Artist Profile: Summer Brights Contest Winner - Katherine Vargas Zárate

Summer Elements by Katherine Vargas Zárate

We are very pleased to share the international winner of our "Summer Brights" contest, Katherine Vargas Zárate. Katherine's Summer Elements necklace features bright and colorful wire wrapping with Czech crystal accents.

We asked Katherine to tell us a little bit more about herself and her work so that we could share it with our readers.


Tell us about yourself:

Being the daughter of a realist painter, art in various forms always was part of my life. Arts and crafts always had naturally been a great part of our family, so it was not unusual for me to make a living in the artistic medium of jewelry. I am happily married to my ultimate fan, and my husband and I worked very hard to get the project called Sófika Accessorios into business.

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

Out of necessity. We have three girls and one has special needs, so I had to quit work outside the home to care for her personally. We needed extra income, so after trying several types of crafts, I came to the jewelry and loved it, went from being a job to a passion ... again found a love of my life. I've learned entirely from observation but I feel that over the months I have mastered it quite well.

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

I love working with artistic wire and aluminum, the art of wrapping is my favorite. Although I like the fine crystals and semi-precious stones, I prefer to create unique pieces in resin.

Who or what inspires your creative process?

The material itself - I love to see a box with new materials, the box brings not only new materials, but with them hundreds of new ideas and designs

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work?

My online store is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SofikaAccesorios

Currently, my work is shown only online or by exhibitions here in Costa Rica.

Congratulations again Katherine, and thank you for sharing you work with us. We wish you all the best in your future creative pursuits.

Artist Profile: Summer Brights Contest Winner - Aurelio Castaño

Caribbean Sunset by Aurelio Castaño

We are very pleased to share the US winner of our "Summer Brights" contest, Aurelio Castaño. Aurelio's Caribbean Sunset bracelet uses seed beads woven into an intricate bangle bracelet in bold summertime colors.

We asked Aurelio to tell us a little bit more about himself and his work so that we could share it with our readers.


Tell us about yourself:

My name is Aurelio Castaño, I was born in Colombia, South America. I moved to the US in 1994. My life literally revolves around beads and Mechas, my shih-tzu. Even though I have silversmith formal training, it is my bead work that is so fortunate to count with so many fans around the world.

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

My Art/Jewelry work started in metal more than a decade ago, but I craved the bright colors of my Latino heritage. Beads gave me that palette and allowed me to create even more sculptural, wearable designs.

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

I don’t have favorite materials per say, I use whatever catches my attention, I am a big fan of thinking outside the box.

Who or what inspires your creative process?

I find great inspiration in the form, color and texture that 'Nature' offers. That is who and what inspires me.

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work?

www.aureliocastano.com
www.facebook.com/Aurelio.clau
www.etsy.com/people/clauart

Mamaroneck Artist Guild
126 Larchmont Ave.
Larchmont, NY 10538

Congratulations again Aurelio, and thank you for sharing you work with us. We wish you all the best in your future creative pursuits.

Beading Contest: Summer Brights Winners!

Another beading contest has come to an end and we have three winners to announce!

Caribbean Sunset by Aurelio Castaño

Aurelio Castaño was voted the #1 entry for the United States for his bracelet, "Caribbean Sunset." His design uses seed beads woven into an intricate bangle bracelet in bold summertime colors.

Summer Elements by Katherine Vargas Zárate

Katherine Vargas Zárate was voted the #1 international entry for her "Summer Elements" necklace. This piece features bright and colorful wire wrapping with Czech crystal accents.

Aurelio and Katherine have each won a $100 Beadaholique gift certificate. Artist profiles on Aurelio and Katherine will be posted here on our blog soon, so be sure to check back and find out more about these talented designers.

Inka Owl Summertime by Ulrike Günther

Our Editor's Pick, and the winner of a $50 Beadaholique gift certificate, is Ulrike Günther for her entry "Inka Owl Summertime Bracelet." We love her color choices and the pretty beadwork.

Congratulations to all of our winners! Our next contest will be announced in the July issue of The Beading Wire, and we cannot wait to see all of your beautiful creations.

Summer Brights Contest Finalists

The 10 finalists for our beading contest "Summer Brights" are in and it's up to you to decide the winners! See each entry and cast your votes on our Facebook page. Simply "like" your favorite entry—or entries—to cast your vote. The entry with the most likes from the United States and the entry with the most likes from abroad will each win a $100 Beadaholique gift certificate!
Entries are numbered in alphabetical order. Voting ends Wednesday, June 18th, at 4PM PT.

Hair Clip "Summer Brights" - Oksana Bykova

"Caribbean Sunset" - Aurelio Castaño

"My Summer Garden" - Sara Dellachà

"Inka Owl Summertime Bracelet" - Ulrike Günther

"Circus Wrap Bracelet" - Tracey Laird-Bray

"Monarch Butterfly" - Karen Parker

"Beach Ball Bracelet" - Cherie Plaideau

"Electric Bright Colorful Pendant Necklace" - Melissa Polomsky

 "Ocean Breeze Necklace" - Vanessa Suen

"Summer Elements Necklace" - Katherine Vargas Zárate

We received a great response to our contest this time around, thanks for sharing! The next contest will be announced in the July issue of The Beading Wire, so be sure to stay tuned. 

Artist Profile: Green Contest Winner - Christine Wentzel

We are very pleased to share the US winner of our "Green" contest, Christine Wentzel. Christine's lampwork and Czech glass beads woven bracelet, "Emerald City" uses a gold tone expansion band with onto the band using stainless steel wire. It is a beautifully ornate piece!

We asked Christine to tell us a little bit more about herself and her work so that we could share it with our readers.

 Tell us about yourself:

I am married to a great guy for 28 years who doesn’t complain when sliding on runaway beads and when bling creations take precedence over everything else. I reside in the beautiful commonwealth of Virginia where the ocean is just a few clicks to my right and the mountains a few more to my left. I am blessed to work from home as a writer for A WORD for Women, the creator/owner of BLING! by christine, and a dabbler in many crafty tasks.

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

Because of a life-long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, I was given the challenge to stop a 9-5 career and see what a life-time of playing with arts and crafts could net me from home. I no longer could afford to buy jewelry on a whim so decided to make my own. Thanks to the ease of Internet and boutique shopping it’s been an almost-painless transition from hobbying to selling.

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

I enjoy beads—gemstones, crystals, glass, wood/seed, acrylics and hand-made. In the case of this contest winner, Emerald City, I was intrigued by the expansion band, but wanted it to be more than a simple cha-cha style. After many, many, many hours of trial and error this version became the foundation for my original line of bling over 15 years ago. It’s remained a unique design.

Who or what inspires your creative process?

For me the material usually inspires the design. Sometimes a specific jewelry need inspires the design as well as commissioned projects. Custom orders are my all-time favorite design challenges. Handing over the finished “baby” is nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work? 

You can find BLING! by christine at www.blingbychristine.etsy.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.


Congratulations again Christine, and thank you for sharing you work with us. We wish you all the best in your future creative pursuits.

Artist Profile: International Winner Chain Contest - Katie Belcher

The international winner of our Chain contest comes from the United Kingdom. Katie Belcher won with her Chainmaille Cross Necklace. This necklace shows a neat application of the chainmaille jump rings to make a cross shape.

Tell us about yourself:

I am a wife and mother of two beautiful children, Finlay and Seanna. By day, I am a part time Math teacher. I've been teaching for over 10 years now. As well as being passionate about teaching, I love to be creative. I'm always looking out for some crafting project, whether it be learning new skills in jewelery making or creating cards to give to family. I love the challenge of creating personalized pieces, and knowing that each one is individual and specially made for one person. I am lucky to have such a supportive family who always encourages me to follow my dreams and do what makes me happy.

Katie Belcher

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

A couple of years ago, I wanted a piece of jewelery to go with a maxi dress that I'd bought for the summer and I just couldn't find the right thing. So I thought I'd make something instead! I bought some beads and findings and created a necklace and bracelet that was perfect for my outfit. I got many positive comments about them, as well as a few requests to make gifts for friends and family.



 
What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

At the moment, I am loving using hand stamps to stamp onto various metals. I love its random, organic look as opposed to a precise or machine made look; it's this that makes it unique and beautiful.

Who or what inspires your creative process?

I wouldn't say I have anyone in particular that inspires me but I find beads that I love and make something inspired by them, whether it be based on colour, shape or style.

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work?

I am on facebook: Beatificjewellry
My website: www.beatificjewellery.co.uk


Thank you to Katie and all of our entrants for sharing your designs with us. We love seeing what you all can create. Best of luck in your creative ventures!

Artist Profile: Chain Contest Winner - Janine Gerade

"Copper Multi-strand Chain Bracelet"

We are very pleased to announce the US winner of our Chain contest, Janine Gerade. Janine's Copper Multi-Strand Chain bracelet showcases a classic color combination of copper and turquoise.

Tell us about yourself:

I consider myself a multi-creative person. I dabble in a lot of arts such as photography, floral design, graphic design, painting, jewelry design, etc. I had my own floral shop for years and make money here and there doing floral design. I love making jewelry and currently teach jewelry design at Michaels. My favorite time is creating jewelry next to my young daughter who is picking up some skills lately with stretch magic.

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

Janine Gerade

I got into making polymer clay beads around age 14 at a creative arts day camp. I love how the possibilities are endless.

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

Polymer clay, semi-precious gemstone briolettes, sterling silver anything and of course Swarovski Crystal.

Who or what inspires your creative process?

Pinterest has been my creative go- to lately. I have always loved Donna Kato's and Carol Simmons' polymer clay work. I look at fashion magazines and follow the Pantone color of the year. As a trained graphic designer I was delighted to know that Pantone is used for fashion. We use their colors all the time in our programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Work by Janine Gerade

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work? 

To see my work please visit my etsy shop: Janine Design
My website: www.janinedesign.com
Facebook: janinedesignjewelry





Congratulations again Janine, and thank you for sharing you work with us. We wish you all the best in your future creative pursuits.

Beading Contest: Chain! Winners

Another beading contest has come to an end and we have three winners to announce!

"Copper Multi-strand Chain Bracelet" by Janine M. Gerade

Janine M. Gerade was voted the #1 entry for the United States for her "Copper Multi-strand Chain Bracelet". Her design pairs beautiful natural turquoise beads with copper chain and findings.

"Chainmaille Cross" by Katie Belcher

Katie Belcher was voted the #1 International entry with her "Chainmaille Cross" necklace. This design uses chainmaille jump rings to create a beautiful cross shape.

Janine and Katie have both won a $100 Beadaholique gift certificate. Artist profiles on Janine and Katie will be posted soon here on our blog, so be sure to check back and find out more about them.

"Dark Passion" by
Julia Savchenko

Our editors pick, and the winner of a $50 Beadaholique gift certificate is Julia Savchenko for her entry "Dark Passion". We really liked her creative use of chain in the various elements of her necklace.







Congratulations to all of our winners! Our next contest will be announced in the March issue of The Beading Wire, and we cannot wait to see all of your beautiful creations.

Announcing the Winners of Giveaways #7 - #12!

Beadaholique's 3rd 12 Giveaways of Christmas was a blast! We had so much fun reading through your comments and seeing the amazing response to the giveaways.  Thank you to everyone for participating!

The winners for the second half of the giveaways have been confirmed, and we're very happy to announce them:

Giveaway #7: Carole S. from Washington has won the Deluxe Took Kit & More.

Giveaway #8: Dave H. from Indiana has won the Vintaj Sizzix BIGkick Machine and Blanks.

Giveaway #9: Karol L. from Canada has won the Soutache Book, Soutache, and Embroidery Supplies.

Giveaway #10: Mary Anne S. from North Carolina has won the Czech Glass Beads prize.

Giveaway #11: Lauretta P. from Louisiana has won the Gemstones and Pearls prize.

Giveaway #12: Kimberly O. from Tennessee has won the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS prize.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and to all of our readers: Happy New Year!

Artist Profile: U.S. Halloween Contest Winner - Inga-Lynn Spencer

We are pleased to announce the U.S. winner for our Halloween contest, Inga-Lynn Spencer. Inga-Lynn's winning design titled "The Webs We Weave" is a spooky creation that incorporates lots of layers of  Halloween themed goodies and chains.
                                                     

Inga-Lynn Spencer

Tell us about yourself:

I'm a 26 year old, self-taught beader. I picked up beading when I first moved to Ketchikan, Alaska 7 years ago, and haven't been able to stop since. Constantly trying to better myself and my art, going outside the box, and being unconventional are my goals. Wearable art.

"The Webs We Weave"

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

I first got interested in beading, walking through Walmart. I was trying to find a craft to do in my spare time, and saw some beads. I thought, "that looks fun!" Since then, I've been self teaching and creating new things for my family and friends since.


What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

My favorite materials to use, currently, is chain. I want to find new ways to hang it, and place it. But I like using found items as well, flea markets, yard sales. Deconstruction.


Who or what inspires your creative process?

My boyfriend inspires my creative process. He has a creative mind, and comes up with some technical, challenging projects that in the near future, I plan to bring to life. We bounce ideas and techniques off each other and it really opens my mind with creative flow.


Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work?

To see my work, and to contact me about purchasing items, visit Poema Beaded Designs.


Congratulations, Inga-Lynn and thank you for sharing your beautiful jewelry with us. We wish you all the best in your future creative endeavors!

Artist Profile: International Halloween Contest Winner - Iha Vahlberg Orre

We are pleased to announce the international winner for our Halloween contest, Iha Vahlberg Orre. Iha's winning design titled 'Autumn Flowers' features a beautiful array of autumn colored lucite flowers and leaves.

Iha Vahlberg Orre

Tell us about yourself:

I am a jewelry maker from Lund, in the southern part of Sweden. I love bead embroidery, bead weaving and Viking knit. Beads are always on my mind!

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

Since I was a child, I have been interested in beautiful things and have wanted to express myself in an artistic way. I have experimented with lots of crafts before finding my creative path. I started knitting with wire and beads after I bought a kit at the Craft & Quilt Show in Perth, Australia, where I lived for some years. Then I was hooked!

"Autumn Flowers" by Iha Vahlberg Orre

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

I have to say seed beads from Miyuki, Toho and Czech Preciosa. But even some interesting gemstones, cabochons and of course Swarovski Crystals in all sizes and shapes.

Who or what inspires your creative process?

My inspiration comes from vivid and bold color combos, structures and architectural patterns. Often a beautiful cabochon or a lovely Lampwork bead can influence my design. Sometimes when I work with embroidery, I let the work guide me instead of having a sketch. 

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work? 

I love a good challenge and tend to compete in both Sweden and abroad. Now and then I participate in exhibitions with other artists in various genres. I sell my jewelry on my blog, Iha of Sweden and also on Facebook.

Congratulations, Iha and thank you for sharing your beautiful jewelry with us. We wish you all the best in your future creative endeavors!

Beading Contest: Halloween! Winners

Another Beadaholique beading contest has come to an end, and we have three winners to announce!

"The Webs We Weave" by Inga-Lynn Spencer

Inga-Lynn Spencer was voted the #1 entry from the United States with her necklace "The Webs We Weave".  This spooky creation layers lots of lovely Halloween themed goodies and chains.

"Autumn Flowers" by Iha Vahlberg Orre

Iha Vahlberg Orre was voted the #1 international entry with her "Autumn Flowers" bracelet.  This bountiful bracelet features a bunch of autumn colored lucite flowers and leaves.

Inga-Lynn and Iha have both won a $100 Beadaholique gift certificate.  Artist profiles on Inga-Lynn and Iha will be posted soon here on our blog, so be sure to check back and find out more about them.

"Happy Skulloween Micro Macrame Bracelet" by Lynne A. Goodwin

Our Editor's Pick, and the winner of a $50 Beadaholique gift certificate is Lynne A. Goodwin and her "Happy Skulloween Micro Macrame Bracelet".  We were hugely impressed by the detail and composition in this piece.

Congratulations to all of our winners!  Our next contest will be announced in the January issue of The Beading Wire, and we can't wait to see what you all create! 

Artist Profile: Chiara Cattaruzza - International Winner of our Ocean Treasures Contest

Chiara Cattaruzza is our International winner of the "Ocean Treasures" contest. Her winning design, "Peaceful Waves", showcased a wonderful sense of the ocean color palatte and charming sense of whimsy and creativity.  She combined pearls, charms, seed beads and more to link together this beautiful, tranquil bracelet.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Chiara. I am 24 and I live in Milan, Italy. I’m a university student, but in my free time I've become an eager crafter. Sometimes it is not easy to do everything, but whenever I can, I get out my beads and start creating. When I have an idea for a new piece, it’s just like in the comics: a light bulb turns on, and it doesn’t matter if I’m in the subway, eating or in class. I take out the first piece of paper I can find and I start drawing. From then on, I’m in my “beading world”…and I probably miss my subway stop, but in those little moments I am the happiest person in the world!

Peaceful Waves

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

Since I was little, I loved to look in my mom’s jewelry box and try her necklaces on. At 12, I received as a gift my first package of beads and as soon as I had it in my hands, I made my first bracelet. From then on, I fell in love with jewelry making and started to try improving little by little with the help of my collection of beading books, magazines and web tutorials.

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

I love to work with crystals, pearls, fire-polished glass beads, gemstones… Well, I guess I am addicted to any beautiful small treasure that helps me bring to life the designs I have in my head!

Who or what inspires your creative process?

I’m mostly inspired by nature: I love flowers, leaves, butterflies, ladybugs… Sometimes I use ideas found in magazines and books to create details of my jewelry. However, I never copy an entire project. The best part of making a piece for me is designing it, creating something special and unique. Shopping for beads is also an explosion of ideas: looking at those small treasures is a constant source of inspiration.

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work? 

At the moment, I don’t have an online shop yet, but you can see more of my creations and contact me through my facebook page at www.facebook.com/gocceargentate or my blog at www.gocceargentate.blogspot.com, where I share my ideas, projects and patterns, hopefully helping other crafters.

Thanks for sharing Chiara!  It was great to read a little bit about you and your work and we wish you the best of luck with your endeavors! 

Artist Profile: Vanda Nagy - International Winner of our "In Honor Of" Contest

Winner "In Honor of My Mother"

Vanda Nagy was named the International Winner with her piece, "In Honor of My Mother." My mother inspired me; these earrings are her birthday present (She celebrates on June 2) She likes the simple but elegant jewelry. Therefore, the earrings based on silver wire, I used her favourite colour (beige), and the 2 pearls symbolizes my brother and me.

Tell us a little about yourself:

Hi my name is Vanda Nagy, I was born in Hungary but I live in Switzerland.  I am 36 years old and a mother of two girls aged 2 and 12. In my spare time I like to make beaded jewellery by the name of Mezoti. I try to avoid using any metal in my creations but where it is necessary I only use nickel free materials to make sure the jewelry is hypoallergenic.  I am still developing my own style but it is very important to me that l only make jewellery that is comfortable to wear and does not catch easily.

How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

In 2007 I bought a bead set for my daughter in a toy shop. As we were making animal shapes together I realized that I very much enjoy working with beads. I have a severe allergy to metal so I have to choose carefully the type of jewellery I wear. So then I thought if I make jewellery for myself I could avoid using metal parts. So that is how it all started, since then it has been my passion to make beaded jewellery.

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

Seed Beads, Freshwater Pearls, Fire Polished Beads, Toho Treasure, Miyuki Delica, Semi precious Gemstones, Leather, Swarovski Elements.  The techniques I use are peyote, RAW, and combined techniques.

Who or what inspires your creative process?

I get my inspiration from other people's work I come across on the Internet or in magazines and I often feel the urge to create a nice piece of jewellery when I see beads in particularly lovely colours.

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work?

My Facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mezotis-Bead/371057166315765
www.mezoti.ch

Thank you for sharing Vanda. We wish you all the best in the future. Keep beading!

Artist Profile: Lauren Reed - US Winner of our "In Honor Of" Contest

Winner:  "In Honor of My Mother"

Lauren was voted the #1 US entry for our contest that celebrated someone special in their lives, "In Honor Of." Lauren's piece was In Honor of My Mother. "This necklace is in honor of my mother on her 50th birthday that just passed on June 14th. The heart represents my love for her, the rice pearls, coin pearl and the moonstone are her birthstones. The whimsical swirls represent her care-free personality." -Lauren Reed

Tell us a little about yourself:

I'm a college senior majoring in Biology. Wire is my passion, I am self-taught. I also dabble in metalsmithing from time to time. I'm in the early stages of planning my wedding so hopefully I can put my creative energy to good use!

How did you get interested in jewelry making?

I started making jewelry when I was 11. It started with making beaded animal key chains that I would attach to my backpack. When I was 14 I used my allowance to purchase my first jewelry book full of various techniques, initially I was into bead weaving then I discovered wire at age 17. At 18 I began making tiaras and jewelry for friends and family and I've been hooked on wire since.

What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?

My favorite materials to use are sterling silver wire and sheet metal, silver patina, pearls, and gemstones. Who or what inspires your creative process?I am inspired by curving lines found in nature, Middle-Eastern architecture, Indian patterns, and art nouveau patterns.

Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work?

I have a facebook page: www.facebook.com/diademjewels and an etsy store: www.diademjewels.etsy.com

Thanks for sharing Lauren! It was wonderful to read a little bit about you and your work. We wish you all the best with your creative endeavors, and congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!