FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SHIMMERMEBLUE by MELISSA

Rustic Unachite Bracelet

by

Melissa

Welcome, Melissa of SHIMMERMEBLUE on Etsy. I was surprised to learn that Melissa and I live in the same area surrounding Milwaukee, WI. What a small world it is!

I'm happy to have Melissa here on DZFANTASY as a "featured jewelry artist", and hope you take the time to visit her shop SHIMMERMEBLUE. She has a wide selection of delightful jewelry! First, let's learn a little bit more about Melissa.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I actually started making jewelry out of the blue. I have always been a 'crafty' person, and started to see a lot of handmade jewelry. I thought 'I can do this!' I skimmed through several tutorials on different sites, watched a few You Tube videos and started buying beads.

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

I love the look of glass beads, but honestly it was the easiest thing to start out with! As I learn more, I will be making a lot of different things. It just all takes time and practice!

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

I would have to say, looking at the finished piece and the feeling that I accomplished something. This is especially true when I work on projects I've never done before and the finished piece turns out really good!

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

Hmmm, this is a really tough one! Maybe a plum because each one tastes a little different. That's kind of how I design my jewelry, a little different, but still the same in some ways. I don't stick to one specific style, color or pattern.

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

I really want to learn how to make handblown glass beads! I think the finished product is so amazing and I would love to be able to make my own beads for my jewelry.

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

If you are passionate in what you do, go for it! There's nothing better than being able to do what you love, even if you only do it as a hobby.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't get discouraged if you are not successful and making tons of money right away! It all takes time, work and patience.

Thanks, Melissa for sharing your thoughts and jewelry with everyone. May you continue to enjoy creating, and may it bring joy to those who wear it!

To learn more about Melissa, and see more of her work, be sure to click on the links below.

SHIMMERMEBLUE BLOG

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SUNDOWN BEAD DESIGNS

Silent Waves - Blue Artisan Boro Lampwork,

Thai, and Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet

by Shelby

Shelby of SUNDOWN BEAD DESIGNS on Etsy has some very exquisite jewelry designs. I love her use of lampwork beads with silver wire wrapping! It makes for some very original and beautiful creations!

Be sure to pay SUNDOWN BEAD DESIGNS a visit. First, let's learn a bit more about Shelby and how she became a jewelry artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I have alway been crafty, even when I was very young. I have dabbled in lots of different crafts. So this being said, when we were on vacation I wondered into a bead shop. Seeing all the strands of beads and supplies peaked my interest. I was very curious about how to bead. So, I purchased some magazines at that shop and purchase some supplies once I got back home. The rest is history. I started stringing exculsively, and gradually started experimenting with wire. Now I concentrate mostly on wirework projects. That's what I love.

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

While I enjoyed stringing, there were certain aspects of it that I did not like, such as finishing (crimping). I would leave projects unfinished because of the dreadful crimping. I preferred the look of wire jewelry. I really enjoy being able to create a wearable piece of art by manipulating and bending the wire.

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

For me, my craft is very theraputic. I craft mostly in the evening, after my children have gone to bed. Hence the name "Sundown." I can sit undisturbed, and either have quiet time or listen to my ipod, while I design a unique piece of jewelry. Of course, each new piece of jewelry is my fav, that is until I create a new piece.

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

Cherries, because I think a bowl of cherries is beautiful to look at, and they are yummy!

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

That's a hard question...I enjoy doing a lot of other crafting, but I would say that my next favorite craft would have to be knitting, because that is something that I am trying to learn now. And I have a scarf fettish...so now maybe I can make my own.

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

May it always be enjoyable. Occasionally I do get burned out when I am forced to turn out a lot of jewelry (when I'm getting ready for a show), so I take a break. But I always come back because for me, working with wire is just like curling up with a good book.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Have fun and aim for the stars!!

Shelby, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and your wonderful creations with everyone! Your work certainly reflects that you "love" what you do!

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