas, Pink, Creed
Books: I’m addicted to self-improvement books and every form of craft magazine out there.
Websites: Facebook, Twitter, Beading Daily, Artbeads.com and Oprah
9) Besides Etsy, where can your work be found?
On the lobes, necks, wrists and digits of family, friends and customers; in the
2008 issue of Bead Star magazine (seed bead category, p. 51); and on my website.
10) Do you have any current or ongoing specials?
Purchase an item from my Etsy shop between now and the end of November, and receive a free gift! Simply mention this shop feature in the “note-to-seller” section, and an extra special something will be included with your order.
Posts
