Susan Geiger

Susan Geiger

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2010 featuring Crystal

Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Mid Missouri

Describe your artistic style.
Feminine informed by the exquisite surface detail of the Belle Epoch and the aesthetic movement.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
The "over-the-top" sensuality of pattern and texture shown by Christian Lacroix and Yves St. Laurent. I had the amazing opportunity to study at the couture in Paris and that informs my work every day.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I absolutely love seed beads and crystals. Those combined with raphia, chenille, silk trims and any other interesting threads I can find.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Midnight Mine Purse

What inspired this design?
The Botoneé cross as a traditional symbol was my main inspiration. I was captivated by the mood of the white opal star shine crystals as well as the vitrail and heliotrope colors. This combination of colors is reminiscent of stars twinkling on the matte black night sky.

How did it come together?
It came to life as I was working on it.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began sewing when I was ten, and I have always enjoyed beading on fabric. I started jewelry-making about 10 years ago.

Who introduced you to beading?
I taught myself to begin with. Then, I had the most incredible teachers when I studied embroidery in Paris.

Do you have an artistic background?
I have a design degree and have always enjoyed fine arts.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
I saw an advertisement in a magazine and was hooked by the incredible selection combined with their immediate order fulfillment.

What other hobbies do you have?
Cooking and sewing.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I am passionate about embroidery beadwork and it is my main focus. I make jewelry as a "quick creative fix" but also sell some pieces in a boutique.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I just sell some designs by word of mouth to colleagues and friends. Other designs I sell at a boutique.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have given away pieces to be auctioned off for various fundraising events.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Be yourself!

View all of Susan's designs in the Gallery of Designs.