De Lynn Nelson            by Sigrid Wynne-Evans   De Lynn Nelson has some amazing patterns. Her pins with little add on charms are charming (no pun intended). They would also be fun as little pendants.   Don't miss her working woman series. If your De Lynn hasn't worked up your "day job" ask her, maybe she will!   I asked De Lynn a bunch of questions, and here are her responses:

Sampling of De Lynn's Working Woman Series Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
                

Tell us about your background: Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a cattle ranch in the high desert, Helendale to be exact. I now live in the San Diego area and there is no other place if you want perfect weather! I went to school in a two room school house until 7th grade where we were bussed into Victorville. I graduated from Victor Valley Sr. High School in 1979.

Do you have a day job? If so, what is it? How did you come to choose this type of job?

In my "day job" I'm a floral designer. I started working in a flower shop my Jr. year in high school and other than 2 years I took off to go to computer technician school I have been doing it ever since.

How did you begin beading? For how long have you been a beader?

I started making jewelry probably about 10 years ago because I LOVE jewelry. I began with Fimo and just sort of moved onto beads.

Sampling of De Lynn's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
                

What beaders influence you most?

I have never taken beading classes, just went through a lot of books. The first 2 books I purchased were written by Beady Boop and Suzanne Cooper so they were my first inspiration. But I must say these days I am inspired by everyone! There is so much talent out there sometimes I don't feel worthy.

Have you taken bead classes? Art classes?

I took painting classes for many years and portraits became my favorite to paint. I also took a lapidary and silver smithing class which I loved and hope to do more of some day when I get the time.

De Lynn's Paintings:
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What are your masterpieces?

The beading pieces that I am most proud of are my White Tiger because he was my first. And my charm pins because I thought I had come up with something original. My favorite subject would have to be animals simply because I love animals. My favorite design right now is called Animal Menagerie. I have been working on this piece of and on for a couple of years and recently pulled it out and I hope to have it posted by the time this is published.
 

Sampling of De Lynn's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
             
          

Describe your workspace.

My workspace changes from time to time as I keep trying to get all of it into one room. But right now I work my computer off a couple of tables in my living room and sometimes I bead there using a small portable table or I bead at my dining room table.
 
I use Paint Shop and use my beads and bead sample cards to choose the right colors.

Do you have any accomplishments or challenges that you wish to share?

I don't know if this is considered a challenge but it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. On July 1st of 2004 I had to put my Lasa-shit zu-poo, Scooter to sleep and he had been with me 15 years. And I miss him. The only accomplishment I can really think of right now would be winning 2nd place in a floral design contest last year.

What goals do you have?

I have to say my main goal is to get better and better at designing. My second goal would be to have a book published.

De Lynn's Pattern Books on CD:
Click on an image to view the pattern.