Fabulous Art Studios: BellaBeads4U

Shop: BellaBeads4U
Owner: Marilyn Pizzolon

My studio/work area is furnished in vintage pieces. I was raised by parents who lived thru WW1&2 and The Great Depression. We made due with what we had, re-purposed(long before it was the norm) what we could. Many of the pieces are family, many my husband and I purchased. Vintage/antique give off a warmth that I feel comfortable with. Many of my jewelry pieces contain vintage components. I have favorite antique fairs that I frequent, scouring for vintage pieces//components to incorporate into the jewelry I create.
As for my favorite part of my studio, the comfortable chair and vintage light. I've had the chair since childhood and the light was rescued from a potato barn and restored by my husband.
The most inspirational piece is the Oak armoire which holds my finished pieces. It is solid and built to last generations. I like to create well made pieces that will last more than one season. Being from the frugal family, we utilized personal items that were seasonless. I like to think my pieces are that, with a few exceptions of whimsy.

My color inspiration comes mostly from nature.
I look through botanical books that my Mother had to see what colors go well together and like to walk thru the nearby woods/park as well. Earth tones seem to be my favorite.
As for my favorite tool, well my Ott light of course. Reduces eye strain and provides a natural light that doesn't skew colors. My newest and next favorite tool is a stand with magnifier and clip arms which makes soldering silver so much easier!
My all time favorite magazine for this craft is Bead Style and their specialty books/magazines. My "6th sense" somehow guides me to put a look together with just the right materials. It's like being a good cook and spotting a recipe knowing the ingredients together will taste good.
As for my future plans, enhancing my wire wrapping skills and learn to fuse glass and create my own beads/pendants. Retirement is on the horizon and I won't have any lack of things to do or create. Staying active, physically and mentally and challanging oneself on a daily basis is the key to health and a fruitfull existence.

You can find BellaBeads4U on:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaBeads4U

{Images from BellaBeads4U}