Robin Hampton reporting—

As the editor of the just-released Perfect Match: Earring Designs for Every Occasion, the Beading + Jewelry hosts allowed me to share a quick Q+A I had with the book author, Sara Schwittek. Read on for Sara’s thoughts on the appeal of earrings, the effect of your surroundings on your work and her advice for aspiring jewelry designers.

Perfect Match was born from the success of your online store, Shy Siren. You carry necklaces and bracelets in addition to earrings on this site. Why do think earrings appeal to both consumers and artists, whether just starting to create jewelry or experienced designers?
By far, our best-selling products are earrings. Earrings are generally the easiest to wear, since they are less reliant on the neckline of the sweater, dress or top you are wearing. Earrings are also perfectly frame for the face.

From the perspective of the jewelry designer or beader, I believe earrings are the most fun to create Earrings can be easily made using just a handful of beads, so they are quite budget-friendly. Earrings are also time-friendly. Literally in fewer than five minutes, you can whip together the most gorgeous new earrings. It makes a very gratifying project&mda**** immediate satisfaction!

Earrings also make a perfect handmade gift. You can customize the designs with your friend's favorite colors to make a truly heartfelt, personal gift that will be treasured.

You were an architect before opening Shy Siren? How has this background influenced your designs?
After graduating from Cornell's School of Architecture, I worked in the architecture industry for three years in New York City. Architecture school was all about the process and having respect for the inhabitant and consideration of the materials. In many ways, jewelry has a similar philosophy: how does the user (the jewelry wearer) interact with the jewelry design and materials? How does light interact with the materials; for example, the play between the opacity of turquoise or coral, versus the translucency and glow of faceted gemstones. Or how does the coldness of metal such as sterling silver have a dialog with the softness of lustery pearls?

You grew up in Vermont, lived in New York City and are now in the South. How have the different surroundings and cultures affected your designs?
This is question that I still struggle to reconcile: growing up in rural Vermont for the first 20 years of my life, versus living in NYC for ten years. Now I live in Charlotte, NC, which seems to be a really suitable combination of the two. One part of me simply cannot escape the tree-hugger, granola-eating days of my Vermont childhood. A part of me longs to be that image of outdoorsy, with glowing pink healthy cheeks wearing hiking boots. However, my true being is drawn to the urban lifestyle, a culture of crowds, noise, lights, buildings and diversity.

You can see this dichotomy in the designs featured in Perfect Match. I am still drawn to organic designs that remind me of trees and the forest, yet I love the simplicity and graphic qualities of simple silver shapes and geometry.

Many of the designs in Perfect Match are full of movement—they swing, or have spirals, etc. Was this intentional?
That was not intentional, but I can't say it was coincidental. I feel that movement is an important design consideration. I think of jewelry, and especially earrings, as little sculptures, wearable pieces of art. I like to think of my earrings as being “alive” (i.e. being with motion), not just inanimate beads. Ideally, the materials in combination should have a synergistic effect and should speak to you.

What advice do you have for someone just starting to design jewelry?
I think walking into a bead shop can be very overwhelming and actually scary for some beginning jewelry designers. Where to even start?? Don't be nervous to just TRY. It's just wire and a little time. I don't consider a failed project as a waste of time. It's a learning experience. If you don't like what you've made, try not to become too attached: just cut it apart and start over.

What if combining colors intimidates them?
I find that looking beautiful scenic photographs is an excellent place to go if I'm feeling stuck. What is it that you love about that photo of the setting sun, or the ocean lapping the beach or a field of flowers? Mother Nature's got the color thing all worked out. Borrow some tips from her.

I also have a huge bulletin board covered with my favorite photos, postcards and magazine clippings that I've collected over the years. Subconsciously those images sink into my brain, preparing me for the next set of creations.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Next time you're sorting your laundry, take that big heap of clothes and play with the colors. Seriously. This has worked for me many times!

Most importantly: try not to get too stuck on an idea. Take a break if needed. Have a look at some of the books and great magazines out there.

Just one recommendation for beginners: Don't copy. Respect another artist's work and intellectual property. Use books, magazines and web sites as inspiration, but be sure to make it your own.

So, what’s the secret to your perfect wire wraps?
Just like everything: practice, practice, practice. I figure I've probably made several hundreds of thousands of wire wraps, and they didn't start out perfect.

In addition to plain old practice, good tools definitely help. Select chain-nose pliers with a small sharp point, and round nose pliers with a small diameter. When making the loop at the top, really give the wire a nice clean 90-degree bend before making the loop. That will really help. Some designers will draw a line on their round nose pliers with a permanent marker to assist with making consistent size loops.

Dim Sum Earrings Drawing!
I’d like to thank Sara for her time and insight, and especially for her donation of a pair of Dim Sum earrings featured in Perfect Match. If you make a comment by Friday, June 20 responding to this blog, you’ll be entered to win the earrings. The contest has closed—thanks to all who entered. Click here to see who won!

Pick up your copy of Perfect Match in the My Craftivity shop by clicking here.

For more information on Perfect Match, including a page of great online beading resources, visit the book Web site here.