Interview with BeadingGem

 

 

This weeks interview is with Pearl from http://Beadinggem.com in Canada.

 1.  How long have you had a website/blog?

 I started my blog in January 2007. It sort of grew to encompass two other hub pages – my squidoo site on coloured gemstones called Gemstone Place Names (2008) and more recently in 2009, Jewelry Making Tips both of which group several of my past blog posts in different and fun ways.

 2. How did you get into jewellery making, as a business/hobby and how long have you been doing it?

 I had always wanted to learn to make my own jewelry. Whilst on holiday in Florida several years ago, I was introduced to the craft at an informal craft session. I was immediately hooked. Jewelry making soon became an important way for me to express my creativity – the other is blogging. About five years ago, I decided to start my own small business teaching jewelry making through beading parties and workshops. How else could I feed my bead addiction?

 3. Who are your favourite online jewellery designers?

I have so many favourites it’ll be difficult to list them all! They all share one important trait – they are the kind of jewelry artisans who approach the craft in truly innovative ways. They stand out above the crowd and INSPIRE.

4. What is your favourite medium to work with?

I like working with wire – all sorts of metals although when I first started, I did a lot more bead work.

5. Are you self taught or have you studied jewellery making professionally?

I am largely self taught.

6. What has been your favourite creation?

My favourite creation is the one I just did! The excitement of completing a new design usually makes that piece special…..until I create a new one!

7. What site do you use for selling your products on?

So far, all my sales have been local, at my own bead parties and at craft shows. A few friends and I have banded together and formed the Bead Sisterhood. We have had a number of local showings over the past year. We are in the midst of creating our own website.

8. What type of jewellery do you make?

I love making earrings. I never tire of them as there are so many ways to make them fun and unique. I also make bracelets and necklaces. Wire work, chain maille and bead work are the techniques I am most interested in.

9. Do you belong to any online jewellery making groups or forums?

I do lurk around in several places but the two I belong to and visit as much as possible are Jewelrygeeks.com, a social site of like minded people as well as About.com Jewelry Making Forum.

10. Which is your favourite jewellery making website/blog?

I enjoy reading many blogs and am an avid follower of many of them. The full list can be viewed on the Blog List in the left side bar of my blog.