Country: Germany

Design/Expertise-related information

What technique(s) are you particularly focusing on?
Right angle weave, beadcrochet, embroidery and peyote

Since when have you already been holding workshops?
I started teaching workshops in 2003.

What fascinates you about using SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS?
The amazing quality, the precise cut and the numerous shapes and colours makes working with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS a wonderful experience.

What is your favorite SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS color?
Crystal AB CAL is my absolute favourite... Pacific Opal 2xAB is just as fascinating... Having the choice of so many beautiful colours, usually makes me bead a new design several times so I do not have to make such hard decisions.

What is your favorite SWAROVSKI ELEMENT and why?
Most often I work with Bicones art. 5328 and the Round Beads art. 5000. These beads are available in so many fantastic colours and add beautiful sparkles to all jewellery. My absolute favourites are the Roses Montées which were inspiering me so much, that I have written my first book about them, "Das Perlenfest der Roses Montées", introducing lots of designs and instructions.    

What was your first experience designing with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS?
This is so long ago, that I can not remember exacltly which year it was... I was still going to school and spent all my pocketmoney on hundreds of Roses Montées to sew them on a carnival costume, my mom made for me. To wear this costume with all these beautiful sparkeling crystals made me feel like a princess... since then I am just in love with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

What is your favorite design you have ever created with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS?
The "Golden Sun", which I have been teaching at the bead art fair in Hamburg and in my shop several times. There are so many beaders asking for the pattern for this design, that I have decided to include it into my new book, which will be released summer 2012.

Personal information

What are your hobbies?
beading, reading and spending my time with good friends.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Enthusiastic, creative and HAPPY

What would you definitely take with you on a lonely island?
My family, all my beads and good books.

What is the first thing at the day you usually do?
While I am enjoying a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper I am looking forward to a new exciting beading day.

What is your motto of life?
Smile and the world smiles with you! 

What advice do you have for new SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS enthusiasts?
Try and find a good teacher or a good book with nice instructions and learn various basic techniques... learning these and using SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will guarantee you a lot of fun and the most stunning hand made jewellery.