FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GILDED OWL JEWELRY

Calamity Jane... Opal and Fine Silver Earrings

Original Designs by Chris Wrinn

It is a pleasure to have Chris and her exquisite, original designed jewelry here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy artist.  Chris' Etsy shop is called GILDED OWL JEWELRY. When you pay a visit to GILDED OWL JEWELRY, you will find a wonderful selection of  pendants/necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more.

Let's learn a bit more about Chris and her artistic creativity by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

I am a commercial illustrator by profession, but needed a relaxing, yet creative, outlet. The focus involved with designing jewelry is both refreshing and spontaneous. It lets me wander where I want.

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

Metals, especially wire and precious metals, have always appealed to me. Although I didn't know what to do with them until I took a course, there was always 'something about them' in the back of my mind.

Punk Phun Turquoise and Silver Pendant

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

Spontaneity and not knowing how pieces will turn out. Sometimes you get a bolt of creativity and haven't a clue where it came from. It can take one by surprise. I also like to mold precious metal clays into unique patterns and designs that you can't get with traditional sheet metals. Wire wrapping is another aspect I enjoy. The wire can take on what seems a life of its own and lead you into places you wouldn't think of going. Every piece is unique.

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

Vegetable. Vegetables have much more texture than fruits.

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

Icing. I've done painting and metalwork, so the one thing left that interests me is taking the creative side of me and making Decorating Cakes into something rather unique. It's amazing what can be done with icing!

14K Gold Filled Classic Circlet Earrings

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

I want my designs to grab your attention at first glance and I want the wearer to receive compliments. I'd like the customer be proud of the piece.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find your passion and keep doing it. It may not be the easier way or it may not be the one you are more successful at, but keep at it. As long as you are happy when you are in the process of creating, that's what you should be doing.

Thanks, Chris, for a great interview and taking the time to share your wonderful creations with all of us.  Great style and workmanship! Your creations reflect that you love what you do!

Be sure to visit the links below to see more of Chris' work.

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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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