FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SUGARLILAC JEWELRY by MARISSA

Sky Dream Necklace, Aqua Blue Glass Teardrop Trio, Faceted Briolette in Brass

by Marissa of SUGAR LILAC

I'm happy to have Marissa and her Etsy shop, SUGAR LILAC, here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Marissa designs beautiful, "unusual bohemian & nostalgic altered vintage"  style jewelry in the form of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more, so be sure to visit SUGAR LILAC!

First take a moment to learn a little bit more about Marissa and how she got started on her jewelry creating venture.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started making jewelry as a small hobby , but it didn’t take long for me to grow more and more interested in it. I always loved art and being creative!  A few years later, I am happily making jewelry all the time.

African Turquoise Rhinestone Earrings, sea Green stone, Titanium French Hook Earwire

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

It’s difficult for me to decide what mediums to work with because I have so many ideas. Some of my favorites are brightly colored gemstones, brass, and silver. Lately, I’ve also been doing these stamped bracelets in aluminum, which I’ve found to be a very cool and more affordable alternative to silver. The bracelets are pretty popular and they are a great price. I do wish I could do more metalsmithing , if only I had my own torch.

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

My favorite aspect of creating jewelry is being able to share it with others.

Aqua Terra Mermaid Necklace , Long gold, Ocean Blue Impression Jasper

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

I guess I would choose a strawberry, because it is a sweet, wonderful treat! Also happens to be my favorite food.

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

Another medium I love working in is oil painting. I love to paint and don’t do it often enough.

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

If I could convey a message, it would be love! Jewelry is often given as a token of love, appreciation, friendship. I hope I can help deliver these messages and make someone very happy.

TidePool Bracelet , Trio of Aqua Terra Blue Impression Jasper

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice to other artists would be to never give up on your art. Just keep creating, keep working, because that’s what keeps you going!

Marissa, thanks for sharing your beautiful creations and your thoughts with everyone. One can tell from your designs that you really enjoy what you do! 

To see more of Marissa's work, be sure to visit her links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LINDA B'S BEADED JEWELRY

Turquoise Aventurine Teardrop Pendant

by Linda B

WELCOME, Linda and her Etsy shop LINDA B'S BEADED JEWELRY.  We all know that down through the ages women have always loved to adorn themselves with all different types and styles of adornments.  Etsy has such a huge, wide selection of jewelry artists, and I always find it fun and fascinating to see their creations, so I'm happy to have LINDA B's here as a featured Etsy shop.

When you pay a visit to Linda's shop you will find a delightful array of wonderful designed bracelets, earrings, Judaica jewelry, necklaces and more.  Take a moment to read Linda's interview below and then hurry on over to visit her shop.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

As a child, I colored, played with modeling clay and used pony beads. About 8 years ago, a woman's group had a bracelet making event and it was so relaxing and fun, I wanted to do more.

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

 I went to a local gem show and fell in love with gemstones.

Rose Laser lace Purple Swarovski Earrings

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

The design, looking at the colors, textures, shapes and fitting them into a pleasant, unique design.

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

Yellow Daisy Bottlecap Pendant Necklace

I would like to be better at making stamped greeting cards and digital images.

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

I create bold, sassy jewelry that correlates to the colors and characteristics of the gemstones/colors.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Make sure what you create is your passion, join an Etsy Team for support and be kind to everyone.

THANKS, Linda, for taking the time to be a featured artist here on DZFANTASY, and for sharing your thoughts and delightful jewelry creations with everyone.
 
To learn more about Linda and to see more of her wonderful designs, be sure to visit her links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FUSCHIA BLOOM STUDIO

Pure and Simple- Sterling Wire Clef Earring with Aqua Freshwater Pearl

WELCOME, Rebecca and her Etsy shop, FUSCHIA BLOOM STUDIO.  When you pay a visit to Rebecca's shop, you will find a lovely selection of  simply elegant pieces of jewelry...ranging from earrings, necklaces, jewelry for brides and more.

FUSCHIA IN BLOOM STUDIO is having a 15% off sale on any item in the shop, running through September 27th, so be sure to hurry on over for a visit.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I originally started making jewelry over 15 years ago when I was in college studying marine illustration. I was getting bored with doing detailed line art and wanted to do something more three-dimensional.

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

I was originally inspired to make a wire necklace based on a piece that a friend had, and thus chose wire as my main medium. My materials have changed somewhat over the years ( I started with big, chunky pieces in steel and aluminum wire), but basically I use various small gauge wires (mostly sterling), freshwater pearls, gemstone beads and unusual vintage, crystal and glass beads to make my creations.

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

I get inspired when I buy a batch of new beads in exciting colors, when I see artwork ,jewelry or even something in nature that I like, or when I look in a jewelry or bead magazine and see a new technique I want to try, then I rush to get to work!

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

I would have to say blueberry. It’s my favorite fruit and I think it is unusual looking but simple and a bold color. Sort of like my jewelry - I like simple but catchy designs and pick colors not for the faint of heart!

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

At the moment I also do linoleum printing and I am going to be selling it in my Etsy shop soon. I like it because it is a two dimensional medium, but has three dimensional qualities.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I think if you are inspired by what you do, you should stick with it even when times are tough!

Thanks, Rebecca for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with all of us.  Your work is delightful and refreshing!

There's still time to get on over to FUSCHIA BLOOM STUDIO and get 15% off any item in the shop....now through Sept. 27th.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - RACHEL MORGAN DESIGNS

Bird, Nest, and Egg Pendant or Brooch

by

RACHEL MORGAN DESIGNS

CLICK on photo to learn more about this charming item!

WELCOME, Rachel and her Etsy shop, RACHEL MORGAN DESIGNS. When you pay a visit to Rachel's shop, you will find original designed necklaces, earrings, and also several household items. Her prices are very affordable, and the designs are charming, so be sure to stop in for a peek!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been interested in crafting, and had been doing hemp jewelry for fun since the summer camp days. After I got hired at a desk job that required me only to answer the phone (that barely rings!) I decided to start making jewelry in my spare work time. It then progressed into a hobby I do outside of work!

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

I chose jewelry simply because it was something I could do at my desk. My other hobbies (painting, screenprinting) are inherently messy.

Mermaid Dangle Beaded Earrings

CLICK on earrings to learn more about them!

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

I really enjoy looking at a finished product and being proud of it. I love the calm it brings me as well. Nothing makes a pleasant end to an otherwise crappy day like sitting down and creating a few new pieces in the evening.

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

Odd question! I guess I'd say...apples. There are multiple varieties and colors, everyone has a favorite, but they're all delicious.

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

If I had to choose one other medium, it would definitely be painting. I paint just about as much as I create jewelry, I just haven't yet put anything up for sale.

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

If there's a message to convey, it's that anyone can be creative, and that some of the most simple things can be the most expressive and beautiful.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice: Don't create your art for money. Create your art because you want to, because it's worth it to you. Ask yourself -- if I were to never make any money off this, would I continue to do it? If the answer is no, you might as well stop now; your lack of passion will show. If the answer is yes, keep crafting. You will be successful.

Great answers, Rachel! ThankS for taking the time to share these thoughts and your creativity with everyone.

To see more of Rachel's designs, be sure to visit her links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JACQUELINE'S CREATIONS

BLUE GLASS DANGLE EARRINGS

WELCOME, Jacqueline and her Etsy shop, JACQUELINE'S CREATIONS as a featured jewelry artist here on DZFANTASY.

If you are looking for simply designed, yet elegant looking jewelry, be sure to pay a visit to JACQUELINE'S CREATIONS after you learn a bit more about the artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

I have always felt creative. That has led to my creating.

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

I have tried a lot of things. I enjoy mostly jewelry, knitting, clay, scrapbooking, and card making. I guess I have a lot of mediums to work with. I like them all so I never could just pick one.

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

The finished product. I love to see what ends up being after I get going with an idea. The project taking shape so to speak.

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 strawberry. I would choose that just because it is my favorite fruit and I think it's beautiful.

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

I would choose metal. I would choose that because I love shiny things.

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

I want to make people smile and feel pretty.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I would tell them to just keep doing what they love.

Jacqueline, thanks for taking the time to be featured on DZFANTASY. It was fun seeing your creations and getting to know a little bit about you.

If you want to see more of Jacqueline's work, be sure to visit her links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BONZAI BEADWEAR

Hot Summer Pink Earrings

by

BONZAI BEADWEAR

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about these colorful earrings)

WELCOME, Bonnie and her Etsy shop, BONZAI BEADWEAR. Bonnie creates handcrafted jewelry, and you will find a wide selection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more when you pay a visit to her shop. She also has several colorful, original "art prints" available.

MY HEART, MY LOVE

CLICK on the photo to learn more about this art print

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started with crayons when I was little! You could not pry them out of my hands! Then I majored in Fine Arts in college, switched to Graphic Design, and thats what I do for a living. I needed more creativity in my life, so I started painting on the side. I took a jewelry making class in college and then picked it up a few years ago...I make jewelry, artwork and home goods and love it! Its a wonderful creative outlet!

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

I enjoy working with all kinds of medium. Its hard for me to narrow it down sometimes. I love painting, jewelry making, clay, etc. So fun!

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

When I am working on a project, and have possibly struggled with some of it. Then I take a step back, and play around. The best part is seeing that work pay off with a beautiful end piece. That makes the struggle worth going through.

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

An orange for sure. I absolutely love the color orange! It is vibrant, sweet, juicy, and full of life.

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

Clay! I have taken pottery classes and created bowls, etc. But never explored it like I wanted too. I'm want to of get some PMC clay and playing around to see what happens....just forming things with your hands is fun. I like to get my hands dirty...dont care about my nails at all.. hee, hee!

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

I want to convey a happy and positive emotions with my paintings. I want to convey a beautiful and feel-good feeling with my jewelry. I want to convey a decorative and unexpected feeling with my home goods.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep creating! If you feel unmotivated, down, or just plain blah....sometimes forcing yourself to do your craft can be the best thing for you! Keep plugging away at it, you never know who might love your creations!

THANKS, Bonnie, for taking the time to share your enthusiasm, your thoughts and your creations with everyone!

To learn more about Bonnie and her creativity, be sure to visit the links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - AMANDA @AMY MAY DESIGNS

Let's welcome, Amanda of AMY MAY DESIGNS on Etsy. AMY MAY DESIGNS offers a wide selection of items ranging from handmade, totes, clutches, as well as a variety of cute "button" earrings and necklaces.

Be sure to visit Amanda's shop....you just might find something you can't do without!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Boredom I guess. I am a full-time designer at a large surf company and spend many hours behind a computer, which is the opposite of what I really wanted to be in design for so…I found Etsy and just started making things I like.

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

Since I have a full-time job…still…I knew I wanted to start small to test the waters. I have always loved making jewelry, and have done it for fun since I was a teenager so I started with jewelry and with the idea that I would eventually start making handbags also. One of my other favorite things!

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

This is a tough one, possibly the shopping, either for the fabric or the beads and other notions. I LOVE to shop! I also really enjoy seeing the final product, once you have finished the closure or sewn your last seam, seeing it all come together is definitely the most rewarding…Until someone buys it, then that is the most most rewarding.

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

Hmm, wow I thought that last question was the tough one…I would say maybe an apple. Its simple, round, comes in different sizes and colors, can be sweet or tart and you can never go wrong with an apple!

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

Music, I have always been really inspired and influenced by music, and always dreamed of being a singer/musician. Even though the extent of my singing/music career lasted through sophomore year of high school choir.

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

Fun, simple and well made accessories should be affordable for everyone!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just Make It!

Amanda, thanks for a fun interview, and for taking the time to share your creations with everyone!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SILJA'S GIFT SHOP

Felt Cow - SUSSU

Silja of SILJA'S Gift Shop has a huge variety of items to peak your interest....bracelets, earrings, art cards, felted animals and dolls, and much more! Be sure to pay her shop a visit! After reading her interview below, you'll see that Silja also has a sense of humor!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I bought a pencil and I can't stand stuff just laying around, so I had to use it. Same goes for the lamb wool and the felting needle.

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

I like oil colors the most. It is like paste, you can poke it with your brush until it gets into the shape or color you want it to be and it can take 2 days if you want to, because it dries so slowly. Oil is the perfect medium for people who are slow.

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

The middle part of creating, where you can do things freely. Making finishing touches drives me crazy! After that, getting compliments! It is easy for me, because I take EVERYTHING as a compliment. If you say you hate my work, I only hear "I think about your stuff and it makes me feeeeeeel something, mushy mushy".

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

Chernobyl pumpkin. It's illuminating! Not really! I just had to say that. I am not conceited. Maybe a potato. It is dirty, but people love it! No, no. That is not it either. Berries? Corn? Hmm...would love some corn now...Will check if we have some...

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

Clay! Not polymer clay, but real clay. I would love to learn how to do clay pipes and maybe some clay dolls too. And then bury them and see if someone finds them in 2000 years and what would they say? But it is not easy to live for 2000 years to see it myself, so I think I will not execute this great plan. Maybe if I had some extra sandwiches though....

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

Traditional art to masses! That sounds awful, I know.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Honesty means just random opinions from people who haven't got their morning coffee yet. Think for yourself! Nobody is right all the time anyway. So would you rather have someone else's bad idea or your own?

THANKS, Silja for your delightful interview, and for taking the time to share your many creations with everyone. To see more of Silja's work be sure to visit the links below. She has some fantastic paintings on her FLICKR site.

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