World Artisan Gems

Name: Patty Woodland

Website Link: Broken Teepee Designs

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a retired woman who recently moved to Western Montana from New Jersey. I live in a small, rural community on a lovely piece of ground overlooking the Clark Fork River. I have 4 goats and two cats so the animals outnumber the humans and run the show! My husband and I will soon be adding some chickens to our little farm and are finding this lifestyle to be very rewarding. We have a large garden and put quite a bit away for the winter.

Jillian

When did you start designing jewelry/art? I started in 2006. I have a number of health problems; my eyesight is impacted and I require 4 different pairs of glasses. I wanted to make beaded holders so I could keep them handy. Once I discovered beads I never looked back. I have now started working with gemstones and my life sparkles!

What do you make? I make jewelry; necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

What materials and methods do you use? I work with sterling silver, gold fill and occasionally 14kt gold. I use a mixture of precious and semi-precious gemstones and other interesting agates and jaspers. And pearls – in all their beautiful forms.

I also incorporate artisan lampwork beads from some of the very talented artisans I have come to know in my bead research.

I have used traditional stringing methods as well as wire wrapping to create my designs. I am always trying to learn different techniques.

Where do your design inspirations come from? I look out my window every day and am in awe of the beauty of Western Montana. The mountains, the blue sky, the river. All of the glorious colors come together to create a palette that any artist would be thrilled to use for inspiration.

Eastern Spice

I have also created some of my most popular pieces from just juxtaposing different strands of beads to see how the colors and textures play against each other.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? Right now my husband is in the process of building our house so we are still living in a fifth wheel trailer and my “studio” is the dining room table. It is somewhat challenging as I have to unpack my supplies, work, and then pack them all up again at the end of the day. When the house is finished I will have a room just for me!

Where can your products be seen?

Broken Teepee Designs and

Smashing Darling

Upcoming events: Nothing scheduled at this time.

Magazine articles or press:

Indie Collective - www.styleflash.net Holiday Gift Guide Spotlight on Broken Teepee Designs

Indie Arts Buzz - Indie Arts Buzz

 Smashing Darling - Smashing Darling This-weeks-boutique-critique

Art Bead Scene - Art Bead Scene

Who are you a fan of? I love the art of Mandy Budan

And the jewelry of The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans (I am a member).

Marigold

Price range: $18.50 - $493.00

Tell me a little about one of your favorite creations: My favorite pieces in my current collection are my Hanging Garden earrings. I love the color combination; blue, green and brown. It is somewhat unexpected but it works beautifully. The design is unique and utilizes one of my favorite gemstones – London blue topaz.

Hanging Garden earrings

Anything else you wish to add?Thank you!

Refreshing and natural designs with gorgeous stones. Thank you for the interview.