Showing posts with label jewellery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jewellery. Show all posts

Friday, November 5, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - STEFANIE'S SAMMELSURIUM

(click on item's title to learn more about it)
with my own lampwork beads, sari ribbon, fiber and other fabrics

Please welcome, Stefanie and her Etsy shop, STEFANIE'S SAMMELSURIUM. I just love the texture and colors of this jewelry artist's creations!  If you are looking for unique, creative jewelry that will bring you compliments, be sure to visit Stefanie's shop.

First, take a moment to learn a bit more about Stefanie and her creations by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was seeking a way to relax and express myself after my daily job. I collected jewelry since I was a teenager so it was a obvious choice what to turn to.

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

As I said – jewelry was and is an important part of my life. Whenever I stumble upon special kinds of beads or great fiber & fabric I have to get it and make jewelry out of it.


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

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

That I can actually make things with my hands. My regular job is all about business and marketing I have no connection to the finished product. Sometimes that can be frustrating .

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

I think a watermelon – it combines my favorite colors and it is far from being delicate - so is my jewelry. I love bold, chunky and vibrant pieces.

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



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

 I guess I would try my luck with my second love – fibers! But I’m a terrible knitter and crocheter.

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

That life is all about variety and that there is always a bright side. I try to express that with my color choices and the different materials I work with.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Enjoy what you do. Try to make things you like and not what the markets ask for. In the long run it will pay off and the whole creating process is so much more rewarding. And join a community. You meet great people like Donna here.

Thanks, Stefanie, for a great interview and for sharing your inspired, creative, jewelry with everyone! Be sure to pay a visit to STEFANIE'S SAMMELSURIUM shop on Etsy, and visit her other links below.


Thursday, May 27, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FinE.R. JEWELRY

Sterling Silver Daisy Bracelet SRA

Emily of FinE.R. Jewelry

"This unique one-of-a-kind bracelet features 3 lampwork beads handmade by myself. The main bead is white with yellow center in the shape of a daisy. The 2 smaller ones are yellow. I used swarovski crystals in matching colors to compliment the lampwork beads and add a little bit of sparkle. All of the findings are sterling silver. This bracelet is about 7 1/4" to 7 1/2" long."


WELCOME, Emily and her Etsy shop, FinE.R. Jewelry, where she sells her handmade jewelry and lampwork beads.  When you pay a visit to this delightful shop, you will find necklaces, bracelets and watches with unique lampwork bead bands, and more.


Take a moment to learn about Emily and her creativity by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


My sister-in-law makes lampwork beads and so one time when we went to visit her she showed me how, and I was hooked! It was hard to pry me away from the torch. We live 1,600 miles away so for about the next year or so I only had a couple of weeks to make beads when we went to visit. She decided to get a new kiln and oxygen concentrator and was going to give me her old ones. My hubby surprised me one day with a torch. Then there was no stopping me.


Watch- Brown w/ Blue and White Flowers Lampwork Beads SRA

This unique one-of-a-kind watch has 8 lampwork beads handmade by myself. It is 8" long so if you have a smaller wrist it will fit looser like a bracelet and if you have a bigger wrist it will fit tighter. It has a lobster claw style clasp. It has a working battery, I pulled out the stem to save battery life.

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

Soon after my hubby got me a torch and my sister-in-law gave me some of her equipment, I was getting quite a collection of beads, so I decided to start making jewelry.

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

Making lampwork beads is very relaxing to me. I can lose hours. I just love trying new things and seeing what happens, but I also really enjoy making them into jewelry, and the "oooo that's so pretty" I get when I wear something I have made!


Earrings- Ivory and Blue w/ Blue Swarovski Crystals SRA

These unique one of a kind earrings have lampwork beads handmade by myself. Each earring has a lampwork bead and a swarovski crystal. The lampwork beads are ivory with a blue swirl.

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

Hmmm... I guess a watermelon. Who doesn't love watermelon! With my jewelry and lampwork beads there is something for everyone. I use many different colors in my beads and jewelry. I can even make tie tacks and cuff links for the guys!

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

Pottery has always interested me. It is something I would love to try one day. I just haven't gotten a chance yet.

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

I'm not one who tries for the strange or wacky creations. I want my jewelry to be something that people can wear everyday and love!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Never give up in finding your niche!

Emily, it was delightful having you here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy artist, and see all your lovely creations.  Thanks for sharing!

To see more of Emily's work, be sure to visit her Etsy shop by clicking on the thumbnails or link below.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HEARTSABUSTIN

Desert Sun Bracelet - PMC charm
 by Erin of HEARTSABUSTIN

"The inspiration for this bracelet came from the sunshine charm I handcrafted from precious metal clay. Call it a reaction to all the cold weather and snow that's been blowing around. I wanted fiery reds and contrasting whites for a beautiful statement bracelet, and I'm pretty sure that's what I got!"



Let's welcome Erin and her Etsy shop, HEARTSABUSTIN. No matter how many jewelry artists I've "featured" on DZFANTASY, I always find it fascinating to see how each artist has their own unique styles and designs. The ideas are endless....which makes for a lot of fun in finding just the right piece of jewelry! 

We also see so many different names used for each artists' shop, so I thought it would be interesting to  read here, why Erin's shop is called "Heartsabustin"

"Heartsabustin is a wildflower that grows all over the eastern United States in moist forests. This little plant is rather unassuming in the spring, but in the fall, the seed pods burst open to display hundreds of little red heart shaped berries. The plant was a favorite of my great-grandmother's and inspired the name of my wonderful shop here at Etsy."



When you pay a visit to HEARTSABUSTIN, you will find a beautiful selection of jewelry....precious metal clay creations, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I decided I could make jewelry as pretty or prettier than the things I saw in the department stores. I was right - and it has lead to a wonderful realm of learning!

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

I started using glass beads, but I knew I wouldn't be happy until I was able to create some of my components myself. I started out with polymer clay, but that didn't quite fit the bill. I've been eyeballing precious metal clay for a while and finally took the plunge when I got money for Christmas from my parents. It was love at first sight!


PMC Flower Earrings - precious metal clay

"My favorite thing about PMC is its absolute versatility and the fact that no two pieces ever come out identical. These are flowers, cut from silver precious metal clay, stamped, and oxidized with liver of sulfur. A great deal of handwork goes into each and every PMC piece - but you are guaranteed that YOUR piece will always be one-of-a-kind."



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

I love being inspired. Fabrics inspire me, color combinations I see out in the world are a great inspiration. Nature is also a wonderful place to find inspiration, especially since PMC lends itself so well to that "organic" look I like.

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

Oranges! Sweet and hot colored all at the same time.


Out of Africa - handcrafted bracelet

The centerpiece of this bracelet is a piece of African turquoise - a jasper that is dyed and used as a substitute for turquoise. Another substitute is magnesite, which is the beautiful bright blue stone hanging from the links. The other stones include white jasper, smoky quartz, pearls, Swarovski crystals, fluorite, and cloisonne beads. The wirework was handcrafted by me. This bracelet retains its feminine feel despite my eclectic use of materials.



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

I would like to get a better handle on working fiber into my pieces. I quilt and sew, as well, so it seems natural to want to include that aspect of my craftiness into my jewelry making. I just haven't completely figured it out, yet.

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

That I love what I do and that each piece means something to me, as well as to the person who buys it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love. I know we've all heard it before, but if this crazy thing we call Etsy and crafting isn't fun, it will show in your work. It must always be something that you love. If you don't love it anymore, find something else that sparks you!

Erin, thanks for a wonderful interview and for sharing your creativity with everyone!  Beautiful creations!

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


BLOG

TWITTER

Sunday, February 21, 2010

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.
 

Thursday, March 26, 2009

FEATURED ETSY SHOP- LILYJA

ENCHANTED
by
LILY


WELCOME, Lily and her ETSY shop LILYJA. Lily has some very unique and gorgeous creations in her shop...including a variety of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. Be sure to pay LILYJA a visit. First, lets learn a bit about Lily.




What led you to start creating your art/craft?


During my teens, I really loved to wear jewelry and I remember one time buying a pair of earrings and knowing deep inside that one day I'd make jewelry myself.


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


I've painted ever since I can remember, and I take photographs, and also make jewelry. I think it’s the need to feel the material with my hands that led me to put the emphasis on jewelry, plus the joy in doing something and seeing it brings happiness to someone else.


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


I love the moment an idea is showing itself in my mind's eye, I love that exciting moment… inspiration I think its called.


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


I would choose Artichoke! I don't know why, but it’s the first association that came to me.


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


Aside from photography, I think it would be sculpturing, because of the feel of the material.


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


I hope the world will forgive me for not thinking about it. I don't think about my art, I just bring it out.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


I think the best advice is the one I got – DO ! Just keep on doing, and follow your heart. The rest will follow.

Lily, I loved having you here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Your work is truly beautiful. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.



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Sunday, March 22, 2009

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HANNAH'S HANDS

JUMP RING MEDALLION
by
HANNAH'S HANDS
This Handmade Chain maille medallion is made out of sterling silver jump rings. It is fun and fashionable. The look speaks for itself. Goes with anything you wear. Pendant attached to rubber tubing it is durable and perfect for the on the go lifestyle.

The above striking medallion by Tanya of HANNAH'S HANDS on Etsy is just one of the beautiful pieces of jewelry you will find when you pay a visit to HANNAH'S HANDS. Tanya's shop has a wide selection of bracelets, necklaces and earrings, so be sure to stop by.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Jewelry making just kind of fell into my lap. A dear friend was opening a bead shop and asked if I would work for her. I didn't know anything about beads or jewelry making but she assured me I would learn. The first thing I learned was how to make a bracelet and I was hooked. I couldn't wait to make more and more and learn more. So Beading kind of found me instead of the other way around.

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

The shop I worked for got me started and specialized in Swarovski crystals and pearls and had a good gemstone collection, so I learned a lot about these materials and saw them everyday so it was natural to gravitate to them when I started my craft.

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

Well I think the final product is my favorite part. It feels like such an accomplishment to see my vision come to fruition, but I also really enjoy piecing it together, envisioning it in my mind and then matching all the pieces and putting it all together.

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

Hmmm that's a tough one. A strawberry perhaps. Vibrant color, great for a romantic dinner or just at a picnic, and everyone likes strawberries.

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

I would love to make baby blankets and learn how to crochet and sew.

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

You don't have to break the bank to have nice jewelry. It's Ok to look good for less.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep furthering yourself. Learn new techniques and designs, and don't be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone.

Thanks, Tanya for taking the time to share your thoughts and lovely jewelry with everyone! Be sure to visit Hannah's Hands...you just might find a piece of jewelry you can't do without!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MOOSEWINKS by Barbara Berry

Crocus Blooms Freeform Peyote Stitch Beaded Necklace

Closeup of Crocus Blooms Necklace

When Barb, of MOOSEWINKS on Etsy sent me the link to her favorite item in her shop, for her feature on DZFANTASY, all I could say is WOW!! This necklace is absolutely stunning....what a beautiful blend of colors and textures!! This is not the only item in Barb's shop that will make you say WOW, so be sure to pay MOOSEWINKS a visit.

Let's find out a bit more about Barb and how she turned her artistic talents into creating her beautiful jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved creating. As a little girl I made my own paper people including little pocket beds for them to sleep in. Anytime I was able to draw, make potholders, or even mud houses in the dirt I was happy. My father loved to paint and my mother is not very artistic but really encouraged all four of her children to express themselves through music, art or dance. I took art classes in elementary school and was selected for a special Saturday program at the Delaware Art Museum. I loved art classes in high school, but was terrified that college art would force me into a mold I didn’t want to be stuck in. I refused to take art classes and was not very happy with the other courses I took. I dropped out and moved to Cambridge. After a year of waitressing in Boston, I ended up returning to the University of Delaware and taking my first art course in my junior year. From then on I crammed all the art I could get into my schedule and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts. I started substitute teaching after graduation and found out I really liked teaching. So through a series of events I ended up going back and pursuing another degree in Art Education. I love teaching art, but it did not satisfy my need to create. One summer I took a week long workshop at Bennington College with Tory Hughes teaching on polymer clay. I couldn’t get enough! I stayed up every night until about 2 am making stuff. I knew I was an artist at the end of that week. Since then I’ve been perfecting my techniques and exploring bead and jewelry making. I exhibit in several craft shows and I have had my work in galleries. Becoming a mom later in life has changed my way of working. I have another priority these days. I still create jewelry, but not the quantity that I used to. I am still teaching middle school art which is fun but demanding.

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

Once I took the workshop in Bennington, I fell in love with the possibilities of polymer clay. I dabble in quilting, drawing and painting, but I seem to always come back to the world of polymer clay.

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

As a teacher, I am surrounded by children all day long. When I come home I am taking my son to activities, having his friends over and spending time with him. I still have to make dinner, do dishes, and all the other things that we all need to do! When I am working on my jewelry I get into another world and often I am alone. I need the solace and find that just having that quiet time to myself (when I can get it) is a treasure in itself. I really enjoy the proces of working with the clay. Making canes and shaping beads is full of new discoveries constantly. Pouring my beads onto a tray and choosing colors is the beginning of a new design for a piece of jewelry. I never know exactly what it will look like until I am finished. Displaying my work and hearing the comments of my customers usually inspires me to make new works.

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

My work is most like a mixed berry concoction. Lots of sweet color and many individual roundish parts. And how can I resist a berry when it is my last name?

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

I am so intrigued by beautiful pastel paintings I’ve seen. I would love to try working in them. I am especially drawn to landscapes in pastel.

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

I hope that others see the joy I find in creating beautiful objects. I have been told I have a good sense of color, and I do like to work with bright “happy” colors. I want people who look at my artwork to smile. I want women who wear my jewelry to feel beautiful when they are wearing Moosewinks Jewelry.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I’ll give the advice that has been given to me over and over. Make what you love, and someone else will love it too.

Barb, I'm so happy to have come upon your very creative, beautiful jewelry, and that you took the time to share your thoughts, ideas, and work with everyone.



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Friday, January 16, 2009

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - COCO'S JEWELRY

LIGHT MY FIRE
by Coco

What a stunning necklace....! Anyone wearing this very creative necklace would be sure to get a lot of compliments!

Let's welcome Coco and her COCO'S JEWELRY shop on Etsy.

Congratulations are also in order for Coco, as she informed me that she has been contacted to be on the Martha Stewart Show!! Now that is a real compliment to her and her creations.

Be sure to visit COCO'S JEWELRY as she has some gorgeous creations in there....necklace and earring sets, bracelets, and my favorites macrame necklaces, and much more!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I grew up in a very ‘artistic’ environment. My father was a well known artist and the house always smelled of turpentine and linseed oil! Words like ‘color’, ‘composition’ ‘design’ etc. were part of our everyday vocabulary. But even in this environment, I never considered myself to have any talent for anything. Then, a few years ago I ran into an old college friend of mine and found out that she was working with fiber and macramé. Although she did large commissioned hangings etc, she showed me some of the jewelry she had made with thread. I was hooked. She was kind enough to teach me this technique. Since then I have been enjoying this craft (sometimes I think of it as art). The second part of this creative process is equally important to me. I do work with other materials besides thread and glass beads. This is what I would call ‘mainstream’ jewelry. I love gemstones, wood and resin beads and the colour and textures of all these materials combined. I offer both these styles in my shop. I would love to use different types of beads, other than just glass in the macramé styles. Unfortunately, I am restricted in this area because of the size of drilled holes in most of these beads, especially gemstones. I am fascinated with lamp work (flame worked) beads. I took a course on flame working last year, but I am still not good enough to use my own beads in my work. These would lend themselves extremely well to macramé knotting.

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

I didn’t ‘decide’ on the medium. The medium came to me quite by chance as explained above.

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

It’s the design aspect. You see some beautiful beads, all in different shapes and sizes, and think about what you can do with them, and slowly, a design is born. The rest is just execution. The technique of knotting in macramé is not difficult. There are only a few knots that are involved, so the execution may not be hard, but it is definitely time consuming. It is the design concept that takes me the longest time.

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

It has to be the Alphanso mango, the king of all fruit. The smell and color of a ripened mango in full season can be maddening! The color is so rich and lush and warm. My jewelry is also full of these rich and luscious colors. Visually and tactically beautiful.

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

I would like to work with textiles some day. I love the idea of creating designs, with paint or block printing on fabric.

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

To think outside the box. To bring new life to ‘old’ traditional materials and make them beautiful again.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Get good at what you love to do. Enjoy the process of learning and creating. I am constantly striving to improve. Having a shop on Etsy brings about the need to excel in other areas too, like photography, marketing etc. I have much to learn in these departments.

GREAT WORK, GREAT INTERVIEW! Thanks, Coco, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with us!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THE BEADED LILY

MIRKA COLLAR
by
THE BEADED LILY


Sarah of The Beaded Lily has some truly unique and exquisite jewelry in her shop. Do yourself a favor and pay The Beaded Lily a visit after you've read Sarah's interview below. She has something for everyone!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've "always" been inclined towards art and craft. It started with crayons and making my own little coloring books, progressed to drawing and fiber arts and dabbling in so many things .

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

I ended up with beads because I'm good at it. I've never had the patience and determination it takes to keep working with things that I just don't have a knack for. I first picked up beads when my cousin shoved her stash at me to calm my nerves during a family crisis. I immediately loved the feeling of peace it gave me. My mother bought me $200 worth of supplies and I started working things up. People loved them. They wore them. Eventually they wanted to buy them. As I worked on technique, I came to appreciate how special wearable art is, and the magic of the bead. Now this is what I do, it's part of who I am.

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

When it starts to come together. I love that feeling. The thing is, each piece has a different come together point. For some it's when I gather the final odds and ends materials wise and I can see the piece in my head. For others it's when I hit the middle bead of a symmetrical design. Others wait till I add the clasp or the very last embellishment.

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

Pomegranates immediately come to mind. Why? They're built around the seeds-- very much like a piece of jewelry is built around the seed of an idea. And it's not just the one seed, but hundreds of seeds, encased in their own little bits of perfection, side by side, coming together to create a segment, and the segments come together to create the fruit. And the fruit is one of the most beautiful, tasty, wholesome things you can eat-- and so few people even have a clue that it's there, much less how perfect it is!

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

I might sew. I've done some of it, and I'm pretty good. You can create marvelous things with the right fabric, cut and trim. It's also all about personal adornment, wearable art.

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

My ultimate goal is to connect you to the thread of artistic personal adornment that is almost as old as humanity itself. I want to connect people. To me, to each other, to history, to the artisans who make the beads and the earth that forms the crystals, to the very first human to pick up a feather and put it in their hair, to the cultures that figured out how to turn gold into wire, to the voice inside them that whispers "I'm me."

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you don't have to do this, don't. If you have to do this, don't stop, ever. Whatever you do, let it be you, an extension of yourself, your core beliefs. And just keep doing it.

Great interview Sarah, and beautiful creations! One can feel your passion in what you create! Thanks, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.

To see more of Sarah's work be sure to visit the links below.





THE BEADED LILY BLOG

TWITTER

FLICKR

Friday, December 5, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - EARRINGS by JULIA A - Lovely, Feminine, Classic

If you are looking for a special pair of earrings to lend a bit of class or special look to any outfit, be sure to visit JULIA A on Etsy. Julia's shop specializes in earrings, so I'm sure you can find the perfect pair! I know I can't leave the house without wearing earrings! Let's hear what Julia has to say about how she got started making her jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I remember finding a bead shop when I was in high school; I immediately gravitated toward deep blues, and was entranced by the idea of creating things I really loved, with designs that were completely mine. I think I was 16 at the time. Since then, I've been working with beads off and on, and it's been a consistent passion more recently. In the past year or two, my main focus has become earrings.


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


I've been drawn to beads, and earrings, because they're something that I enjoy and wear. Designing and making them had instant appeal.


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


I love discovering a new way to accentuate pretty beads...the satisfaction of new designs is wonderful. I'm waiting for an order of beads in the mail now, and I'm excited to get started with some new looks!


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


Wild blueberries are unique in their wonderful color, and they're sweet and dainty. The work I do seems best described by blueberries--I make unique statements of classic beauty with my dainty earrings.


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


I've always thought it would be wonderful to work with clay...handmade pottery can have such gorgeous colors, and it would be involving and satisfying to work with color and shape in such a versatile medium.


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


Beauty and balance. I like interesting jewelry that's based on simple beauty. Pretty beads set off by a bit of embellishment can make a strong stylistic statement while still being petite and lovely.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


It's common advice: Find what you're passionate about. If you love what you're creating, you'll achieve much more, and enjoy it immensely.


Thanks, Julia, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone!

Be sure to visit Julia's Etsy shop and her other links below, where you will find delightful, affordable earrings to compliment any outfit you might decide to wear.

BLOG

FLICKR

TWITTER

MYSPACE

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ECHOS ART



Apple Blossom- Apple turquoise and peridot 3 strand necklace

WELCOME, Lisa and her Etsy shop ECHOS ART! I love her beautiful necklace shown above, and can see why it is Lisa's favorite item! LOVE the colors and texture of it! I thought I'd include another photo of it here so you can see the whole necklace. Be sure to treat yourself, and visit ECHOS ART to see Lisa's other beautiful designs.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been making jewelry since I was little. I used to take my little plastic jewelry and put glittery nail polish and rhinestones on them. As I got older, I became very interested in gemstones and started making myself jewelry. I got great response from my friends and relatives, so I started making things for them, and they started buying things from me as well.

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

Jewelry has always been my first love. I love the colors and shapes of gemstones. I love the uniqueness of each individual bead, and how they can be combined with other stones to make a gorgeous piece.

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

I love being able to lock myself in my studio and express myself through my work. It's my quiet time, and I'm a shy person so I feel like it's the best way to express myself.

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

I'd have to say a gourd. I think gourds are so unique. Each one has a different shape and color. You never see two exactly alike.

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

I really would like to start working with polymer clay. I've done a little with it and it's really challenging. I think it would be a nice compliment to what I do now.

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

That jewelry is a work of art, just like a painting or a piece of pottery.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be true to yourself. Create what makes you happy, not what you think people want to see.

LISA, thanks again for taking the time to share your creations out here on DZFANTASY! Love your designs! You can see more of Lisa's work by visiting the links below.



FLICKR

Monday, November 10, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SCHMUCKLUST - the delight to adorn - artisan jewellery


Let's welcome Britta and her Etsy shop SCHMUCKLUST !! Britta is very new to Etsy, having just opened her shop on September, 2008, so be sure to stop by for a visit! Shown above is one of her charming, romantic necklaces, and I'm sure you will find more delightful jewelry when visitng her shop. Here in Britta's own words, you can find out a bit more about this delightful artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Aren’t you fascinated how people around the world, across all cultures spend a significant time and effort on their own decorations? So, I have always been interested in jewellery and did take courses in jewellery making at the University of South Carolina.

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

When I discovered Japanese hand painted richly decorated papers, I just loved them. And when you convert them into jewellery you get the best of several worlds. Fine, intricate, high class style – but at affordable prices. Also, the artisan beads are hand treated – lacquered in fact – which has also played a big part in Asian cultures, but keep their light weight aspect. So, the look great, weigh little and can be custom made to reflect colour stories. There are endless possibilities and I am still exploring new ones.

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

Once I have created the beads and look at them, an idea emerges as to how the necklace or earrings etc should look. It is as if the original Japanese print calls for its final stage. Or when I see something else and have an inspiration – in short – the creative side.

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


Does a rose count? It is the always recurring beauty – even that they have become such parts of our daily lives.

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

Photography/Painting - as I am a very visual person.

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

Beauty can be around us daily. Appreciation for the finer things!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just go with your heart. You will know where your creative urges are. Get lots of supportive people or a community around you – like Etsy – because there will be dry stretches – and than it is great to get some encouragement.

Schmucklust is German and means "delight to adorn". We have these precise words to describe emotions and feelings – like Wanderlust, Zeitgeist – or not so nice - Schadenfreude. Through my affordable creations I hope to allow women to experience “Schmucklust” more often.

This is my favourite cap – Red Riding hood, which a friend of mine, Claire from PocoLoco made for me. I also call it “putting on my self confidence”, particularly when I approach shops to display my work. And it has been an excellent companion so far. I am sure you have you a lucky piece as well.

Thanks again, Britta, for sharing your thoughts and creations with us!! Let's all make Britta feel welcome on Etsy and be sure to visit her shop SCHMUCKLUST!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ZEBA


I'm happy to have Sholeh and her delightful jewelry out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Be sure to visit her Etsy shop, ZEBA, to see all of her wonderful, unique creations. Also, be sure to enter her FREE GIVEAWAY drawing for a very delightful and charming necklace, which I am hosting out here on DZFANTASY! But first, let's learn a little bit more about Sholeh and her creations.


What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started as a stained glass artist. While working on stained glass, I became interested in working with metals which led into making jewelry. Now making jewelry is my primary passion.

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

I like working with metal and with jewelry, but your choice of metals are somewhat limited. Gold is too expensive; copper, I like to work with, but it oxidizes; so the most practical one for me is Silver. I may still go back and give copper another try.

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

Trials and errors to find solutions so that the outcome is like what I have in mind, or something I am pleased with. A lot of time, I start with an idea and thru trial and error the end product is something I am proud of, but not necessarily what I started with. Sometimes I start without any idea at all and I let the metal or the wire tell me where I should go next.


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

I have to say ‘Ugly Fruit’. It is called ugly, it looks like an unripe orange, but you are in for a treat, if you are willing to try it. Raw materials for my craft are not pretty at all, and it takes a lot of time and effort to bring out the hidden potential and shine, just like an Ugly fruit, you have to cut into it and be trusting.

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

I have already tried, painting, color pencil and watercolor and stained glass and I like them both. But I have to say, I prefer Stained glass. Both the glass and metal have a mind of their own, which creates interesting problems and challenges.

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

I don’t have a special message; I just want to make people feel good.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be patient and don’t give up.

Thanks, Sholeh for sharing your thoughts and your creativity with all of us!

Also, thank you for participating in a "giveaway", on DZFANTASY, for one of your delightful creations.



Be sure to enter the drawing for this whimsical, fun cat necklace! You can go directly to Sholeh's "Cat in on a Window Ledge" necklace giveaway by clicking on the photo below.....all you need to do is a leave a comment in the post.



If you'd like to see more of Sholeh's creations be sure to visit her Etsy Shop and other links listed below.



FLICKR

SPECIAL NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY FROM ZEBA

" Cat on a Window Ledge" Necklace

by Sholeh

You'll be sure to want to enter this "special November" giveaway which I am hosting for Sholeh, a delightful jewelry artist from Etsy. I am very happy to host this UNIQUE, FUN, CAT necklace.

GIVEAWAY: 1 - "Cat on a Window Ledge" necklace

VALUE: $30.00

Start Date: October 30, 2008

End Date: November 30, 2008 - 12 MIDNIGHT - CDT

ELIGIBILITY: USA only

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment in this post

2. Be sure to leave either an email address or some other means of contacting you, should you be the lucky winner.

3. If you sign in as "Anonymous", be sure to leave at least some means of identification.

4. Winner will be randomly chosen on December 1st, from all the entries. Winner's name will be posted out here on DZFANTASY, and if an email is listed in the winning entry, I will immediately notify the winner. The WINNER then has 5 days in which to contact me at dzfairies@msn.com to provide me with their shipping information.

5. If WINNING entry has not left a means of contact them, entry and date will be posted out here on DZFANTASY, and WINNER will have 5 days in which to respond, or I will randomly choose another entry. Be sure to stop back and see you the winner is...IT COULD BE YOU!

6. If WINNER doesn't contact me within the 5 day time frame allowed, I will then randomly select another winner from the remaining entries. It does speed things along if an email is left in your comment.

7. Once the WINNER is verified, I will notify Sholeh of the WINNER'S name and shipping information, and she will ship the necklace DIRECTLY to the WINNER.

PLEASE READ BELOW TO SEE A DESCRIPTION OF THE NECKLACE:

Cat On The Window Ledge Necklace – Glass and Wood Necklace Fun, casual and playful are a few words to describe this pendant style necklace.A Chinese glass red cat surround by rectangular brown wood frame that resembles a Cat on a window Ledge. A Chinese lamp work glass bead is used as decoration to tie the wood frame to the leather cord. The lamp wok is red with while and olive dots. The pendent measures 2 3/4 inches (7 cm) and is hung from a 1mm brown leather cord secured with Bali sterling silver end cap and end hook.The necklace measures 16 (40cm) inches long. The clasp length is included in the overall length. A 2 inch extension sterling silver chain is included. The necklace is shipped in a box suitable for gift giving. For Necklace Length help see http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15843693

If you'd like to see more of Sholeh's work, be sure to visit her shop on Etsy by clicking on either the photos below to go directly to that item in her shop or to click on the ZEBA link below the photos!


Saturday, October 18, 2008

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - ELAINE HAYDON JEWELRY - semi precious gemstone accessories


I'm happy to have Elaine Haydon with her exquisite jewelry out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. The bracelet above is absolutely breathtaking!
You really must take the time to visit Elaine's Etsy shop to see all of her wonderful creations. First, let's hear what Elaine has to say about her adventure as a jewelry artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

A love of art, jewelry & a strong desire to work from home & raise my children.

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

I worked in the retail & merchandising end of the fashion industry for about 15 years. I think it stems from that, really, more than anything else. I have a passion for fashion & accessories. And I LOVE jewelry. I'm particularly drawn to unique natural gemstones.

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

I love every aspect of it- except the photography and marketing (which are the most important parts of selling online). Mainly, I love sitting down with the stones & just creating without sketching. That's really when I do my best work.

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

Hmmm...that's a tough one. I would probably choose a bunch of grapes. I'm really drawn to clustering gemstones right now & curled headpins, which actually remind me of grapes.

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

I would have to say pastels. I have loved creating with pastels since I was young. My kids think it's great that I "draw with chalk". I find it very relaxing.

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

Just a strong sense of style, individualism & beauty. I want every woman that wears my jewelry to feel great about how it pulls her look together.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't give up. Be passionate about what you do & stay consistant. And, above all, don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't succeed.

Elaine, thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and gorgeous creations with us. They are truly delightful. To see more of Elaine's work be sure to check out her web page listed below, as well as her Etsy shop.




ELAINE HAYDON JEWELRY WEB PAGE

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ANNWN - Handcrafted Lavender Glass Bead Jewelry by Andrea Kiernan



WELCOME, Andrea of ANNWN - Handcrafted Lavender Glass Bead Jewelry out on Etsy. I just love this artist's exquisite glass lavender beads!! One can almost smell the wonderful scent of lavender...just by looking at her lovely beads! Let's hear what Andrea has to say about herself and her delightful creations.

In my island studio I work to recreate the beauty of the lavender fields. I primarily use the lavender beads for pendants like the ones modeled after the Grosso variety that have been featured in various beading books and magazines. Most recently, my jewelry has grown from simple pendants to large art pieces containing multiple lavender flower spikes. The hollow focal bead functions as a vial, meant to be filled with the lavender plant's calming essential oil. Its wearer experiences a constant aromatherapy treatment, the next best thing to a summer walk in the fields.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I studied off hand glass blowing in undergraduate school. When I moved out to San Juan Island, there were no hot glass shops so I built and ran my own small glass studio and quickly learned how expensive they are to keep in constant operation! It was at this time that I pulled out the lampworking torch that I had been carrying around since high school and taught myself how to make glass beads.

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

Hmmm... I have always been really excited by molten glass, but I do remember getting to see a hot glass demonstration when I was a kid on a family vacation. After that, whenever anyone asked what I wanted to be when I grow up I would reply a glassblower.

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

I really enjoy the torch time, it is where I can experiment and be creative, I also enjoy assembling my beads into finished jewelry- this I can do right in my living room while at home with my three-year-old daughter, it enables me to be at home while working and helps our family avoid crazy high daycare bills.

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

I would choose vegetable, the head of the lavender plant reminds me of asparagus!

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

Silversmithing- I really want to learn how to solder and have the materials to cast and polish silver and other metals. I feel limited with jewelry design not being able to design my own fine metal components.

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

The beauty of the natural world and the amazing properties of lavender as a medicinal herb.

Thanks, Andrea, for sharing your beautiful work with us. Be sure to visit Andrea's links below to learn more about her wonderful creations.


PELINDABA LAVENDER

SHOP THE FRONTIER

SILVER ONLY

FOREMOSTFOCAL

LAVENDER BEADS (Etsy Shop)

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - THREE KISSES XXX by .t

Welcome, Terezia also know as .t, whose shop on Etsy is called Three Kisses xxx. If you will read below you will find out from Terezia how her shop name came about, and you will also hear what she has to say about her lovely creations. The following paragraph was taken from Terezia's Profile on Etsy, and will explain why all words begin in lower case letters. OK, .t, let's learn a little bit about you!


My name is terezia and i am from slovakia. i have been living in germany and england for some years, but now i am back in my home country and that`s where i create my work. one of my friends mic christopher, great singer and songwriter, who unfortunately is not with us anymore, used to call me t. also some friends of mine in england found it difficult to pronounce terezia, my name got shortened to just t and i like to spell it with a dot in front, and because i love to write without capital letters i simply use “.t” and a short story about my label three kisses xxx: i like the way of finishing letters with kisses, but because it's not used in slovakia, i added in full words what those 3 x's mean and that`s how i created the name of my studio and simply scanned my handwriting. as you can see, i like things simple and you can see it also in my designs. i use different materials and my favourites are silver, gemstones and natural or recycled materials. i also like to add swarovski beads to my work as they add lovely sparkle and they are popular and wanted by my customers.



What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I have always been very creative and most of the presents I give to my friends and family have been created by me. I went through different stages. I have been creating different paper based items, like cards, posters, gift bags, gift boxes and others. Then for some time I made candles, then I decorated them with decoupage technique. I still have boxes of serviettes from those days. Every year my employer organized a big Christmas party. It always had black tie dress code, so I made a lovely long red and black dress for myself. As I needed jewellery to go with it, I had a go with wire and Swarovski beads. That’s how I made the first roses. They are the most favorite creation among my customers, and I also use them in my banners, avatars and on my business cards. They simply became my logo.


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


I will cut the story short and will write only about jewellery. I use sterling silver, Swarovski beads and gemstones. I believe in the power of gemstones, love the sparkle Swarovski cuts into the crystals and always loved the color of silver. I started with silver plated to learn the different techniques, but I believe the time I spend designing and creating my pieces worth more in sterling silver.


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


Whatever job I do, I need to learn new things every day. Creating jewellery gives me that opportunity. I read a lot, try a lot and play a lot in my studio, that’s what I enjoy the most.


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


Interesting question. I think I would say strawberry. It has got simple but perfect flowers. Its juicy, its sweet and it looks so great in the basket on top of that market stall in the sun. Stands out in between leafs that have different color…Yes, I would say strawberry.


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


If I knew how to use it, I would love to work with epoxy, would love to know how to etch silver. Epoxy gives silver that extra color and etching opens horizons when transferring images onto silver. I know, I know its still silver. Then I would like to work with wood, because its warm and has lovely deep colors. And if the project doesn’t go well, you sit in front of the fireplace and enjoy the heat coming from it.


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


We are all different. We express ourselves in different ways and should keep that in mind and try to understand others. They are not better or worth more, they are just different. We are all unique. Handmade = unique.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


I will use the words from mics song:“...why should we wait for things we want in life when we can just go out and find them and stop dreaming our lives away...”; mic christopher Don’t wait, don’t let anyone or anything stopping you. Be creative.

.t what a charming interview!! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and lovely work with all of us. Be sure to visit Three Kisses xxx, to see what else .t has to offer. You also can find out more about .t and her work by clicking on any of the links below her shop's photos.


MYEBOOK

INDIEPUBLIC

DaWanda (in German)