My Likes
Below you will find some of my favorite artists and friends. Without the influence, inspiration, the support and guidance of some of these wonderful people I wouldn't be the artist that I am today!
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Kristy Abner of Kristy's Kreations has been one of my BIGGEST inspirations since I ventured into the jewelry world. I first saw her work on www.jewelrynetwork.org and shortly after found her on Facebook. She's one of the kindest, most willing to help, artists I have ever met. Her husband makes BEAUTIFUL lampwork beads and she shows of his pieces well. (His info is below.) She too is a multi-published artist and often my muse. When I'm in a funk and can't create, sometimes I browse her photos and find new inspiration. Please check her out. Her designs are very unique and her work is absolutely beautiful.
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Amy Underwood of Sterling Lace creations is one lady who has overcome some recent hardships in her life and decided to follow her true passion in life; jewelry. She is the TOP chainmaille go-to in my eyes and her elegance cannot be beat! I also met Amy on www.jewelrynetwork.org then later found her on Facebook. She's become one of my very dear E-Friends, as I call them, and I wish her all the happiness and success a girl can handle!! Her use of anything outside of the metals is subtle but when you have technique like Amy, sometimes subtle is all you need!! Check her out!
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Black Mud Studio is owned and operated by a woman named Charlene Childs. Charlene has one of the biggest hearts I know. I met her through a trade group on Facebook and since have become quite found of her and her work. Her ceramics are stupendous! She was kind enough to send me a sample for a flat price and the pieces she sent inspired new techniques and designs that I had not yet discovered. I hadn't worked with a lot of focals or pendants and she bridged that gap for me, bringing me new ideas. I will forever cherish the gifts she gave me and continue to support such a talented woman.
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Lune Artisan Jewelry creator Keirsten Giles I think to be like a mad scientist. I found Keirsten's work via FlickR, I think, then found her Facebook page. This woman is absolutely BRILLIANT in her work. Her metal forming, her colors, her use of fibers...she seriously BLOWS my mind. She seems to be quite intelligent and to me both intelligence and brilliance could equal a mad scientist hahah. I would love the ability to do more metal work but I currently do not have the set up. When I do, I only hope to be just as brilliant in my work as Keirsten but in my own way. She inspires me to keep that "I want to work with more metals" voice in the back head and in the meantime puts me in awe with her creations. Her pieces are FASCINATING and I always look forward to what she will do next.
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I can't possibly say enough nice things about Patti O'Neil Martin from Always By My Heart. She is one of those hard to find genuinely good people. Her designs are always growing and she's NEVER afraid to try something new. She's happy to help, happy to talk and just happy to be a friend. She dabbles in things like traditional jewelry, chainmaille, para-cord bracelets and more. Always testing herself on what she can learn next, Patti is always thinking outside her box! Her devotion to her craft is amazing! She simply loves what she does.
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Anna Anna Bo Banna.... Anna M. Sourile; the owner of the fine ARTIBILITY is such a peach! I've done a swap with her for beads, as well as info, as well as friendly chat. She is quite a hoot. Once a Marine, Anna is now a jewelry designer, painter, artist, photographer, multi-media junkie and a USMC Veteran. She does a lot of charity work for event and awareness groups throughout the year all the while maintaining her beautiful and sometimes personal jewelry. She's very easy to talk to and an absolute joy to work with. Check out her pieces for all your personalized needs or just because she has nice things and I said so!! :-)
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Bubby & McGurk Beads is a wife and husband duo..... sort of. Dean Abner makes the beads and Kristy (from Kristy's Kreations) helps in her own way. She's had pieces published with Dean's beads and he's had his store advertised in beading magazines. They are FABULOUS people. Dean is just as friendly and willing to help as Kristy. Both are equally talented, easy to talk to and a joy to work with. Did I mention his beads are OUTSTANDING? Because they are! OUTSTANDING! Seriously!
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