FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BURNING MOON..Jewelry, Gifts & More

Butterfly Pendant Chain Maille Necklace

by Luna of BURNING MOON

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

WELCOME, Luna and her Etsy shop BURNING MOON.  At BURNING MOON, you will find a delightful selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, such as the beautiful Butterfly Pendant above, along with other jewlery items and accessories.

Take a moment to read Luna's interview below to see what motivated her to get started in her artistic venture.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have been crafting since I was a child It makes me happy knowing that you can make someone just as happy giving them a unique hand made gift compared to a store bought gift that hundreds of others will be getting as well.

Summer Daisy Charm Bracelet

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

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

I work with pretty much everything. I love arts & crafts in general, but I mainly sell jewelry. It is the easiest and the most fun for me to make.

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

I love creating jewelry because I know that the person wearing it will love it as well as the people around the person wearing it. Plus, most of my products are one of a kind so that person will be the only one in the world with that exact piece.

Eclipsed by your Vampire Heart Dangle earrings

(CLICK on item's title above to learn more about them)

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

I would pick a banana because they smell good, they are bright and fun, plus they are yummy.

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

I would pick scrapbooking or card making because it is what I am second best at.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Always remember it takes a lot of time, patience and promotion to make it in the selling world. It may take a while, but don't give up hope!

Thanks for taking the time, Luna, to share your creativity and thoughts with everyone!  It is always fun to learn a bit more about the artist behind the creations. 


To see more of Luna's work be sure to click on her links below.

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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 - AGERATUM JEWELRY by DONNA

Amethyst Elegance Necklace with a Fiery Spark

AGERATUM JEWELERY

by DONNA

The gorgeous amethyst necklace shown above is only one of the many beautifully designed pieces of jewelry that you will find when you visit Donna's Etsy shop, AGERATUM!  Donna has a huge selection of necklaces, earrings, earring/bracelet sets and more, so be sure to stop by for a visit.  Here you will find some great gift ideas, and also great savings.  AGERATUM is offering a "holiday sale" through December 15th!!  Don't miss out!

To find out a bit more about this delightful jewelry artist, read her interview below.

What led you to creating your art/craft?

I've always been inclined to make things myself and have done many kinds of crafts. One day, while visiting our kids in MA, we girls decided that to visit a shop and make our own necklace/etc. would be fun. I have been stringing ever since and can't seem to stop!


How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I've always liked natural stones. My brother cuts gemstones and that probably enhanced my desire to make beautiful things with natural gemstones also. Since then I have branched out into glass and this year I have purchased a set of polymer snowmen for earrings. The thought of using plastic just makes me shudder, although I suppose there are some beautiful plastic beads around.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
The finished product - and its NOT finished until its most enjoyable to me!


If you had to chose a fruit OR vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you chose and why?
A strawberry. It has such vibrant colors, it starts out as a pretty little green plant, then a beautiful little white flower appears (much like a thought that pops into my head for creating), then it grows into a beautiful red fruit (red, my favorite) that is sweet and tart (down right sassy) and has all those varied little seeds adorning it. Yummy! And quite often they are shaped like little hearts - symbolizing love. That's where my creations come from - the heart.

If you had to chose one other medium in which to dislay your "creativity", what would that be, and why?
Photography. I'm not very good at it, but it just thrills me to capture some of God's handiwork in a still picture. I am learning how to use those few good pics I get to turn them into objects of appreciation. Am I thinking a new etsy shop here??? hmmmm

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Just love one another - be happy, enjoy life. Never give up.

With All My Heart .....
feel so special while wearing this lovely bracelet and earring set .....or give as a gift

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My first thought is "Oh my! I need all the advice I can get!" Not sure if I could help someone else. HA Maybe, just put love into your work, and always do the best you can. Be open to criticism - it is a learning tool, even though it may hurt a little.

Donna, thanks for a delightful interview, and for sharing all of your lovely creations with everyone!  One can tell you really enjoy what you do!


You can visit Donna's shop by clicking on any of the photos below, to go directly to that item, or click on her shop name below the photos, to visit her AGERATUM shop.

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 ARTIST - CHRISTEN LARGENT, METALSMITH

Journal Circle Bracelet with Birthstone Setting

Customize with your choice of words in my NEW Journaling Lowercase Font. Shiny or Oxidized Finish

CLICK on above photo to learn more about this item

I'm happy to bring you the fine designs of Christen Largent, Metalsmith from Etsy. You really must pay a visit to Christen's shop to see all of her great jewelry designs. There is a wide variety of items in her shop. Christen offers customized/inscribed bangles, bracelets, personalized pendants for both men and women, gorgeous rings, and more....!

Let's read Christen's interview below to get a bit more of an insight into this talented jewelry artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always worked with my hands, (I'll spare you the line-up of mediums over the years!!) but around the time that my son was born, I started wire-working...making jewelry, teaching the art, etc. and as I was working with wire, I realized that there were limitations. My dad did some metalsmithing in school, so he gave me my first lesson in soldering and the rest is history!

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

It found me! First with wire and then just all-out metal! I'm basically a crow anyway - anything pretty and shiny and I'm in love!

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

A challenge - thinking up an impossible piece with a bazillion soldering joints and seeing it all come together...it's like I've conquered the limitations of metal!! I'm not even a REALLY, REALLY experienced metalsmith, so I can't wait to see what the future brings!

Spring Crocus Stacked Sterling Rings . set of three

made to order in your size (whole, half or quarter sizes)

CLICK on the ring's photo to learn more about this item

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

This is a great question because I LOVE to garden....I think I will say a tomato because if you've ever seen a successful tomato farmer, and ask him how his tomatoes are so healthy and prolific, he'll tell you it takes years of practice, knowing what the tomatoes need in order to thrive and tender loving care. And that's exactly what metalsmithing takes. You can't just say one day "I think I'll metalsmith"! and just jump in and start making beautiful things. It takes learning the "rules" (science behind metal and flame), having the right tools, and a great deal of patience and tender loving care, and YEARS AND YEARS of practice. You're going to melt things down, you're going to burn and cut yourself, but you just keep going!

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

I am an avid scrapbooker and LOVE layout design. It is somewhat similar to building a piece of jewelry too!

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

My message, first and foremost, is the beauty of nature and the awesomeness of God who created it! I get inspired EVERY DAY when I look around me! God created metal and the physical properties of metal too, so I'm grateful all the way around!!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find something that you LOVE and do it with all your heart, soul and mind! It's great to be able to sell it, but if it's a choice of something that nourishes your soul or something that nourishes your bank account, choose your soul!!!

Christen, thank you for a delightful interview! It was fun learning more about the artist behind the beautiful jewelry, and to see your work.

If you'd like to see more of Christen's creations, be sure to click on the photos and link below.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - KNOT SHOP

Hemp bracelet or anklet - macrame jewelry - white with colorful glass beads

(CLICK on photo to learn more about this creation)

When you pay a visit to the KNOT SHOP on Etsy, you will see that Shannon takes hemp/macrame beaded jewelry to a new level. Her designs include beaded bracelets, ribbon bracelets, anklets, necklaces and more.

Read below to learn a bit more about this macrame jewelry artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Mi amore who is my inspiration.

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

In horticulture classes, I learned about the value of growing and using hemp for our environment. It’s eco-friendliness is the main reason I chose this fiber. It is also durable and I want my pieces to last. Hemp is the second strongest natural fiber available. The first? Human hair. I chose hemp.

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

I enjoy playing with the sparklies! (beads), I enjoy the meditative nature of the knotting. The best is seeing others gain enjoyment from my creations.

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

A pumpkin. As they grow, these guys spread out and demand more and more space each day.

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

Acrylic paint on canvas. Macrame is an outlet for the craftsman in me. Painting, the artist.

Hemp bracelet or anklet - macrame jewelry - Rasta design

CLICK on above photo to learn more about this creation

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

Hemp! Not just for hippies!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you build it, they will come.

Shannon, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and your creative use of hemp in your jewelry designs.

To see and learn more about Shannon's jewelry, be sure to visit her links listed 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 - ONE HEART JEWELRY

Dreamy Pearl Earrings

by

Debi of

One Heart Jewelry

WELCOME, Debi and her Etsy shop, ONE HEART JEWELRY. While looking through Debi's shop at all her beautiful designs, you get the feeling of elegance and charm! You really must take a peek!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

About 20 years ago, I was fascinated with the Native American beadwork I had seen in a museum while visiting the Pine Ridge & Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. When I returned home, I found a book about beaded earrings by Deon De Lange (may not have spelled her name correctly). It just went from there!

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

I knew from the start I wanted to work with beads to make jewelry, the smaller the better at the time. Since then I enjoy many types of beads, stones and pearls, along with various techniques, in my jewelry designs.

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

All of it! But a favorite that I get lost in is the design process. Especially how a design can change from my original idea into something so completely different by the time I’m finished!

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

I never thought about my work in these terms. How about red, green and yellow apples, because apples are so versatile and tasty in many different dishes. My work tends to reflect many styles and “themes”, casual to dressy, and in between.

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

Photography. There is much about life that isn’t noticed as I go about my daily living, until I pick up a camera. At that moment, life looks different! I see different! I enjoy focusing on the details of everyday life.

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

I have a jewelry collection entitled “Love, Peace & Unity” that I hope opens people’s minds to the possibility that the idea of being one with the world, with each other, regardless of race or religion, is attainable.

Sterling Silver World Peace Necklace with Seven Beautiful Charms

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be true to your passion for art and don’t allow “life” to put stumbling blocks in the path of your creativity.

Debi, lovely, lovely creations, and also wonderful ideas on "unity" and expressing this through your "Love, Peace and Unity" designs! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.

To see more of Debi's creations be sure to visit her links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BARONESS BIJOUTERY

Tender Grapes Necklace

WELCOME, CJ and her Etsy shop BARONESS BIJOUTERY. CJ's lovely jewelry speaks for itself! You will find a wide selection of beautiful necklaces, pendants, chokers, earrings and more when you pay a visit to BARONESS BIJOUTERY. The "Tender Grapes Necklace" above is just one of the many beautiful designs created by CJ.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I guess I have always been creating something in my life. My first endeavor was doll clothesby hand at age . That led to learning to operate a sewing machine and I started making clothes for myself at 10, then for friends and finally a wedding gown for a friend at 15. For over 30 years I had my own wedding business. I designed and made wedding gowns and formal wear. I loved the beading of these gowns and making the "crowns" of the brides. I closed that business about 10 years ago and then my daughter talked me into starting to make jewelry again. That was about 3 years ago. Bless her! I didn't know how much I missed creating something.

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

I have always loved pearls and crystals, then I discovered wire work. I like putting all those elements into my pieces.

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

When others see in it what I hope they will see...I like it when the piece they have chosen speaks to them. Jewelry is personal and it should be.

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

It would have to be an Eggplant..it has smooth lines, is elegant and a favorite color of mine as can be seen in Tender Grapes Necklace.

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

It would most likely be sewing again. I love making clothing and making my own patterns. I would probably do more crocheting..I love making baby clothes and blankets..

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

That elegance, romance and fun are still alive and well out there. That you can have the best of all worlds in one piece of jewelry.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Always remember to have fun with your craft/art..this will always show in your pieces. Don't think of this as work, but enjoyment and fulfillment. Also be prepared to be ready for work, and by that I mean promoting your work. It takes time to build a customer base and you are the one to do that. Three words to building your business is PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there your work is worth it!!!!

THANKS, CJ, for taking the time to share your thoughts, ideas and wonderful jewelry with all of us.

You can learn more about CJ's creations by clicking on the links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PEACHES AND KREAM

Chalcedony and Sterling Necklace

by

RUE KREAM

WELCOME, Rue Kream and her Etsy shop PEACHES AND KREAM! Rue, not only has some very lovely jewelry designs in her PEACHES AND KREAM shop, but also, delightful needle-felted dolls and bowls. Be sure to pay Rue's shop a visit after reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My kids. I never thought of myself as ‘artistic’. My kids, on the other hand, never questioned their creativity. Watching them charge fearlessly into every craft that came their way led me to wonder if everyone has that artistic spirit somewhere inside of themselves, so I began experimenting alongside them.

Millicent May

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

I haven’t. Right now I like to work with wire and wool. Next week, next month, next year I might find something completely new. There’s a whole lot of stuff in the world.

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

Flow. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

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

Funny – my shop name is a fruit and my username is a vegetable. To describe my art/craft, I guess I’d pick those purple green beans. Colorful and different.

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

Writing. I love the idea of making pictures with words.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Try new things. Don’t think of yourself as ‘a painter’ or ‘a jewelry designer’. You can be lots of things at once.

Rue, is was a real pleasure to have you as a featured artist here on DZFANTASY. Thanks, for taking the time to share your thoughts and delightful creations with all of us.

To see more of Rue's work, click on the links bel0w.