Julia Bristow Jewelry is unique and elegant “wearable art.”  Each piece is designer-signed with engraved tags. Hand-crafted by artisan/designer Julia Bristow,  all jewelry pieces are hand-wired or woven and meticulously pieced together using a variety of high-quality semi-precious and precious gemstone beads, beautiful sparkling Swarovski crystals, Czech glass flowers, fruit, leaves, and various pearls, MOP, shell, ceramic, clay and wooden beads. “The jewelry designs are inspired by my love of nature and every attempt is made to incorporate that beauty directly into each piece created,” said Julia in a recent interview.

“I originally began collecting vintage antique costume jewelry because I found it appealed to the little girl in me. I loved to collect these sparkling rhinestone treasures and place them in a jewelry box, as they were pretty and fun. I eventually realized I was more drawn to the signed, hand-wired and woven pieces with intricate designs which clearly demonstrated the detailed workmanship of these various artisans. My sister gave me some beads, findings and tools to make my first beaded bracelet. I had my own ideas after looking at all of my collected vintage pieces. With that new found knowledge of how to go about it, I was on my way to realizing my new passion, hobby and career. I went on to teach myself various techniques which would enable me to create exactly the designs I envisioned.”

“I make one-of-a-kind beaded, handcrafted, signed, wearable-art jewelry, loom-beaded guitar straps and belts, healing gemstone and fertility jewelry, themed charm and gemstone keychains, vintage-style fruit and flower jewelry, and handwired brooches.  I also craft surf, beach and nature-loving casual necklaces, bracelets and anklets in addition to cute boy and girl children’s jewelry, eyeglass holders, and much more”

“All of my designs are inspired by nature including the ocean, sand, forest, trees, flowers, rocks, water and sky.   Semi-precious gemstone beads, shell, and wood beads are my favorite to work with because they come directly from the rocks of the earth. I enjoy the beauty and feel of each individual bead as no two gemstone beads are exactly alike. I admit my designs are based more on an artistic idea rather than any type of fashion trend. The beauty and colors of the beads themselves inspire me. Each piece of jewelry I make is special to me.”

“I like that I can work right in the main living area of my home. This is where I can enjoy my family while working.  As long as I am by a window with plenty of light, I am quite content.” Julia has been featured in articles on various fashion websites including: Vintage Guitar Magazine, Bead Trends Magazine, Ornament Magazine, InStyle.com,  Shefinds.com, LA-Story, Styledash, Fashion156.com, Red Carpet Threads, Beading Daily and The Glamorous Bee. Julia has also recently been mentioned on Stylebakery.com’s “Daily Scoop”

CG: Julia, tell us what makes you tick.

JB: “I am the type of person that when I think of something I’d like to do, it is just a short matter of time before I do it. I am a go-getter type and find that this is both good and bad for jewelry making.  For example, I have a vision in my head of a certain flower garden and a plan to make a piece that looks like my vision. Sometimes I end up taking weeks to finish because I am determined to make it exactly to my vision. The end result is a good thing, since my pieces usually turn out exactly how I like them. Pricing these pieces can be difficult because the time and energy taken to create them is hard to put a price on.  The more natural the bead, such as semi-precious gemstone, pearls or wood, the more I enjoy working with it. I prefer beads that look like they have come directly from nature, although, I also enjoy glass beads as well. Beads are like eye candy to me and little girl treasures.”

CG: What has been your favorite experience?

JB: “So far, it is just creating the jewelry and participating in shows where my pieces are enjoyed by so many people. I enjoy watching the expressions on people’s faces when they are excited about my jewelry. That is very rewarding. I get very positive compliments and feedback.”

CG: What has been your most difficult hurdle?

JB: “It is difficult to hear any type of negative criticisms. I find that I am deeply affected by all comments of which most are very positive.  I have had to work to realize that my jewelry is very unique. I am thankful to all of those people who realize that jewelry is a form of creative art and not just material products for sale.  There is just not enough time in the day to complete everything I would like to do. I have had to divide my time between the artistic creation of jewelry and the business side (developing and maintaining a website, customer service, shipping and packaging items, participating in shows and events,  and bookkeeping.) It is a dream in the future to have all of those things handled by someone else so that I can spend all of my time actually creating and doing beadwork.”

CG: Who are your favorite designers?

JB: “I find I have definitely been inspired by Miriam Haskell’s early handwired costume jewelry pieces.”

CG: Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?

JB: “I think it is important to find enjoyment in the process of making a piece of jewelry. Beading should be fun and enjoyed as a hobby. I feel this will reflect in your work in the end.”

“I released a very limited edition jewelry collection called Nature’s Presence which is a small collection of one-of-a-kind nature-inspired pieces using beautiful hand blown glass centerpiece beads which I found to be very beautiful and unique,” said Julia.

Visit  http://www.juliabristowjewelry.com and  http://juliabristowjewelry.blogspot.com/

Facebook become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Bristow-Jewelry/25675741424

Chic Galleria and Julia Bristow are pleased to be giving away a pair of gorgeous cluster pearl earrings to one (1) lucky Chic Galleria readers. Just leave a comment on this article and tell us will you give these away or keep them for yourself? The winner will be chosen at random from those who leave a comment and the winner will be announced February 12, 2010.

Congratulations to Apryl!

Tags: artist, designer, earrings, giveaway, jewelry, Julia Bristow