Shawna Lester

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Describe your artistic style.
I don't know if I really have one. I just make what comes into my head when I sit down with my beads.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Color.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Glass beads and memory wire.

What inspired this design?
I really enjoy using the memory wire to make wrap bracelets, and I had bought this string of beads from y'all and knew it would make a very pretty bracelet.

How did it come together?
I arranged the beads by the order that I wanted the colors and it worked out nicely.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started making jewelry about 2 years ago. I started with simple earrings just to see if I could do it. Then I wanted to try necklaces and bracelets.

Who introduced you to beading?
A friend was having a jewelry party for her friend. I went and bought a few pairs of earrings. I really liked them, and after I had them for a few years I wondered if it would be hard to make some myself. So I went online and looked for instructions to make jewelry.

Do you have an artistic background?
No. I never thought I was any good at art because I couldn't draw or paint.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
I found you on Google when I was googling beads.

What other hobbies do you have?
Painting. I "throw" paint at a canvas.

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
No.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I really enjoy making jewelry. It is my addiction.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I am just starting to try to sell my jewelry online and out at craft fairs. I have made my own business cards to promote my jewelry, and I post pictures of everything I make on my Facebook and my MySpace pages.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
No.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Just make what you like. You can't expect other people to like it and want to wear it if you don't like it or wouldn't wear it. Most of all have fun with it.