Louisa M. Meece

Louisa M. Meece

Martian Queen's Necklace
Silver Medal Prize Winner in the Cabochon category
2009 Fire Mountain Gems and Beads Beading Contest

Meet the Designer-Artist

Where do you live?
Cincinnati, Ohio

Describe your artistic style.
Symmetrical, textured, patterned, earthy, structured

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Other cultures, color combinations, nature, textures and patterns. Other people's art. History.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Seed beads and cabochons.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Martian Queen's Necklace

What inspired this design?
I wanted to make a dramatic piece using brown goldstone cabs and had just watched Ray Bradbury's ''Martian Chronicles.'' The set designs and jewelry intrigued me and led me to design this piece.

How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I made several sketches of the piece and had a rough idea of the seed bead colors I would use. I ordered more colors as the piece started to come together.

Share Your Background

When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began stringing beaded necklaces and bracelets at the ripe old age of four. But it became a real love of mine about 9 years ago.

Who introduced you to beading?
My Aunt Mary in South Africa.

Do you have an artistic background?
Yes. I draw, sculpt, design, sew and embroider. And (of course) bead.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
On the internet after seeing an ad in one of my beading magazines.

What other hobbies do you have?
Sculpting, scrapbooking and reading.

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Yes. Etsy Beadweaving Team, 1,000 Markets Bead Weaving Emporium

Beading Success

What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I bead just about every day. It started off as a hobby but is now a part-time business venture. I sell my pieces online and at local art shows.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have two online stores--Etsy and 1,000 markets. I sell at local art shows and by word of mouth to friends, family and strangers.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I participate in Beading for a Cure and 2009 Bead-it-Forward Beaded Quilts for breast cancer.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Do your own thing! People will love it!

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