Jodi Horgan

Design Idea A996 Necklace

Elizabeth
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2010 featuring Pearls, Organic Beads and Molding Clay
Gold Medal Prize Winner
Category: Necklace

Design Idea C24D Necklace

Peacock Princess
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2011 featuring Crystal
Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Allison Park, Pennsylvania

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Nature and architecture influence my designs.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Of course beads are the best, but I enjoy combining them with soutache braid.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Elizabeth

How did it come together?
I don't often sketch out or preplan pieces. I like to let the beads dictate a piece. I'll narrow down what I'd like to use or pick a color scheme.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
Eight years ago, I had three children under the age of 5. My hobby was sewing and quilting, but it was getting increasingly difficult to do with small children. I was looking for a new hobby that I could easily do around the kids. I discovered bead embroidery which appealed to my love of sewing. Since then my sewing machine hasn't seen the light of day too often, but my creativity has grown and expanded within this new medium.

Do you have an artistic background?
I've been creating since I was very young. My mother is a talented seamstress and I started sewing when I still had to sit on her lap. She encouraged my creativity.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
Once I fell in love with beads, I started to explore all the available beads and stumbled upon Fire Mountain Gems and Beads when looking on the internet.

What other hobbies do you have?
I enjoy gardening, reading, and hiking.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Jewelry-making and teaching jewelry-making is a part-time career.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I sell jewelry, tutorials, and kits on Etsy. I have participated in craft fairs and markets. I've entered contests with Fire Mountain Gems and others.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have donated jewelry to a number of charity fundraisers.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
My advice would be read and learn lots of techniques until you find one that fits. When you find it, don't hesitate to work beyond it and follow your instincts.

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