Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

SFP Editor: What is the process for coming up with a design? Christy Woods: There are usually two ways that I am inspired with a jewelry design. Usually, I get a jewelry design in my mind and then try to find the materials to put it together at different supply and bead stores, sometimes this is more difficult because you can't always find what you are looking for. Then sometimes, I find the materials first and then design a piece around the different beads and materials that I have found. I also get ideas from seeing other designs in stores and magazines.

SFP Editor: How did you become interested in designing jewelry?

Christy Woods:I have always been passionate about jewelry and started designing my own a few years ago after taking a class in learning how to bead necklaces and earrings.

SFP Editor: What type of jewelry have you made?

Christy Woods: I make mostly necklaces and earrings with Venetian beads, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones and glass beads. I also have been making sterling silver rings recently.

SFP Editor: What is the process for coming up with a design?

Christy Woods: There are usually two ways that I am inspired with a jewelry design. Usually, I get a jewelry design in my mind and then try to find the materials to put it together at different supply and bead stores, sometimes this is more difficult because you can't always find what you are looking for. Then sometimes, I find the materials first and then design a piece around the different beads and materials that I have found. I also get ideas from seeing other designs in stores and magazines.

SFP Editor: What kind of training does one need to design jewelry?

Christy Woods: There are various types of classes that you can take in jewelry design, depending on what you want to specialize in. Many craft and bead stores offer beading classes. You can also take classes in learning how to caste metal, soldering and engraving metal, gem setting and chain making.

SFP Editor: How do you go about finding the materials for your jewelry?

Christy Woods:I usually buy the majority of my materials either at trade shows, through catalogs or in stores in the garment district in New York City.

SFP Editor: What are your aspirations as a jewelry designer?

Christy Woods:My aspiration is to be an established recognized jewelry designer and have many celebrities wearing my jewelry.

SFP Editor: What inspires your jewelry design? Art? Nature?

Christy Woods: I am very inspired by different colors. I am also inspired by art and design books.

SFP Editor: Where do you show your work?

Christy Woods: I have exhibited my work at fund raising silent auction events as well as at local community events.

SFP Editor: What is the process for completing a commissioned piece of jewelry?

Christy Woods: Many times people admire my jewelry and have asked me to design a piece of jewelry for them. I try to first get an idea of what colors , type of jewelry (necklace, earrings or rings), and what materials (beads, metal or crystals) they want included in the piece. Also, I try to get an idea of if they are looking for something dressy and upscale or more casual. Then I design the piece around what they are looking for. I enjoy designing certain jewelry pieces for people because I think it is hard to find specific jewelry to match a dress or outfit for a particular event. This way the jewelry piece can be designed to specifically match the outfit they are wearing.