Artisan Spotlight
Artisan Feature – Elizabeth Bergesen
Jewelry Design and Photos by Elizabeth Bergesen
Creativity and family life come together beautifully for Elizabeth Bergesen, a talented jewelry designer in Western Nevada. Inspired by the vibrant landscapes around her and her life as a military wife, Elizabeth turns tiny beads into stunning works of art. “Bead weaving came naturally to me, and using tiny beads with a needle and thread was all I needed to start creating,” she says.
Join us as we explore how Elizabeth’s passion for bead weaving, her determination, and the support of her family have driven her to create beautiful, meaningful jewelry.
Please tell us a little about yourself!
Elizabeth: My name is Elizabeth Bergesen. I am 45 years old and have been married for 18 years. I’ve been a military wife for the same amount of time. We have one son named Christopher, who is 10 years old, and a Golden Retriever named Rosie. Recently, we purchased a home in Western Nevada where we are surrounded by beautiful desert mountains and are just an hour away from Lake Tahoe. I’m originally from Seattle, Washington, but have spent many years moving and living coast to coast. I am a ‘homebody’ and love to spend time with my family, whether it’s going on hikes or swimming in the lake. Being with my loved ones soothes my soul.
How long have you been creating your unique jewelry/art?
Elizabeth: I have been making jewelry off and on for the past 20 years. Being a military wife requires a lot of sacrifices and changes, so personal hobbies and careers can often be paused or put on hold. Settling down here in Nevada, I knew that I would be able to dedicate time to really focus on jewelry making again.
How do you approach the design process for your art/jewelry pieces? Do you have a specific creative routine or method?
Elizabeth: I enjoy following fashion and color trends. Pantone’s seasonal color palettes often inspire my design process. Working part-time in a retail store gives me insight into upcoming seasonal trends and prints, which I draw inspiration from for my designs. Recently, I purchased a dress with a print that I found very intriguing, and I designed my latest collection around it.
Did you face a learning curve with any specific technique/material (e.g., resin, metal stamping, epoxy resin)? How did you overcome it?
Elizabeth: When I first started making jewelry, I used a lot of wire and metal to create my frames and findings. It was very challenging for me, and I didn’t enjoy doing it. I overcame this by realizing that that area wasn’t my expertise and that I didn’t need to handle that part of the design. Instead, I could entrust that aspect to experts, like Becky’s findings, allowing me to focus on what I enjoy: bead weaving. Bead weaving came naturally to me, and using tiny beads with a needle and thread was all I needed to start creating.
Can you describe your process for selecting and preserving materials for your art/jewelry?
Elizabeth: I strive to create beautiful, long-lasting jewelry that can be treasured forever, so it’s crucial that the materials I use are of the highest standards. I choose high-quality seed beads from well-known manufacturers, durable findings that won’t break or tarnish, and gemstones sourced from reputable suppliers. Not only do I want my designs to resonate with my customers, but I also prioritize showcasing exceptional quality. I am very selective about the materials I use to create and sell.
Can you share any funny or memorable stories related to balancing work and home life?
Elizabeth: I am a 45-year-old military mom who recently returned to work after being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. I am still trying to figure out how to balance everything. However, I make sure to allow myself to have dedicated ‘me-time’ at my desk a few days during the week.
In the early stages of your creative journey, what choices did you make to support yourself financially?
Elizabeth: In the early stages of establishing myself as a business, I obtained the proper licenses, allowing me to purchase wholesale, which resulted in significant cost savings. I spent a lot of time figuring out my pricing structure and all aspects of what it took to keep a business profitable. That was really important to me.
Can you reflect on some of the notable challenges you’ve encountered in running your creative business?
Elizabeth: Just little things here and there; moving with the military always meant I had to put things on hold. During my pregnancy, I experienced Pregnancy-Induced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which made jewelry-making impossible for six months.
Can you tell us about your main venue for selling your creations and how you’ve navigated the challenges and successes associated with it?
Elizabeth: I participate in 3-5 local craft shows a year. Additionally, I have a website and would love to have my pieces showcased in local shops in the area. Since I am somewhat introverted, I find it challenging to put myself out there in hopes of gaining attention for my products. It’s something I am always working on.
Have face-to-face interactions at shows led to follow-up sales on platforms like Instagram or Etsy?
Elizabeth: Yes, always! I love selling and talking about my craft, and I like to think that my genuine interactions with customers make a difference. In-person interaction is key, especially when social media selling isn’t what it used to be a few years ago.
What do you think are your top three strengths as a creator/business owner?
Elizabeth: I believe my top three strengths as a creator/business owner are persistence, creativity, and support.
How does living a creative life contribute to your overall happiness?
Elizabeth: Living a creative life is something I have always done. I have a degree in Cosmetology and Residential Design, so being creative has always been natural and necessary for me.
Did you have a mentor or role model who influenced your creative journey?
Elizabeth: My mother-in-law has been a significant influence in my journey. When we were first getting to know each other, we would spend time making earrings and visiting bead stores together. She has truly been my main motivator from the beginning, always pushing and encouraging me to experiment and try new things.
You use Nunn Design Jewelry Findings in your work. How did you come to discover Nunn Design, and why do you trust your jewelry to our products?
Elizabeth: I discovered Nunn Design years ago through the blogging community. What caught my attention was the color of her gold findings – they weren’t too yellow or orange; the color was just perfect. Moreover, the quality far exceeds that of many other findings I have used in the past from reputable online wholesalers.
Connect with Elizabeth Bergesen:
Thank you, Elizabeth, for taking the time to inspire us!
To view more of Elizabeth’s stunning creations, visit her Website: https://elizabethbergesen.com/
Follow and support her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethabergesen
Follow her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBergesenBeadedJewelry
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