Interview with Joyce Weeks of South Field Designs

Interview with Joyce Weeks of Southfielddesigns

Business Name:Southfield Designs/ Special Occasion Hair Jewelry at Southfield Designs

Real Name: Joyce Weeks

Etsy Page: http://www.southfielddesigns.etsy.com

Web Page: http://southfielddesign.com

How did it come to be that you started working with seed beads?

I am a retired Early Childhood Educator. We relocated to the Berkshires in Ma. about 7 yrs.ago. Before that we lived on Long Island. I am married and we have 5 children and 9 grandchildren and one very adorable dog "Daisy". In my spare time I sing with local choral groups and appear in summer stock productions. I have always loved seed beads. Many years ago I made french beaded flowers and I still have some of those beads. I just love all of the colors that are available and I love the feel of seed beads.

Is there was any significance to the name of your shop?

The original name was "Crazy Daisy Designs" named for my dog who keeps me company when I bead.. but I learned that the name was already being used. I had to quickly come up with something... so I thought "why not use where I live" it is a tiny village and quite unique. But in my heart we will always be Crazy Daisy Designs.

What inspires you? I live in a very secluded area and I am always inspired by the insects, and colors that I can see from my studio.

Do you listen to music or TV while you work?

I generally have the TV on but I don't pay much attention to it.

Do you have common colors you work with? and What is your favorite color palette?

My favorite color palette sees to be in the purple/pink/green area..I really didn't know that until I looked at a table full of my designs and saw how often I use that palette. I love soft colors.

Do you have a favorite technique? Which one and why?

I enjoy doing Victorian syle beading and use that alot in my 'Beady Bugs'... but I also love peyote and working on a loom.

Do you do shows or vending of any sort? Where?

I do shows that are local to where I live thru out the year.

Do you teach beading classes? Where?

No... I haven't tried my hand at teaching yet.

Do you sell your work in any galleries/shops? Where?

I sell my pieces at the Red Lion Inn Gift Shop in Stockbridge,Ma.

Where do you see yourself in your business in 5 years?

I know for sure that I will still be beading in 5 years if my eyesight and fingers hold out. I can't imagine not beading

Interview with Isabella Lam of Bead4me

Interview with Isabella Lam of Bead4me

Business Name: Bead4me

Real Name: Isabella Lam

Etsy Page: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bead4me

Blog Page: http://haruzim4u.blogspot.com/

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100000468822334

How did it come to be that you started working with seed beads?

I love creating with beads all sizes and shapes. However, working with seed beads is the unique way to accomplish the right angle, shape, and motion that I need to translate my fantasy to real piece of work.  I always believe that there is now such thing as matching colors. I know for sure that there is no such rule and in the right combination every color match. Each match is result of daring. Each daring creates amazing creations with beads.

How long have you been creating with seed beads?

Less than 4 years

Is there was any significance to the name of your shop?

Yes. The name Bead4me is exactly what I do. I bead always for me and enjoy addict others.

What inspires you?

Colors, Nature, Fashion Trends and all kind of stuff surround me.

Do you listen to music or TV while you work?

I can only listen, and really do not know how the actors look. I have forgotten how to see a movie without beading or exploring new pieces. 

Do you have common colors you work with?

Mostly bronze, turquoise, gold, white and pink. They are often base to my design.

What is your favorite color palette?

Mostly bronze, turquoise, gold, white and pink. They are often base to my design

Do you have a favorite technique? Which one and why?

I create using almost all-basic technique and try adjusting them to my needs. Mostly I use Peyote, Netting and Herringbone.

Do you do shows or vending of any sort? Where?

My jewelry are shown at my so call studio, dreaming of my really true studio.

Do you teach beading classes? Where?

Yesssssssss, And I love see other women who do not believe in themselves successfully creating beautiful jewelry for themselves or selling and creating other income.

Do you sell your work in any galleries/shops? Where?

Yes , I have some kind of exhibition our family bead shop.

Where do you see yourself in your business in 5 years?

I believe in the same business but in a bigger place with much more possibilities.

Congratulations to Anna of TreasureBead with 206 (24%) of the votes winner of this month's challenge "The Secret Garden:"

Congratulations to the following Runner's-up

2. My Secret Garden necklace - Daniellart with 165 (19%)

3. My Secret Garden Necklace - CieloDesign with 72 (8%)

4. Beadwork Clock - EmeraldWindow with 61 (7%)

5. Poppies of the Roman Forum - AngelqueCreations with 53 (6%)

6. Garden of Wishes - Lauralia with 32 (3%)

7. Forget-me-not bouquet - Ballroomchic with 29 (3%)

8. Lilac Dream Garden - ArtBeadwork with 27 (3%)

9. Midnight Garden Necklace - StickLizardDesigns with 26 (3%)

 and tied for 10th with 22 (2%) each is

There's a Secret in my Garden - Sedonaskye and

Tea Time in my Secret Garden - BeadazzledofOregon

Thank you goes to all our gorgeous entries and to our voters! We really appreciate your participation!

Our next challenge is "Gold & Silver" and voting will begin on August 9, 2010.

July Challenge "The Secret Garden"

This month's challenge theme was chosen by our winner of the May Challenge Ileana of EnchantedBeads and I think that the theme is excellent and once again produced some amazing work by our members.

The theme - The Secret Garden was Ileana's challenge  "Thinking of a summer theme for our July Challenge, I am obsessing with beautiful flowers, magical gardens, sunny landscapes. Every artist has a secret garden, real or imaginary. A garden full of colors! Birds, butterflies, lizards could be guests as well. I am inviting you to stir up your imagination and to introduce your own secret garden to us. It would be even more exciting if you accompany your beautiful beadwoven creation with a picture that inspired you. "

To best decide the Winner, you can click on their links below the image. You can vote on your Favorite from July 9th to July 15th.

1. Beadwork Clock - EmeraldWindow

2. Poppies of the Roman Forum (Palatine Grounds) - AngelqueCreations

3. My Secret Flower - SmadarsTreasure
4. Midnight Garden Necklace - StickLizardDesigns
5. Morning Glory Secret Garden Spiral Choker - Jewelrybyjane29
6. Garden of Wishes - Lauralia
7. Lilac Dream Garden - ArtBeadwork
8. Ostuni necklace - Sobby
9. . Atlantis Garden - Sagescupboard

10. There's a Secret in my Garden - Sedonaskye
11. Mystery pool - AnnaCohen
12. My Secret Garden necklace - Daniellart
13. Crystal Rivoli Beaded Flower Necklace - SpringColors
14. Tea Time in my Secret Garden - BeadazzledofOregon
15. Secret Garden Floral Beadwoven Necklace - MaryTDesigns
16. Krystina's Secret Garden Beaded Bracelet - Crystalwonders
17. My Blooming Garden - TreasureBead
18. Moss Garden Beadwoven Necklace - HannahRachel
19. My Secret Garden Necklace - CieloDesign
20. Forget-me-not bouquet - Ballroomchic
21. Freeform Bead Woven Cobalt Blue Bracelet - KRDesigns11
22. Heavenly Shades of Night - CindyCaraway
23. Hidden Rose Garden Necklace - FrancescasFancy
24. My Secret Garden - Enchantedbeads

Thank you Ann of Francesca's Fancy for making this mosaic for us!!!