Tuesday, February 4, 2014

JET Artisan Profile:
Deena Roberts of Deeta By Design

Welcome! I'm Deena of DeetaByDesign. I have been surrounded by art my entire life, as my dad was in the art business. I spent weekends as a kid at the California Design Center in his showroom.

I suppose that is where my love for design grew the fondest. I have a love of both fashion and interior design, majored in Art throughout college, am a licensed Make-up artist, and fell deeply for making jewelry.

My passion is incorporating people's family heirlooms into current pieces and making them relevant to hand down through the ages.

Bronze Heart, Pearl and Gem Necklace
My drive for making jewelry totally changed after we lost our oldest son to a tragic accident a couple of years ago. He had always been so inspired by what I did. I turned that into my tribute to him...thus...the name of my business evolved into Deeta...his nickname for me.

I have always wanted a "hobby". But I fell both blindly and hard for making jewelry when a wire artisan I knew showed me how to wire wrap. The tools felt so right in my hand and it took nearly no time for me to grasp the basics of wire wrapping.

My passion for design fell right into place. I had always loved

Faceted Watermelon Tourmaline Rondelle Bracelet

stones and beads. She was kind enough to take me out to help me purchase my first bit of silver, quality stones and my tools, and that was the beginning of my new passion.

I began making jewelry nearly five years ago. My husband was traveling quite a bit, and our twins were small, so after they went to bed
I spent my nights trying new things, looking at stones online, etc. A great gal at the jewelry store I frequented was an incredible inspiration and really helped form the style of my designs today. But, making jewelry took on a much more meaningful approach after the company was given a name for our son.

Labradorite Sterling Silver chain link bracelet
Twig of Laguna
Five years ago, when I first began making jewelry I sold my first piece. Since then, my creations have grown so much! As I have taken on a more natural approach, I have been fortunate to have been asked by a few Rock band members to design them custom pieces, and my more natural collection is sold at a wonderful boutique on the Southern California coast called Twig of Laguna.

I still love working with Sterling Silver, Gold Vermeil and Bronze metals. But it's the stones that I really enjoy. It amazes me how the attraction to one stone or another can change with one's mood.

I love to sit in my workspace and just gaze at them while the creation just evolves. I know it sounds funny, but a creation must "feel" right and just flow.

Some days, that occurs more naturally than others. I also love incorporating leather in my designs. I love how a piece takes on a different perspective by adding buttery soft leather to it.

Sterling silver Bangle Bracelet
I truly enjoy making necklaces the most, probably because that is where I began, but I do enjoy making a bracelet here and there, as well!

Like most artists, I am highly inspired by nature and my surroundings. My workspace is a wonderful niche, in line with beautiful trees just outside the windows.

I love my tools. And I take care of them. Fortunately, when I invested in my tools, I was lead in the right direction, and still have my original set of pliers and nippers!

I'm working on expanding my skills, so my business can grow!  I look forward to taking on Precious Metal Clay so that I may make my own charms and bezel settings to add to my pieces in the future.

Citrine, Turquoise, Leather Bee Bracelet
Find and "Like" my Facebook page here:

www.DeetabyDesign.Facebook.com

A peek into my shop ...

 

Thanks for visiting!

21 comments :

Mary Ryan said...

I love Deena's designs! Her passion really shows in her work.

Michele said...

Deena's designs are very warm and earthy, which explains the comfort sense you get after reading how her designs were created!!! Very nice write up, thanks for sharing!!!

capitalcitycrafts said...

Great interview, thanks for sharing! It's so much fun to learn more about whio is behind the designs...

Blanche said...

Awesome getting to know you!

Cher said...

Great article, Bob! Always fun to find out more about our newer Jets and their inspiration!

Gemstones on My Mind said...

Lovely story, Deena. Your designs are gorgeous and a beautiful tribute to your son. I can't wait to see what you design next!

simpleesilver said...

Deena...I could have written a big part of this myself. Feeling the stones and somehow choosing partner stones comes naturally. I never met a gemstone bead I didn't like:)

Your designs are AWESOME! The mix of beautiful stones, leather or chain, accompanying pearls or stones to highlight your focal piece...you have got it down to perfection, in my book!

So glad we are friends!

Unknown said...

Fabulous to get to know your story! Beautiful work!

Gambatte said...

Deena, I love everything in your shop! Your designs are so beautiful, and I know that comes from the love you put into everything you do. I'm so sorry about your great loss, but know how proud your son must be as he looks down from above. Thanks for sharing your story!

MadeByTammy said...

Beautiful and inspiring feature! Deena, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Thank you so much for sharing.

SendingLoveGallery said...

wonderful post about you Deena, love how you named your business for your son :)

mjsee said...

Stunning one-of-a-kind pieces, from a one-of-a-kind crafter!

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

Deena, there is not one item I would not love wearing in your shop. Your pieces are the perfect combo of earthy-elegance to me. Your love of the gemstone comes through! Its a pleasure learning more about you:)

jemsbyjb said...

Loved reading this artist's story. So many beautiful and unique jewelry items. A wonderful shop. Thanks for sharing.

Mollie Ann said...

Thank you Deena, for sharing your story with us! The way a lifetime of art has inspired your work is truly an inspiration!

cooljewelrydesign said...

Deena, I saw your work somewhere on Etsy w/o knowing you were a JET ... and fell in love with it, so there was no bias ... :-) It's awesome and so are you. Life experiences often influences the outcome of a design ... can't wait to see more of your gorgeous work.

cooljewelrydesign said...

Deena, this is my 3rd attempt to leave a comment ... fingers crossed ... I LOVE LOVE your jewelry, it shows so much spirit and joy, freedom and individuality ... I didn't even know you were a Jet until recently but had seen your work "around" the campus. Excellent post!

cooljewelrydesign said...

I agree with Norah 150% ... I was very intrigued by your jewelry and I did not even know you are a JET ... well, it all falls into place now. :-) Seriously cool vibe and very artfully thought out designs, many rustic boho ... at least that's how they speak to me. Keep up the wonderful work!!

LoveStoneArts said...

I admire how your artistry shines in each of your jewelry creations. Thanks for sharing your message and inspiration. Wishing you much success!

Unknown said...

Love Deena's Jewelry Designs and reading her Jewelry story

ishidee said...

Hi Deena, I enjoyed learning more about you and your love of making jewelry. How wonderful to keep your son's spirit close to you by letting him be a part of your shop. You have special talent for combining stones with metals, and your creations are terrific.

Just to let you know: You should re-configure your Facebook link to the following: https://www.facebook.com/DeetaByDesign
The one in this Profile is not getting to your page.