FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - ORIGINALS BY TERRI

I've been browsing through Terri's Etsy shop, ORIGINALS BY TERRI, and find her work to be quite exquisite! I'm sure you will agree once you see her work.

Here, in Terri's own words, she gives us a little insight into how she got started creating jewelry, and what she enjoys about this creative medium. DON'T FORGET TO VISIT TERRI'S SHOP by clicking on the links below this interview.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
Years ago my sister owned a small woman's boutique and there was an outfit I loved, but no jewelry to match it. I went out and bought all the necessary items to make earrings for it and within 1 hour the earrings and the outfit sold as a set. I was so excited, I couldn't believe somebody bought something I had made. I continued to make jewelry to match her clothes and even took custom orders. Unfortunately, her shop closed a few years back, but I am still making jewelry and loving it.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have always loved color, different textures and the way they can all be brought together to look amazing. I guess it is the one thing that I can truly do on my own.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I find putting together different stones and colors that most people wouldn't think of and it sells to be enjoyable. It's not because of the money (even though that helps) but because there are so many jewelry artists out there and somebody picked ME.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
I would pick a fruit to describe my jewelry. It's fresh and juicy. Most, if not all, of my jewelry is one of a kind. I try to make jewelry with what colors are most popular at the current time. For example bright yellow is very popular, I would most likely pair it with something bright and bold like either turquoise or red.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your creativity what would that be, and why?
Pottery, because of the colors and textures, it is so unlimited!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Wear it because you like it not just because it's the perfect match. Most of all, be yourself!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Everyone has their own opinion, but it is what you like and how you feel about yourself that matters.

TERRI, thanks so much for taking the time to share your very lovely work, and giving us a bit of insight as to what makes you an "original" as a jewelry artist.

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