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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Interview with Ileana Munteanu of Enchanted Beads

Business Name: Enchanted Beads
Real Name: Ileana Munteanu

How did it come to be that you started working with seed beads?
I always loved the way they feel, the variety of color, scale and shape, the infinite possibilities they offer. All this help me to mold my pieces. I would use my seed beads much like a painter uses colors and brush strokes to convey his version of imagery.

How long have you been creating with seed beads?
More than twenty years.

Is there was any significance to the name of your shop?
A shop owner in Washington DC, the first one who accepted my jewelry on consignment, said about my jewelry: "These are enchanted beads". I liked what she said and I made it my business name.

What inspires you?
Nature is my main source of inspiration: flowers, ladybugs, butterflies are featured in my pieces. Sometimes I get inspired by the semiprecious stones I find. I put them together with pearls, gemstone beads and colorful seed beads in a specific design, carefully coordinating the colors to achieve a natural, shaded look by incorporating several nuances of beads for each color I choose. After completing this most important first step, I find the right time for the beading process.

Do you listen to music or TV while you work?
I mostly listen to classical music, but I enjoy watching the news or even movies and shows.

Do you have common colors you work with?
I like all colors when they serve my purpose, but I mostly choose neutral colors, earthy colors.

What is your favorite color palette?
Gold, caramel brown, honey, moss green, chartreuse , Garnet, lavender, lilac, salmon pink

Do you have a favorite technique? Which one and why?
I use many techniques and I like to experiment in order to create new ones. I mostly use lace, peyote and modified peyote.

Do you do shows or vending of any sort? Where?
I do about three shows every year, around Mother's Day and Winter Holidays.

Do you teach beading classes? Where?
No, I don't teach.
Do you sell your work in any galleries/shops? Where?
I used to sell in many galleries on the East Coast. After I opened my Etsy Shops I went down to only two Galleries.

Where do you see yourself in your business in 5 years?
I am not able to predict what will happen in five years. I wish I could keep my good sight and my energy. I am working hard to being more successful on Etsy.

13 comments:

  1. 20 years of beading? Wow! I love her work :)

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  2. Very interesting interview.Really great photos
    Thank you for sharing with us

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  3. Thank you, Jacquie and Christina for publishing my interview in the EBW Blog. I appreciate all your enthusiasm and extra effort as moderators of the Etsy Beadweavers group!

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  4. Ileana's creations are just stunningly beautiful. I have pleasure of owning some earrings and they are just masterpieces of true beauty. She's an amazing person as well, who reaches out to others to help them should there be a need. This article is wonderful just like her & her creations!

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  5. Awesome beautifully handcrafted and articulate work...I just love the colors and depth put into every piece...truly works of art:)
    They always keep me coming back for more.

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  6. Love your work, Ileana!
    Best of luck with everything you do!
    /Olga

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  7. What a wonderful post! I loved learning more about you Ileana, I absolutely love your work, it's so beautiful and intricate!!

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  8. It is amazing how Ileana's intricate, delicate work featuring the tiniest of the tiny seed beads can make such powerfully bold statements.
    I have had the pleasure of meeting Ileana (at a craft show) and viewing her beautiful creations up close and in person. As incredible as they look in 2-D on the screen, they pop and are full of so much life in 3-D.
    I look forward to seeing at least another 20 years of her work!

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  9. Wonderful post on you and your work, Ileana!

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  10. Nice crafted beading that you do.And you the years of experience to create these wonders really.

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  11. Ileana, your work is so amazing, an inspiration to us all.

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  12. bijuterii in adevaratul sens al cuvantului! se vede migala si experienta, se simte implicarea si completa daruire in ce realizezi. toate sunt minunatii de bijuterii. spor la lucru in continuare si... inspiratie!

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