Bead Arts

I first met Gladys online in the WetCanvas wearable arts forum, and I completely blame her for my recent fascination with fingerweaving bracelets and treasure necklaces! Gladys told me that she was perfectly content to take the blame. And here is the bracelet that I believe started the whole WetCanvas obsession with fingerweaving:

Mango Burst

Artist: Gladys Botz
Business name: Studio 1415
Location: Bismarck, ND

Website:
Studio 1415


Touch of Lime

So Gladys, you’ve started a movement on WetCanvas! Just how do you describe your work?
My work is unique, a little different than what others do in our area, and I take pride in it being well made. I love color and I like to believe that I have a good eye for blending and putting colors together. I named my business “Studio 1415″ because I create my jewelry in the living room of my home, hence the 1415. I will never get rid of my couch before I turn it upside down and shake all the beads out of it.

What is your creative process like?
I let the beads and natural stones talk to me. I have this vision in my head and then try to create it with my hands. Most of the time it works but sometimes I ask myself what the heck was I thinking? I keep my beads separated because its easier cleanup and putting supplies away is easier. But one time I just poured the beads on my work area and all the colors were messed up together and I created my favorite seed beaded bracelet using the freeform peyote stitch method.


Nightwaters

I have a day job so I can pay for my bead obsession so I only have evening hours and weekends to create, so I guess I work in small chucks of time. I like working on projects that pretty much give me instant gratification, but my seed bead projects take several days to create one piece of jewelry. I listen to the TV verses watching it. I also work on my couch in the living room.


What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I am a self taught artist. I read and practice and practice and practice. I have worked in many different mediums in my lifetime and love creating pretty things with my hands. My Mom taught me to sew when I was seven years old. I loved sewing my own clothes and always having something different than everyone else because theirs was “store-bought”. I started painting on sweatshirts and creating “Fancy Lady Pins” using friendly plastic to match the sweatshirts, that is when I started participating in craft shows. It was my sister that talked me into going in with her in a booth in my hometown. She had baked goods and embroidered dish towels. I sold 11 sweatshirts that day and oodles of the Fancy Lady pins, hauling in over $300 that day. I was on cloud 9. That was in 1991 and I haven’t looked back since.


Aquamarine and jasper wirewrapped necklace

Ten years later arthritis joined me in my body and I was looking for something to do for the craft shows so I didn’t have to carry so many heavy boxes in and out of the shows. I always liked jewelry and it is relatively pretty east to transport. I taught myself to wire wrap about 5 years ago. I wire wrapped natural stone pendants, earrings, and made bracelets and compiled a nice inventory. I found I could set up a really nice looking 8 ft table at the craft shows with only one medium Rubbermaid plastic container full of jewelry and props. So for the last four years I go out and participate in about 5 shows a year.


Tricolor Bracelet


Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
I can’t imagine life without my bent nose pliers (I only own 4 pair). Seed beads and wire would be my other choices, they have been around forever. Also, my new found friends on Wearable Art of Wet Canvas.com. They’re a very nice group of artistic people that hang out together, and I have learned so much from them and they are so willing to share.

What inspires you to create?
Color, lots and lots of color! A well taken photo of a flower or other art, or a jewelry magazine with directions on a jewelry design that I haven’t done before.


Seas #4

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Knowing the end results will be worth all the hassle that I’m going through at the moment.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Practice, practice, practice, learn, learn, learn. If you see something that you like or would like to do, email the artist and ask if she will share the knowledge with you.


Jackie’s Bracelet

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I have a day time job that helps pay for my bead obsession! I am also married with two grown sons and I have one grandson. When I’m not beading, I love to sew, crochet and knit. I also read before going to sleep each night.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
I love fresh fruit and right now its berry season! But I would have to say Vanilla Ice cream is my comfort food.


Gladys Botz, bead & jewelry artist

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