03.07.08
My Interview with Monica, Owner of Delias Delight Jewelry
Please meet Monica Sargeant, Owner of www.deliasdelightjewelry.com.
Where are you located? Northwest IL, but I’m really a city girl!
What do you design? I create artisan jewelry but also teach jewelry classes based on techniques I learn.
Where/How did you learn this? I am mostly self taught, but I have taken quite a few wire wrapping classes to learn techniques and then I adapt them to my own taste.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? Even thought I create a lot of wire work, William Spratling is my favorite artist. He really opened the doors for a lot of Native Mexican Goldsmiths and Silversmiths.
Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration comes from many things, nature, music, colors, family etc. Sometimes I see a bead or gem and I can see it adapted into a piece of jewelry. I also get inspired from my jewelry students. I love seeing where they take the techniques I teach them. I am always open to learn new ideas!
What do you do to combat creative block? I read and listen to music a lot so it kind of gives me a diversion, but I always feel creative afterwords.
Where do you design your creations? Everywhere! Seriously, my husband built this wonderful workspace for me in the basement. But if I’m doing laundry, helping with homework, or even watching TV, I will bring a project with me to work on just about anywhere!
What does your work space look like right now? Right now it is a tidy mess.
How does your family feel about what you do? My husband is very supportive and my kids love the freebies! Obviously the women in my family (and my brother) love Christmas or bithdays!
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Just play with it! Buy some practice wire or copper and just play with it! It’s just wire and if you don’t like it, start over.
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? Don’t be afraid to market yourself! If you love what you do and you do your best, people will appreciate it.
Favorite part of owning your own business? I can work around my family schedule.
Least favorite? Working around my housework schedule bites into my creative time, especially when I’m on a roll.
How do you relax? I love to read, listen to music, laugh with my husband and kids, socialize with my neighbors…
Favorite color? Hmmm…Silver, Blue, Black.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? Well, I work with silver and I just can’t seem to get away from turquoise or black.
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? Making more jewelry or teaching others to make jewelry!
A sample of Delias Delight Jewelry products. For all products, please visit Monica’s website.
