Martie Bunting

Martie Bunting

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads 2009 Beading Contest

Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Columbia, Pennsylvania

Describe your artistic style.
Fun. Semi-real looking.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Nature.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I'm addicted to Delica beads!

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Playing with my Food

What inspired this design?
I like 3D beading but there are not very many patterns. I wanted to make a bear and it evolved from there.

How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
It grew and got more detailed as it came together. First, I was just making a tubular peyote bear then it got fur and food.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I have always used beads since I was a child. When I realized the possibilities of bead weaving I was hooked.

Who introduced you to beading?
It has been a growing interest since childhood. Diane Hertyler introduced me to bead weaving.

Do you have an artistic background?
I have done many arts and crafts. I've taken too many classes to list. I have done oil, watercolor, and batik paintings. I won 1st prize in a show with one batik painting.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
I saw an advertisement on the back of a beading magazine.

What other hobbies do you have?
Swimming, hiking, biking.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Beading is a hobby and love. I bead most evenings. I find it soothing and challenging at the same time.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have sold a few things--always by word of mouth.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Have fun and keep beading!