Sunday, November 2, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - COBWEB CORNER

The Lion Battles the Snake - Natural Brass Necklace

WELCOME, Carla and her Etsy shop COBWEB CORNER!! I just continue to be amazed at all the wonderful and unique styles of jewelry out on Etsy. Let's hear from Carla, in her own words, what she has to say about her lovely creations, and get a bit more insight to Carla as an artist. Don't forget to visit COBWEB CORNER and Carla's other links listed below this interview.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

A friend at work had made a Halloween Bracelet. I told her to make some more and I would try selling them on my website. Her reply “You can make them – it’s really easy”. She made a list of the supplies I would need, I went shopping, and boom – I was designing jewelry. I was hooked right away.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I work with many things, but in general my designs are simple. I try to concentrate in finding unique focal beads/pendants and creating something around that. My goal is to keep things affordable, but very original. Also – it must be wearable. That sounds obvious, however some pieces can be amazing, but not something you would actually wear – if that makes sense. My newest venture is with natural brass components. I love the vintage-style designs and really enjoy creating jewelry using the brass items.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I really enjoy creating designs that people love to wear. I love it when people contact me and say something like “I wear that necklace I bought from you all of the time.” This just makes me feel good! I also have a line of gift items that includes poems that I wrote. I especially am touched when someone chooses one of my items to give as a very special gift. There are so many choices, and when someone selects one of my items for that ‘extra special’ gift, I am really very touched.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Tough question! I would say vegetable. Mostly because fruit reminds me of bright and whimsical, and I don’t think that describes me. Vegetables remind me of muted and stable – that sounds more like me.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Writing. I have always had a thought in the back of my head about writing – but never really considered actually pursuing it. I don’t think blogging counts!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I don’t have a message per se, but I do truly want my customers to enjoy what they purchase from me. Everyone knows that there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing where to spend your money. I want my jewelry designs to say “You’re going to be happy you decided to shop here.”

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Stay with it, but at the same time don’t be afraid to try new things. Grow with your craft. Decide whether you truly want your talent to be a business or a hobby. Turning your craft into a business is a lot of work, and your hobby becomes something you must do rather than something you want to do. Also – don’t undervalue your work. Network and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are a lot of places to get to know others in your field. Oh- and Have Fun!


THANKS, CARLA for a sharing your lovely work and thoughts with all of us.



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5 comments:

LisaLisa said...

Great Post!!! Carla work is so pretty and of course.... your pretty awesome yourself Donna!!! ('.') I love to drop by and read some of your featured stories.
So inspirational!!

Jamie said...

Great featured seller and interview! It is so awesome you are promoting other sellers!

Anonymous said...

Such a treat to learn more about Carla and her work, Thanks!



And a delight to see your fairies--gorgeous!

Ravenswick said...

Great interview. Carla's work is just beautiful! Also you have been tagged! I picked your blog because it is one of my favorites and I love your dolls. You can check out my blog for instructions on posting interesting facts about yourself for us all to read!

Sandra Williams said...

Great Feature & questions. Carla has beautiful pieces!