SD: When did you start designing jewelry?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: I started designing jewelry for fun and stress relief. The light bulb went on when not only friends and family but complete strangers would ask,"Where did you get that?". I literally sold jewelry right off my body! I was soon devouring information on and off line on various techniques. I'm self taught and incorporate beading, wire wrapping, chain maille and metal smithing techniques into my jewelry designs. I love the medium glass and make my own lamp work and fused glass designs to be incorporated into the jewelry designs I create. Although right now I'm a baking fiend and have been creating fused glass art jewelry like a woman possessed!
SD: What inspires your jewelry designs?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: Being so passionate about
creating, everything around me is inspiring. I'm always thinking now how can I translate what I see, hear and remember into jewelry...the downtown sky line, the childhood memory of the tire swing, etc..There is no limit on my imagination or my jewelry designs! SD: Where were you born and raised and where do you presently live?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: I was born in Canada but lived abroad most of my life as an "oil brat". I actually met my future husband in Aberdeen, Scotland when I was in 7th grade ( we just didn't know it then!). When I graduated as a Clinical Scientist, I was lured to the USA and have been here ever since as a result of marrying a native Texan, John. We had an 8 month excursion to Maastricht (Netherlands) when our daughter was less than a year old. Our family has lived in the Dallas area for over 9 years now.
SD: What are your other interests and hobbies?
Randi-Sue Deckard , Designing-Diva Jewelry: Quilting, sewing,reading (when I have the time), and cooking
SD: Were you creative as a child?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: Absolutely NOT! I always had my nose in books and spent my allowance on math workbooks. Can you believe it?
SD: Why have you chosen jewelry design as one means to express your creativity?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: With jewelry design, you can create works of art that are portable. Art is meant to be seen and enjoyed. What better way than to wear it...not only do you enjoy it but others can as well. It is a great way to connect; people will stop and you can tell them the story behind the design! After all, who doesn't love a good story!
SD: Do you have a following of people who are collectors of Designing-Diva Jewelry?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: The e-commerce site has allowed me to connect with customers from Japan, Europe ,Canada, and Australia as well as the USA. My retail trunk shows in Dallas are well attended because I have a large local customer base.
SD: What is your favorite jewelry material to work with and why and do you have a favorite gemstone or precious metal?
Randi-Sue Deckard Jewelry: I work with the precious metals sterling silver, 14k GF and vermeil but primarily sterling. Silver is easy to work with, easy to get, and keeps the line affordable. I love using unusual gemstones like Peruvian Blue Opal, Larimar or Druzy. I often buy only one or two stones for my "originals". I also like incorporating my original glass cabochons into my pieces as this makes many of my designs truly original.
SD: Tell us about one of your favorite pieces of jewelry from your collection.
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: Tequila Sunrise. This is one of my first original lamp work beads that I incorporated with carnelian rondelles and black onyx. It reminded me of the dark night and the amazing colors that blend in the sky with the rising of the sun. Carnelian was very popular with the Egyptian Pharaohs and after a recent trip to the museum...I was inspired to use carnelian in jewelry. When I designed the lamp work bead I knew I had found my outlet!
SD: Do you offer custom-made jewelry?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: Yes! I have designed bridal jewelry, anniversary and "meaningful" jewelry for many customers. It is always exciting to create a design that will resonate with a particular individual and catch their personality in the design! I also have had customers want "vintage" or "antique" jewelry redesigned into something contemporary that they will wear for years to come.
SD: Upon placing an order, how long before delivery?
Randi-Sue Deckard, Designing-Diva Jewelry: Customer service is extremely important and I make every attempt to ship within 4 business days of the order being placed. Whenever it may be longer, I like to communicate with my customers immediately and always make sure I'm meeting their needs. For the holiday season, I will post a date for ordering by to ensure "delivery" before Christmas (only guaranteed for US orders).
