Randi-Sue Deckard was a clinical scientist for 15 years but then a chance meeting with a dear old friend ignited the latent passion for jewelry designing, consequent upon which, she took up her creativity as a full time profession. And now you can witness the awesome designs spilling out from her creative shells every now and then. Lately, we happen to contact her and had an opportunity of having her email interview, which goes as… 1. What made you plunge into the designing industry? We’d love to hear your story? Randi: Would you believe it was an accidental introduction to Japanese bead weaving by a dear friend, Nozomi. She was patient enough to share her love of beading with me. Before I knew it, I was devouring books, magazines and the internet on designing jewelry. I stumbled across a quote from Martha Stewart: “Find something to be passionate about” After reading that and my recent addiction to learning everything I could, I told my husband if I could do anything I would be an artisan jewelry designer. His reply was so simple, “So, why don’t you?” Suddenly, being a clinical scientist wasn’t so appealing anymore! Since then I’ve shown my jewelry at various retail events, been featured in a local gallery , sponsored jewelry in swag bags and commercial fashion shoots…and I’m excited to see what the future will bring all because of that fateful morning coffee with Nozomi sharing her passion! 2. What kind of jewelry do you make? What types of materials do you prefer? What kinds of art beads do you use? Randi: I design jewelry for the everyday woman that is unique just like her. The majority of my designs are originals with a few limited edition designs. My wearable works of art range from classical-funky-modern and allow the wearer to truly express her personality. I love using the precious metal silver (sterling or fine) and 14k gold-fill which is more durable than gold. In order to maintain “unique” designs, I tend to purchase rare and unusual semi-precious gemstones like Peruvian Blue Opal. I have learned how to make lamp work glass beads and fused glass cabochons so I can create my own “art beads”. 3. Your designs are just awesome, from where do you derive your creative inspiration? Randi: Thank you for your kind words. This sounds so lame but where don’t I find creative inspiration! Everywhere I look, from nature to buildings to found objects….my brain processes what it sees and thinks how can I translate this into a piece of jewelry! Passionate and obsessed! 4. Randi, is there any motif running in your creation? Randi: I’m not sure if others would call “unique” a motif but I do! 5. Amongst your created pieces, which one is your all time favorite? Randi: That is such a hard one to answer….but for now, I would have to choose Pearl Surprise I used the classical chain maille design known as byzantine or bird cage to hold a surprise treasure just like an oyster….a beautiful white pearl. 6. Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of your style? Randi: The signature of my style is in the “details”. At first you look you see a work of wearable art. The next time you look, you see the handcrafted clasp or you notice if you wear your hair up that someone comments on the gemstone/crystal dangle from the back! 7. May we have the honor of knowing your future plans with respect to your designs? And presently, what are the interesting things that have hooked your attention? Randi: I want to continue to challenge myself as a jewelry artist. For me that means learning and experimenting with new techniques to create jewelry designs that are unique. You can expect my jewelry collection to appear unlike anything out there on the market! At the moment, fused glass and fabrication (creating unusual bezel designs) have got me hooked. I love to bake and love baking glass even more….zero calories with baked glass. 8. Any parting words of wisdom, you’d like to give to our readers? Randi: You are never too old to find what you are passionate about. Be open and you may be surprised at where the path leads…I know I sure was! ;0 9. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on the Instablogs News Network and all its related sites. Which one is your favorite? Randi: I love to bring my family together with food. I love browsing all the articles/topics on food and cooking. Now it’s time for a rapid fire round: 1. Describe yourself in one word? Randi: Creative. 2. Who is the most influential person in your life? Randi: Grandmother (Ena). 3. If not a jewelry designer, you would have been? Randi: Well, I was a clinical scientist for 15 years! 4. What is the best/worst moment of a day? Randi: Best-morning-it’s a fresh start and anything is possible. Worst-evening-realizing there are just not enough hours in the day to accomplish all I would like to do. 5. If given a week’s holidays, how would you like to spend them? Randi: With my family camping and enjoying the N. Texas outdoors. Before signing off, I’d like to thank Randi for sparing out time for this wonderful interview and would like to wish her luck for all her future endeavors. And for all those who want to possess the stunning jewelry can buy it from designing-diva.com.
