Naomi Rabinowitz

Square Dance
Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Kew Gardens, New York

Describe your artistic style.
Modern, but whimsical wire artist.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Natural shapes. I'm also a fan of modern art and like building pieces upon simple shapes, such as a square or circle.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I primarily work with wire because I love building from scratch, but I also like crystal elements, pearls or any pretty bead that catches my eye.

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

What inspired this design?
I was inspired after seeing one of Mondrian's paintings in the Museum of Modern Art. I loved the way that he took a simple structure--a square--and turned into something complex and beautiful.

How did it come together?
This was planned out. I made each square spiral separately and then attached them to form the bracelet.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I began making jewelry about two years ago after I broke my leg. I was out of work and looking for something to do--and quickly fell in love with making jewelry. It's become a huge part of my life ever since!

Who introduced you to beading?
I'm self taught. I went to many Web sites, such as Fire Mountain Gems, for instruction.

Do you have an artistic background?
Yes. I've always loved drawing and making crafts. Plus, my dad was a stained glass artist and my grandmother is a fantastic knitter, so I grew up surrounded by artists.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and BeadsĀ®?
I found the site online when I was looking for a place to purchase materials.

What other hobbies do you have?
I play flute and piano, and recorded an album called Flute Path. I love writing and am fortunate in that I write for Soap Opera Digest full-time. I love travel and have been all over the world, including Australia, Egypt, China, Japan, Israel, Iceland, Greece and Mexico. And I love cats! My husband and I have a cat, Maya, and are self-described "crazy cat people."

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Making jewelry is my favorite way to unwind. I make something almost every evening and just love being creative and feeling relaxed. It's a part-time career, but I put a lot of work into it. Sometimes I even dream of designs!

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I've participated in many local craft fairs around New York City and Long Island. I sell my items on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/naomirabinowitz and I blog about my designs at handmadewirejewelry.blogspot.com.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Not yet, but I'd love to. I was recently diagnosed with diabetes so I intend to eventually organize a fundraiser to raise awareness for that disease.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment. You never know what you'll come up with!

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