Cristi, how did you get started making jewelry?

About 15 years ago, after moving back to my hometown, I stumbled across a very benign little bead shop one day called The Bead Tree. The owner actually had a tree in the shop that she hung the bead strands on. I bought a few ceramic beads and seed beads, some nylon coated wire and a few tools. It's been happy beading ever since!

 

Do you work in other media?

Yes, I quilt and I also do mixed media art. I use all types of paper, ephemera and paints to create collages on canvas and in art journals.

What inspired you most in the past month? 

My biggest inspiration comes from the art beads that I purchase from artists on Etsy. Most of the time it's their color or combination of colors that spark an idea.

 

Do you start with the materials and let the piece take shape or do you start with an idea and then begin searching for materials?

I definitely start with the materials. 9 times out of 10 I choose my focal bead or element, then decide whether I want to use antique brass, sterling silver or gunmetal findings. From there I choose coordinating czech glass or even ceramic beads. Then I decide on how to finish the piece with chain, ribbon or cording of some type.

If you could add one new skill or tool to your jewelry making repertoire, what would it be and why?

More metalsmithing! I dabbled in some basic metalsmithing this past year and just love it. I've got all the tools, the workspace and supplies I need for it...now to find the time to do it.

Which of pieces you are sharing is your favorite?

My favorite piece would be the "Fly" necklace. It includes my very first piece of hand cut and stamped copper. When I made this piece I had just purchased my first jeweler's saw and some copper sheet and couldn't wait to get to work. It was hard to part with it once it sold, but it was purchased by a friend who is an artist and fellow blogger who absolutely adores the piece.

Which is the one tool you could not manage without?

That would be my round nose pliers. They hold things, they can crimp and they are essential in all my wire wrapping.

Who are some of your favorite jewelry artists?

Andrew and Cynthia Thornton of Green Girl Studios and Nina Bagley are my favorites.

I am a wife and stay-at-home mom of 2 boys, ages 5 and 3. I was a graphic designer for 20 years prior to starting our family 5 years ago. In the Fall of 2009 three of my jewelry designs were published in the Fall 2009 issue of Stringing Magazine as well as the Best of Stringing. Just recently I was approached by the Editor of Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry to submit 5 of my designs for publication in 2011. I love any and all things creative. 2011 is going to be a year of growth for me. I am looking forward to learning new techniques, growing my metalsmithing repetoire and having my jewelry in some new publications for all to enjoy!

Contact Information:

www.2ifbysea.etsy.com
www.2ifbysea-cristi.blogspot.com
email: 2ifbysea1067@bellsouth.net