FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SUNDOWN BEAD DESIGNS

Silent Waves - Blue Artisan Boro Lampwork,

Thai, and Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet

by Shelby

Shelby of SUNDOWN BEAD DESIGNS on Etsy has some very exquisite jewelry designs. I love her use of lampwork beads with silver wire wrapping! It makes for some very original and beautiful creations!

Be sure to pay SUNDOWN BEAD DESIGNS a visit. First, let's learn a bit more about Shelby and how she became a jewelry artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I have alway been crafty, even when I was very young. I have dabbled in lots of different crafts. So this being said, when we were on vacation I wondered into a bead shop. Seeing all the strands of beads and supplies peaked my interest. I was very curious about how to bead. So, I purchased some magazines at that shop and purchase some supplies once I got back home. The rest is history. I started stringing exculsively, and gradually started experimenting with wire. Now I concentrate mostly on wirework projects. That's what I love.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

While I enjoyed stringing, there were certain aspects of it that I did not like, such as finishing (crimping). I would leave projects unfinished because of the dreadful crimping. I preferred the look of wire jewelry. I really enjoy being able to create a wearable piece of art by manipulating and bending the wire.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

For me, my craft is very theraputic. I craft mostly in the evening, after my children have gone to bed. Hence the name "Sundown." I can sit undisturbed, and either have quiet time or listen to my ipod, while I design a unique piece of jewelry. Of course, each new piece of jewelry is my fav, that is until I create a new piece.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Cherries, because I think a bowl of cherries is beautiful to look at, and they are yummy!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

That's a hard question...I enjoy doing a lot of other crafting, but I would say that my next favorite craft would have to be knitting, because that is something that I am trying to learn now. And I have a scarf fettish...so now maybe I can make my own.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

May it always be enjoyable. Occasionally I do get burned out when I am forced to turn out a lot of jewelry (when I'm getting ready for a show), so I take a break. But I always come back because for me, working with wire is just like curling up with a good book.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Have fun and aim for the stars!!

Shelby, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and your wonderful creations with everyone! Your work certainly reflects that you "love" what you do!

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