FEATURED ETSY SHOP - lilruby by Joan Williams

Antique style Desert Treasure bracelet

by Joan Williams

WELCOME, Joan and her Etsy shop, "lilruby".  Joan's states that she loves to create designs that make you think of "times long ago and far away"!  When you pay a visit to "lilruby" that is definitely the feeling you get when you look at all her lovely pieces.  I could picture the bracelet above being worn by an Eygptian princess! 

Before you visit Joan's shop, take a moment to learn a bit more about this talented jewelry artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have had the urge to create pretty much all my life. I've always loved horses and starting drawing them as a small child, which has continued to this day. When I was a teenager, I planned to become a fashion illustrator, and along with the horses, drew an awful lot of girls with long hair and bellbottoms! Although I dreamed of going to art school, I never got the chance and learned about new techniques by reading about them and just diving in.

Gypsy Hoops copper and czech glass earrings

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

When my kids were little I didn't have much time for anything beyond an occasional drawing but eventually dabbled in silk floral design, tole painting and also did some commissioned equine oil portraits (more horses!). I gradually started making earrings and bracelets for myself, and that's when I fell in love with jewelry design.

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

The most enjoyable aspect of creating for me is the design process - I really love to wander through my favorite bead stores. Something about being surrounded by all those beads lets ideas flow and I can usually design several things in my head.

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

Lately I've been thinking alot about taking up oil painting again. Now that our kids are grown and I actually have a room just for beads and art I think I could enjoy that.

Victorian style rose and brass charm necklace

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

I don't know that my art conveys a particular message other than the need within me to take inspiration and create something that has beauty, at least to me.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice for others is that if you have that need to create, don't ignore it! Find a way to fulfill it even if you can only steal a few minutes late at night after the kids are asleep!

THANKS, for a great interview, Joan, and for sharing your delight jewelry designs with all of us.  I had fun looking at the different pieces of jewelry and contemplating what "time and place" they reminded me of!

To see more of Joan's creations be sure to visit the links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PIXIE DUST FINERIES

Topaz Crystal Necklace

by Patricia Bullock of PIXIE DUST FINERIES

Patricia of Pixie Dust Fineries on Etsy has a huge selection of delightful jewelry which should please anyone's taste!  She also has a selection of  "awareness" jewelry for MS, Breast Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Disease.  Be sure to pay a visit to PIXIE DUST FINERIES to see all her lovely creations.  You will also find a section of Bridal jewelry.  I'm sure you will be able to find just what you are looking for!

Let's take a moment to learn a little bit more about Patricia, by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been an artsy/crafty person. When I was a kid,I was constantly doing some type of craft from macramé to knitting, to drawing, you name it I probably did it. In 2007, I lost my job; I started making jewelry as gifts for my family. At one point, I made many more pieces than I needed so I decided to try my hand at selling some of them on Etsy.

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

I have always loved jewelry and I love the relationship that women have with their jewelry. It makes us feel beautiful, feminine, and powerful. It affects us in many ways, and even if a piece does not cost thousands of dollars, it is still precious to us. Therefore, I choose Jewelry.

Aglow Vanilla Pearl and Crystal Bride/Bridesmaid Earrings

by Patricia

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

The part of jewelry making I find most enjoyable is designing the piece. Creating jewelry is very therapeutic for me.

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

I would choose a tomato, because they come in many varieties of shape, sizes and colors.

Pink Crystal Breast Cancer Bracelet

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

Pencil Drawings, it is something I have always enjoyed doing, but never really pursued it after school.

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

Individuality, creativity, uniqueness!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Focus on what you love and you will be successful.

Patricia, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and lovely creations with everyone!

To learn more about Patricia and Pixie Dust Fineries, be sure to visit the links below.

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

TWITTER

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THE HEMP PATCH

Labradorite Shine - Hemp Necklace

by THE HEMP PATCH

This is made with 100% natural organic hemp. The necklace features a large Labradorite doughnut pendant and four Labradorite beads. I used thnk brown hemp and a spiral knot to tie this one up. It closes with a knot through the loop.  Labradorite is a great healing stone. It is very enlightening and is great for your creativity and self esteem.

WELCOME, Whitney, and her Etsy shop, THE HEMP PATCH.  I always loved the natural look of hemp, and when mixed with stones it is truly beautiful.  Whitney has a wide variety of beautifully designed, hemp necklaces, jewelry sets, ankle bracelets and more.....so be sure to pay a visit to THE HEMP PATCH!

Let's learn a little bit about Whitney and how she got started creating her hemp designs.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I had a great art teacher in school. She tought me how to tie hemp (macrame) in one of my first classes with her. I remember her telling us that we needed to come back to class the next day with one finished hemp necklace. She was surprised when I came back with an intricately knotted hemp belt.

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

After realizing how much I enjoyed working with hemp, I ran into a lady vending necklaces at a large music festival in our area. Her set up was just a blanket on the grass and there was at least 10 people around her picking out the necklaces they wanted. That was when I realized that I wanted to do that, and I could.

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

When I'm vending, I love watching people look at one certain necklace and know what that is what they want. Seeing people with smiles on their faces after purchasing something that I brought to life has always been one of the best feelings for me.

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

An apple. I find most people looking at my items trying to find the perfect one, just as you would with an apple.

Agates and Bubbles - Hemp Necklace

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

I've been looking into creating a new shop, all with recycled/upcycled materials and items. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while, and I'm finally bringing it to reality.

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

Hemp is such a useful material. There's more to it than just tying it up into a piece of jewelry. Wearing it is a great way to show that you care about the earth and want to help improve it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I honestly feel like I'm still to young to give out any meaningful advice, I'm the one that still needs it, haha! If I had to say anything though, it would be to keep your hobby a hobby. I'm not saying not to try and sell it if that's what you want, but when creating what you love starts to frustrate you, take a break! Hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable, not a pain.

Whitney, wonderful creations and great interview!  Thanks for sharing both your thoughts and creativity with everyone.
 
To see more of Whitney's jewelry, be sure to visit the links below.

THE HEMP PATCH WEB PAGE