Welcome to December's Designer Spotlight!
I've followed and admired Terry Ricioli's work for years! Not only does Terry create beautiful jewelry, but she also teaches others how to do the same thing by submitting her pieces to magazines for publishing and teaching at her local craft store.
You might have seen her work in "Beadwork" as well as "Stringing" magazines. I'm so pleased to introduce her as December's Spotlight Designer!
Terry started creating craft designs when her daughters were small. She was a stay-at-home mom and needed a creative outlet. She tried creative writing and found the craft magazine niche. Over the years, she's had many designs published in craft magazines and books. She's been on a variety of design teams and has had a love making things since she was little. She likes to try a little of everything!
When did you first start beading, and what drew you to beading in the first place?
I first started beading as a kid. I got a kit one Christmas for French beaded flowers. I never mastered those, but I had fun making my own creations. Through the years, I have beaded off and on. Once I made a curtain with rolled paper beads from can labels. I really started beading when I was asked to teach a class at Michaels about 15 years ago. I was teaching other craft classes, but I had never taught beading. I watched the videos, made some samples, and was hooked!
What is your favorite project that you’ve finished recently, and why is it your favorite?
I think my favorite is my Ocean Moods necklace (left). It has all my favorite colors and I love the gemstones. The slices of agates have such depths and layers of color and texture. Being a rock hound from childhood, I can just stare at gemstones for hours. I also like the Stag Talisman necklace (above) I created recently. I really like the combination of leather, gemstones and wood.
Do you have a jewelry business? Where can we find you online?
I’m a designer of jewelry and crafts, mainly for publication. I’ve sold occasionally to family and friends, but I have no dedicated site for selling my designs. Most of what I make is one of a kind. I have a blog - terryriciolidesigns.blogspot.com, and I’m also on Pinterest (pinterest.com/ricioli) and I’ve recently started posting on Instagram.
What are your favorite beading techniques and materials?
Lately, I’m having a lot of fun with knotting and waxed linen or cotton cord. It’s such a quick way to bead and so easy. I like the organic look of cord and other fibers.
What techniques would you like to learn?
Now, that’s a long list! I want to expand my metalworking skills – enameling, soldering and etching are on that part of the list. Kumihimo looks like fun, too! I am a technique junkie, so just about everything I see, I want to try!
What are some of your favorite beads or components on the Halcraft Collection website?
The gemstones are fabulous. I recently ordered some of the painted agate, which I had been admiring. I like the variety of wood available, too. The patina-plated charms are wonderful, too. And, anything turquoise!
Where do you get your beading inspiration? What most inspires you?
I think the natural world is my greatest inspiration, but the beads themselves also play a big part. I also love vintage and antique styles. I love looking through Pinterest for ideas, too.
If you had room for only two tools in your bead kit, what would they be?
That’s a tough one! In a different stage of my design career when I was doing more chain mail designs, I would have said two pairs of chain-nose pliers. Now, since I work more with fiber, I would say a pair of scissors and a pair of pliers.
What jewelry trends are you excited to incorporate into your beadwork?
I am working toward adding more mixed media pieces into my beadwork. I want to create small layered pieces that combine different media like paint, stitching and fabric, metal and found objects.
Terry and her husband live on her family vineyard and grow grapes in beautiful Sonoma County, California.
She also designs needlepoint on plastic canvas for a kit company.
Terry is a volunteer teacher for a homeschool group. This year she's teaching science classes, but for the past three years, she taught art.
Terry has two grown daughters (one is a math teacher and one is a nurse) and five beautiful granddaughters.
Her husband enjoys gardening, travel, watching the hawks in the pine trees in the backyard, and get-togethers with family and friends.
Are you interested in being in our Designer Spotlight?
Join our Beaded Jewelry Facebook group today and tag us in your projects on Instagram with @halcraftcollectionbeads, #prettypalettes, #beadgallery!
We choose a new designer to spotlight each month
and would love to celebrate you!
Molly Schaller loves beading, knitting, gardening, bookbinding, and being with her family and pets. She’s always on the lookout for new ways to express her creativity and help others learn ways to tap into their creativity as well!
