FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LUNAESSENCE

Dramatic Faces Charm Bracelet

by Lunaessence

(click on item's title to learn more about it)

It has been quite some time since I've had the chance to bring "Featured Etsy Shops" here on DZFANTASY for everyone to enjoy. 

I'm happy to have Diana and her Etsy shop Lunaessence as one of my first "features" that I've done in a long time.  I think it is always fun and interesting to learn how each artist got started in their creating ventures.  Diana designs and creates beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry.  I've added a few photos here in her feature, but to see the wide range of her designs, be sure to visit her Etsy shop, Lunaessence.

After reading Diana's interview below, be sure to visit her links that will give you even more insight into her creativity.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Wow, I could write a book to answer that question lol. What woman doesn't love jewelry? My grandmother had passed and she left me an gorgeous crystal necklace and bracelet set from 1932. So I started to do research on the pieces to date them. While doing so I fell in love with gemstones , crystals and pearls and wanted to try my hand at it. Well it is an addicting hobby as many would tell you. I just cannot seem to stop !! LOL

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work ?

I want my pieces to have long lasting value . To be treasured by the people that wear them. So gemstones , crystals and pearls was a natural medium for me to work with.

Silver and Gold Jasper Pendant

(Click on item's title above to learn more about it)

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

Oh boy all of it , but since I have to choose one , I love working the sterling silver wire into many different forms. I am mostly self taught, never taking any classes so I am very proud of what I have accomplished.

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

Great question! lol! Cherries , they are sweet , small , rich in color and you cannot eat just one.


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

Well I already have , I designed and created my own bags (sacks) handbags. These are made with reclaimed upholstery fabrics that were headed to the dumpster. Stop I say, let me create something out of them .

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

Freedom with no limits.

Red Wooden Golden Coin Pearl Stacked Earrings

(Click on item's title above to learn more about it)

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Follow your instinct and carry on.

Diana, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, ideas, and wonderful creations with all of us.

Be sure to visit Diana's links below to see more of her work!

ARTFIRE SHOP

SO NOW I BEGIN BLOG

FACEBOOK

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ELECTRIC PENGUIN

Beer Bead Cuff Bracelet - Upcycled Beer Labels / Leather / Wood

by Pam

ELECTRIC PENGUIN

I love featuring other Etsy artists as it is such fun finding and seeing all the unique, creative talents that abound on Etsy! 

Let's welcome Pam, and her Etsy shop, ELECTRIC PENGUIN, where you will find, as Pam states in her shop's introduction, "fun, funky and unique jewelry", such as the Beer Bead Cuff Bracelet pictured above. Pam has a wide selection of unique, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more in her shop, so be sure to pay her a visit.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was looking for a specific style of necklace and couldn't find it anywhere. Then inspriation hit and I realized that since I've always been a crafty person, I probably could make it. I did, and that was the catalyst.

Lilypond Necklace

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

It was the only one I had any talent for!

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

Taking the separate components and creating something totally new and unique out of them. Of course making a sale and getting wonderful feedback is pretty good too!

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

Interesting question!! I'd say it would be a papaya - not the same old fruit, but everyone likes it once they try it.

Jordanelle Earrings - Vintage Lucite / Copper

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

That's an easy one - photography! I'm always trying to get "arty" shots when we're on vacation. Some are pretty good, but I'd love to have the talent to do it as a real job.

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

Be unique!

Tigereye Coil Bracelet

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Make what you love, not what others think you should make. You'll enjoy it much more!

Pam, thanks for sharing your thoughts and unique, fun jewelry with everyone!  You have some great, original designs. 
 
Be sure to pay a visit to the ELECTRIC PENGUIN to see all the great pieces of jewelry that it has to offer.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ARIANWEN'S PLACE

Carassius Auratus Necklace

A red agate goldfish breathes silver-plated stardust bubbles into the deep blue and green waters of aegean beads and dark aventurine chips. As it swims to the surface, the water lightens to clear crystal and pale aventurine

The beautiful necklace above is just one of the many delightful creations you will find when you a pay a visit to ARIANWEN'S PLACE on Etsy.  Freya is the artist behind these creations.  You will be able to choose from a selection of earrings, necklaces bracelets and more.

Let's learn a bit more about Freya and how she started on her creative venture.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My mum has always been very crafty, and I've always made jewellery and adjusted/made clothing for myself. I discovered Etsy a couple of years ago, made an account and did a lot of browsing... then when I accidentally wiped my laptop's hard drive I forgot all about it! Last summer I rediscovered Etsy, and as I had little else to do over the summer months (I'm a student, and I only have a part-time job) I decided to find out whether anyone would buy what I had to sell. As I love crafting, it's much more of a hobby than a serious business.


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


Well, I had two options - buy a sewing machine or dig through my mother's old jewellery crafting materials and see what I could find. I chose the latter, and have been making jewellery ever since. I do have the odd hand-stitched item in my shop, as I haven't given up sewing completely, but jewellery is... probably more fun.


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


Oooh, choosing the colours! Picking which beads I want to use, lining them up next to each other, finding shades and tones that match - and if not, buying more beads that do! I have both a GCSE and an A-Level in Art & Design, and working with colour is the most fun of all I find.

Autumn Hedgerow Charm Bracelet

Various autumny-coloured gemstones - jasper, goldstone, carnelian, tiger's eye and amazonite to name just a few - share space with metal charms and glass beads all following the same theme. The metal charms include oak leaves, ivy leaves, toadstools, butterflies, dragonflies, a sun and a large heart decorated with leaves. This is a bracelet of greens and browns, with the occasional dash of red - glass ladybirds, a large toadstool and a polymer clay strawberry. This bracelet is thematic and beautiful.


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


Hrmm... probably a pomegranate. Full of little seeds, which could be seen as seeds of creativity, and that gorgeous shade of almost pinky-red, bright and eye-catching.


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


I really enjoy knitting, and am looking at branching out into textile art using knitted fabrics.


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


Probably that everyone can make beautiful things if they put their minds to it.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Do what you enjoy and enjoy it to the full extent it can be enjoyed. When it becomes forced or feels wrong, that's probably time to stop and start trying a different technique and method. At the same time, perseverance is key. Try finding a balance between the two - but it's important that it's always fun!

Freya, thanks so much for taking the time to share your lovely, lovely creations, and thoughts with all of us. Beautiful work!

 
To see and learn more about Freya and her creations, be sure to visit the links below.
 

TWITTER

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GLAMASAURUS

Blue Belle Collaged Necklace

by GLAMASAURUS

This adorable little fawn is plays peek a boo in this awesome piece of wearable art.This one of a kind pendant combines old and new with vintage and new charms and beads lovingly strung on a 18 inch (46 cm) blue aluminum chain with a lobster clasp closure. This item is sure to delight the person we all know who has it all.

Andreanna who lives in Switzerland has the most colorful, whimsical items in her Etsy shop, GLAMASAURUS.  Treat yourself and pay a visit!  There you will find a wide selection of whimsical bookmarks, bracelets, brooches, buttons, pins, earrings and so much more!  Some of her creations look good enough to eat, such as the delightful Valentine's necklace below.

Valentine's Red Cupcake Necklace

by GLAMASAURUS

This adorable necklace was handmade by me. The icing is accented with rhinestones and cabochons to add extra cuteness!It is made in a real mini cupcake liner.



The aluminum red chain measures 18 inches but can be made longer or shorter according to your specifications. The cupcake itself is about 1.5 inches tall. This is super cute and no two are exactly alike!

 
 
What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have been crafting practically my whole life.


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

A friend of mine from work started working with polymer clay. We worked at a catalog call center where having something to keep yourself busy and quiet was encouraged.

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

When you successfully make whatever idea has been floating around in your head.


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

A strawberry because they are small and sweet.


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

I would like to make plushies. In fact I am probably going to try to teach myself.

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

That cuteness has no age limit.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep on plugging away and soon you will get to where you want to be with your craft.




Andreanna, thanks for sharing your delightful creations with everyone!  To learn more about Andreanna and her work, be sure to visit her links below:

BLOG

FLICKR

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - STEPHANIE WEXLER DESIGNS

Butterfly and Honey Beehive Necklace

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about this necklace)

Let's welcome Stephanie and her Etsy shop, STEPHANIE WEXLER DESIGNS. When you pay a visit to Stephanie's shop you will find chic, classic jewelry in the form of earrings, necklaces, and also her original designed headbands. Read Stephanie's interview below to get

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I originally started crafting in high school when I took a jewelry making class that got me interested in working with metals. I also had started designing and sewing my own clothes and handbags then too.

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

I like working with wire and metals for my jewelry because of the colors and textures that can take a simple piece and make a bold statement. For my headbands I like to use different fabric textures and looks (ribbon especially).

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

The most enjoyable part is the designing process because I can really design many pieces that I might or might not like, but it lets me get all my ideas out on paper to help me decide.

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

I think my designs would be a granny smith apple because they contain classic elements because they are an apple, which is classic, but there is another side to them which is unique and different from all the other apples. The granny smith apple green represents growth and that my designs are always evolving.

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

I would love to work with blown glass since it looks simple, and that every piece is unique.

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

I would like my designs to give a sense of sophistication and chicness with a bit of quirkiness that everyone needs.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

All of your ideas are possible and can become realities.

Thanks, Stephanie, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone! To see and learn more about what Stephanie has to offer, click on her links below.

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - JENGLO

ROYAL JELLY
Part of our Bee Line, these cute, approx 2" earrings feature Tibetan silver bees, millefiori glass daisies, and a rich, honey-hued, fiber optic glass bead at the bottom. Wired on antiqued brass. Find out what everyone's buzzing about!

WELCOME, Jen, and her Etsy shop, JENGLO. The earrings pictured above are just one of many of Jen's creations. At JENGLO you will find a wide selection of earrings, necklaces, lanyards and charms, and much more! JENGLO is now having a sale so be sure to stop by!

NOW UNTIL JUNE 1st - BOGO HALF OFF SALE!!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved making small things. Jewelry in particular has always interested me. I grew up in an area where girls and women expressed themselves through the earrings they wore. It was not unusual for a girl to have at least two piercings in each ear from the age of 12 or even younger, and for her to wear earrings that were personal and important. Even more, I loved to play with the jewelry that belonged to the women in my family. It was all so unique to each woman. The jewelry they owned was absolutely an outward expression of each one's individual, internal beauty. Because of this, my love and appreciation for jewelry and how it works was born.

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

When I was 15, I started working with polymer clay. This medium was introduced to me by my best friend, and I couldn't get enough of it. By and by, another friend introduced me to the world of beads, charms, and the magic of round-nosed pliers. I dabbled in it on and off for a few years, and then I really jumped into it in 2005.

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

When I am in the middle of creating something and another equally feasible and worthwhile idea jumps, flows, or pops into my mind, I know I am on the right creative path. That is the most fun of all, to me. 4. 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 peach - it is soft, fuzzy, and sweet/tart on the outside. On the inside is something unique, mysterious, and safe...and full of life.

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

It would absolutely be in the written word. In writing, there is an infinite amount of answers to the questions in my mind. Maybe someone else has the same questions, too. Writing, I guess, gives me another way to express gratitude for being one of the dots on humanity's map.

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

That it's okay - encouraged, even - to play. To celebrate the beauty within by expressing it on the outside.

Thanks, Jen for a delightful interview and for taking the time to share your creativity with all of us! To see more of Jen's creations, visit the links below.

DAWANDA SHOP

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

TWITTER