Saturday Sparkle: Lori Anderson Designs
>> Saturday, May 10, 2008
Who Sparkled this Saturday?
Lori Anderson Designs
Today on Saturday Sparkle, I'd like to show you this beautiful Madison necklace from Lori Anderson Designs. Her Madison Necklace on the left features a 3.5" mixed Swarovski crystal and pear drop pendant on a 16" sterling silver rope chain. Isn't it gorgeous? When I saw this necklace for the first time, it reminded me of the moonlight.
In learning about Lori for today's article, I was really inspired. She went from a high-tech background in IT Sales to a full-time jewelry design business. And, her designs, ideas, and tutorials have also been featured in Beadstyle Magazine, Bead Magazine and the Craft Report. So in addition to making wonderful jewelry, she really has the go-get-em spirit! I had an opportunity to interview Lori for today's article, and here is what she shared with us.
Lori, how did you get your start in jewelry design?
I got started by accident -- I was on bed rest while pregnant and a friend brought me some beads to keep me busy. I played with them a bit and gave some things to my mom, who took them to her office, and they sold. All of a sudden (and I still can't quite nail down when this happened!) I had a full-fledged full-time business.
What inspired you to turn you hobby into a business?
It allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom and still feel like I was contributing to the household. My husband and I always knew I'd stay home to bring up our son, and I can't say I miss the corporate world a single bit, but I did know I was going to feel strange not bringing in ANY money. I had been selling my handmade greeting cards to stores, but the jewelry just kind of took on a life of its own!
What are your favorite materials to work with? I love handmade glass. It's unique, has character, and no matter what you use it with, it's going to be a one of a kind piece. Plus, using it supports other independent artisans.
When creating a design, what are your top three sources of inspiration?
Color -- I have a color book that holds clippings from magazines of clothing, carpets, flowers, anything that has caught my eye and has a neat pattern.
The beads themselves -- almost always, when I see a strand of beads, I know exactly what I want to make with them.
Having the house to myself -- I adore my five year old but I can't always get my designing spirit going to Sponge Bob! So I only design when he's at preschool or asleep. I don't sleep a lot, consequently.
Who has provided the most support for you with your jewelry business?
My husband. He believed in me before I even did. I remember the day when I first knew he truly believed I could make it work. I had sent out an application for an indoor show and somehow had gotten accepted, and now was faced with building a 10x10 booth. Rick and his oldest sons had gone to buy PVC pipe to build a frame that the three of them had designed.
They built it in the garage, and all three of them looked at it, and even after all the work and time they put into it, they decided that it looked amateur, and that night Rick went online and researched and ordered me a professional set up. And to this day, he goes to every single show, and puts up my tent or booth, and takes it down. He's amazing.
Do you have any advice for a newbie who wants to start a jewelry business?
My advice is to not be afraid. When I got started, I didn't take any lessons, didn't have a clue, didn't know a single person who made jewelry. I just flew by the seat of my pants.
When you start networking and meeting people, don't get discouraged if someone's business is doing better than yours, or if someone is full of negativity about how many people make jewelry these days. Tune that out! Explore, create, tear things apart and give them a new feel -- give yourself permission to branch out and just DO what makes you happy! If you're happy with your art, your chances of success are huge.
Thanks for sharing your story with us today Lori, you are truly an inspiration! And readers, be sure to check out Lori's amazing designs at: www.lorianderson.net
Lori Anderson Designs
Today on Saturday Sparkle, I'd like to show you this beautiful Madison necklace from Lori Anderson Designs. Her Madison Necklace on the left features a 3.5" mixed Swarovski crystal and pear drop pendant on a 16" sterling silver rope chain. Isn't it gorgeous? When I saw this necklace for the first time, it reminded me of the moonlight.
In learning about Lori for today's article, I was really inspired. She went from a high-tech background in IT Sales to a full-time jewelry design business. And, her designs, ideas, and tutorials have also been featured in Beadstyle Magazine, Bead Magazine and the Craft Report. So in addition to making wonderful jewelry, she really has the go-get-em spirit! I had an opportunity to interview Lori for today's article, and here is what she shared with us.
Lori, how did you get your start in jewelry design?
I got started by accident -- I was on bed rest while pregnant and a friend brought me some beads to keep me busy. I played with them a bit and gave some things to my mom, who took them to her office, and they sold. All of a sudden (and I still can't quite nail down when this happened!) I had a full-fledged full-time business.
What inspired you to turn you hobby into a business?
It allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom and still feel like I was contributing to the household. My husband and I always knew I'd stay home to bring up our son, and I can't say I miss the corporate world a single bit, but I did know I was going to feel strange not bringing in ANY money. I had been selling my handmade greeting cards to stores, but the jewelry just kind of took on a life of its own!
What are your favorite materials to work with? I love handmade glass. It's unique, has character, and no matter what you use it with, it's going to be a one of a kind piece. Plus, using it supports other independent artisans.
When creating a design, what are your top three sources of inspiration?
Color -- I have a color book that holds clippings from magazines of clothing, carpets, flowers, anything that has caught my eye and has a neat pattern.
The beads themselves -- almost always, when I see a strand of beads, I know exactly what I want to make with them.
Having the house to myself -- I adore my five year old but I can't always get my designing spirit going to Sponge Bob! So I only design when he's at preschool or asleep. I don't sleep a lot, consequently.
Who has provided the most support for you with your jewelry business?
My husband. He believed in me before I even did. I remember the day when I first knew he truly believed I could make it work. I had sent out an application for an indoor show and somehow had gotten accepted, and now was faced with building a 10x10 booth. Rick and his oldest sons had gone to buy PVC pipe to build a frame that the three of them had designed.
They built it in the garage, and all three of them looked at it, and even after all the work and time they put into it, they decided that it looked amateur, and that night Rick went online and researched and ordered me a professional set up. And to this day, he goes to every single show, and puts up my tent or booth, and takes it down. He's amazing.
Do you have any advice for a newbie who wants to start a jewelry business?
My advice is to not be afraid. When I got started, I didn't take any lessons, didn't have a clue, didn't know a single person who made jewelry. I just flew by the seat of my pants.
When you start networking and meeting people, don't get discouraged if someone's business is doing better than yours, or if someone is full of negativity about how many people make jewelry these days. Tune that out! Explore, create, tear things apart and give them a new feel -- give yourself permission to branch out and just DO what makes you happy! If you're happy with your art, your chances of success are huge.
Thanks for sharing your story with us today Lori, you are truly an inspiration! And readers, be sure to check out Lori's amazing designs at: www.lorianderson.net
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