Nina Designs Interview our own Lezli Goodwin

I love those crazy gals over at Nina Designs.  (I might have covered my love of them before, in a few zillion of my posts.)  So I was extra stoked when they asked me to be their first featured "Designer Success Story"!  They sent me a list of questions, and let me choose five to answer.  It was really fun working my way through the questions.  The responses flowed easily, and I was surprised to find I had an immediate answer for ever question!  (Not so shocking to those who know me, I'm sure.  I have an opinion about everything!)

Here's a taste of the article.  To read the whole thing, click on the link below:

"There are as many avenues into jewelry design as there are jewelry designers. Each story is unique and inspiring. In our first Customer Success Story we’d like you to meet Lezli Goodwin. Lezli is a well known jewelry designer, accomplished modern painter and creative director for Bead World Inc, an Arizona chain of boutique bead stores. Her modern beaded jewelry features metaphysically active gemstones, gorgeous sterling silver findings and exquisite handcrafted techniques.

What is one piece of trusted advice you would give to someone just starting their jewelry business?


“Be who you are and not who you’re not.” I think that’s Dr. Seuss. Make jewelry you love, and then find the market. Forget about trying to make pieces you think will sell — that’s a recipe for frustration and defeat. There is a market for everything, if it’s made with integrity and passion."

To read the entire article, click here!

Congratulations to the Beading Contest Winners!

Behold, the winner of our first ever beading contest at Bead World!  Karen Kissel of Glendale submitted this adorable earring and bracelet set which fit our theme Summer Love perfectly.  Every element of this bracelet is created by hand, from the torch fused fine silver chain to the Precious Metal Clay charms and wire wrapped bead elements.  Here's what Karen had to say about her piece:

"I created this Summer Love dangle bracelet and earring set using pure silver charms and Swarovski crystal beads. The charms are PMC molded in the shapes of the ocean and the beautiful blue crystals have the bright and shimmering feel of summer at the beach. The bracelet was assembled using the fine silver rings we fused and hammered in class, and I used the wire wrap technique you taught me to design the dangles for both the bracelet and earrings."

FIRST RUNNER UP: $10.00 in Bead Bucks
Rose Balazs of Scottsdale, Arizona

"Summertime can be equated with fun times and greens -- the sun shining through the green trees, green grass and lots of green shrubbery." This piece was made using intricate stitching and gorgeous Czech glass firepolish beads.  I've seen this piece in person, and it's even more beautiful in real life!  Delicate craftsmanship like this really inspires me to get out the tiny beads and expand my skills.


HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Best Wire Working: Lora Klosterboer

Most Innovative Use of Materials: Pam Harris

Best Jewelry Photography: Linda Seward