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Sandra Mendes

"I began working in the world of fashion. I studied Fashion Design at the Cândido Mendes faculty, and I designed the clothes for women and men, as well as accessories, for a local shop. Accessories have always been very important to me. They transform the 'face' of clothes so one can wear the same thing day and at night, just by changing the accessories.

"I was having a hard time finding the exact pieces I wanted to use to complement my creations. I thought I needed to learn more about basic jewelry-making techniques, if I wanted to make my own designs. I took a two-month course, and then I continued with the same teacher for eight months in private tutorials. I soon realized this is what I really wanted to do. I've always had a knack for creating, for 'playing' with colors and pieces, and for finding harmonious balance when putting them together.

"When I am at my work table creating new designs, I'm always thinking of other new designs while working on a piece. I enjoy crafting jewelry with glass, resin, wood, metals with different plating, Brazilian gems, etc.

"Inspiration comes from different sources. I just need to step outside on the street to return filled with ideas. I can even be inspired by a beautiful jewelry piece, but I would never copy it. I truly prefer to create different and original pieces."