Meet the Artist: Peg of AbacusBeadCreations Interviewed by JPwithLove | ||
Today we have with us Peg of AbacusBeadCreations (ABC) who designs gorgeous gemstone jewelry inspired by nature. I am sure every lady would love to own at least a piece of Abacus Bead Creations as an essential accessory. So let's do away with all the formalities and jump right into mind of the artist! | ||
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ISD | Tell us something about your jewelry and materials you like to use? | |
ABC | The elements I like to use in my jewelry are natural gemstones, shells from the sea like paua and mother of pearl, and Swarovski crystals. Gemstones are my favorite because of the range of colors that can be found and the earthy feel it gives to my pieces. | |
ISD | When and why you started creating jewelry? | |
ABC | My sister got me started with a gift certificate to a craft shop. When I went there to spend it I couldn’t find anything I wanted and then I found a small section of beads and wire. This was before the jewelry making craze had really started – about 10 years ago. Well, I now have an entire room of my house crammed full of beads! | |
ISD | When you create a piece what part of the process is your favorite? Designing, assembling, searching for parts and purchasing beads... | |
ABC | Ooo, that’s a tough question. A lot depends on my mood. When I have a lot of design ideas floating around in my head then I sit at my bead board and lay out designs for new pieces. I have three bead boards with multiple rows on each one so I can have several projects going at the same time. If the creative juices aren’t flowing and I feel the urge to bead then I stock up some of my best selling items like my multistrand seed bead necklaces. These take hours to make, but I enjoy the way these repetitive patterns calm my soul. And then there are days when I’m just not in the groove. That’s when I go bead hunting all over the internet looking for gemstones in fresh colors and shapes to inspire new creations. I must have a lot of those kind of days judging by the piles of beads I’ve got! | Blue Jasper Brown and Cream Multi-Strand Necklace |
ISD | What does handmade mean to you? | |
ABC | Creating a handmade gift for someone is like sharing a part of you with them. It’s not something you went to a store and bought. It’s something that didn’t exist until you created it. It means so much more. Giving a gift of a handmade item is like that too. It means you took the extra time to find something handmade that fits that person’s personality. It also shows your admiration for the artist who created a wonderful new piece of art. | Southwestern Jewelry Earrings in Teal Blue Gold Brass Patina |
ISD | What is your is your inspiration? | |
ABC | My inspiration is nature. I use a lot of green, brown, and earthy tones in my work. I also use sea shells and mother of pearl. I guess it helps me to commune with nature when I am stuck inside my house instead of being outside in the woods or on the lake where I’d rather be. | |
ISD | What do you like to do at your free time? | |
ABC | The town where I grew up is a beautiful place on Lake Michigan. There are miles of sandy beaches and state parks to explore. I was lucky to spend a lot of time sailing all around these pristine waters. There are fun things to do year-round in northern Michigan - camping and hiking through the woods picking mushrooms or berries or whatever is in season, ice fishing and cross country skiing in the winter. It’s a fantastic place to live! | |
ISD | Can you recommend us nice book? | |
ABC | Reading is how I wind down at the end of the day. I get in my favorite chair and settle in with my blanket, a cup of cocoa and a good book. Usually my kitty makes herself a spot and cuddles up with me. My favorite genre is fantasy. I love the mystical world of sorcerers, imaginary lands, and the never ending battle between good and evil. Some of my favorite fantasy authors are Robert Jordan, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., Terry Goodkind, and George R. R. Martin. | |
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Peg is currently hosting a giveaway on ISD blog – be sure to enter to stand a chance to win her gorgeous Multistrand gemstone Bracelet! Visit AbacusBeadCreations shop and explore her newest jewelry designs, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and blog to be updated of Peg's latest designs! _________ Pin It |
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Gorgeous pieces! What a talented artist!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about this talented artist
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear the voice behind the beautiful jewelry!
ReplyDeleteAnother Game of Thrones fan! Who's your favorite character?
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview! Your lifestyle matches your art/jewelry perfectly.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read about Peg and her gorgeous jewelry and especially about her creative process, lovely interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing :)