Presents

November  Jewelry Designer

Cary martin

"I guess my designs are a synthesis of my art education and my sense of personal style..."

In the midst of the orange groves just outside of Orlando, Florida, you will find jewelry designer, Cary Martin, dreaming up her next creation.  

Bead Artist Dee Howl

“I became interested in crafting jewelry in the late 80's when noticing a bead and thread necklace my mother was constructing.  She taught me the technique and jewelry design has had a very serious addiction ever since!  Cary realized her talent very shortly after she made her first piece in 1988.  She now proclaims, “I love designing jewelry.”

“My mother, who is huge in my life, taught me basic wrap techniques and color characteristics.”  She says, “I am really getting into wirework lately.  That is my latest craze, and I love studying the metaphysical properties of gemstones.”  

Cary’s designs have been described as very eclectic, though Cary admits, “I am not really sure what that means, but I enjoy many different themes.”  Some of the themes she enjoys and uses are beach designs, bold dichroic pieces that have a very futuristic look, and very recently she is “falling in love with hollow beads.”  Cary attributes her love of all things artistic to her mother, who Cary says, “is an amazing artist.”  Each of her pieces is made as individual works of art.  Cary’s designs also come from a love of clothes.  Her original designs were designed for herself and friends; pieces that were for a particular outfit.  “I guess my designs are a synthesis of my art education and my sense of personal style, formed from a love of adornment and artistic expression,” she says, adding, “They are originally formed in my mind, (usually just before I fall asleep or right as I am waking up) sketched and then constructed.  I will say I am not crazy about symmetry.  My mother always said, nature is not symmetrical, why should we design that way?  She also instilled in me a desire for perfection.  I have been known to make a piece 3-4 times because it was not perfect, or didn't hang or lay just right.” 

Bead Artist BJ Canerday

Cary has found a deep love for lampwork beads.  She says, “I love everything about them.  I am constantly amazed at the beauty of, and creation of lampwork, and the expanding designs” adding, “what a medium glass is!”  Cary states, “I love to design with lampwork.  [T]he beads are little pieces of art and thus make my designs artwork!”  You will find Cary sitting and looking at the beads for hours!  “I love my mother’s beads, and I also buy a lot of Karen Leonardo's beads, Beau Haun, Brendan Blake, Candice Mathewson, and Lori Robbins. I can go on and on.  I love just about every lampwork bead I see!”

Bead Artist Iris Bucholtz

Inspiration appears to come easy for Cary.  When asked if the beads or components give her inspiration for her designs, she replied, “It all depends; sometimes a bead will lead me to a design and sometimes I see a design in my mind, and find the beads to bring it out as best as I can.  They have a life of their own, and I REALLY believe I have a Muse.  I thank them all the time.” 

Bead Artist BJ Canerday

Cary likes all styles of jewelry, but loves to make bracelets, earrings and anklets the most.  She finds the most satisfaction in seeing the final piece, and then having someone see what she sees in it, and then purchases it!

Bead Artist BJ Canerday

Cary’s jewelry designs can be found on auction sites, local galleries, and at trunk shows.  Designing jewelry is Cary’s full time job.  Her designs sell for $25.00 up to hundreds of dollars for a single piece.  She hopes to have her work in more galleries and would like to teach in the future.  “I have really been doing a lot of commission pieces lately.  I love to work with individuals to design personal pieces for weddings and that special occasion.  I recently had a piece I designed for Mary Jarvis of Bayou Beads, on the cover of Belle Armoire!  That was an amazing experience,” she says.

Bead Artist Iris Bucholtz

Cary says that the last piece is her current favorite.  “I do have an amulet bag that I made years ago (took me months) that had so much of my energy in it.  That is probably my very favorite piece.  I will never sell it,” she says.

Bead Artist Sara Creekmore

When offering advice to others wishing to design jewelry, Cary exclaims, “I think the best tool is organization (for me).  I know other designers that thrive in chaos.  I just can't.” A