FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ALEXANDER'S DESIGNS - Hand Crafted Jewelry

Blue Chalcedony, Blue Lace Agate and Sterling Silver 3 piece set

3 piece set includes earrings, bracelet and necklace. Awesome pale blue color with lacey bands of white and opaqueness.  Necklace: 18 inches with a Blue Chalcedony Druzy Pendant focal, Blue Lace Agate faceted ovals and rounds with accents of Sterling Silver and a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw clasp.

When you pay a visit to ALEXANDER'S DESIGNS, the beautiful handcrafted set above is just one of the many delightful pieces of jewelry you will see. 

Now is a great time to shop at ALEXANDER'S DESIGNS as they are offering the following discount:

At check out in the comments/instructions box please put "DZFANTASY20%" to receive your 20% off. It will be refunded via paypal after checkout is complete.


ALEXANDER DESIGN'S is a husband and wife team which creates beautiful, jewelry ......(as said in Jenny's Profile) "using a unique blend of Swarovski crystals, lamp work and glass beads, semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, fine silver, pewter, and gold. Some pieces are playful, bold with lots of color and some pieces are simple yet very beautiful."


Let's read below as Jenny gives us a glimpse as to how ALEXANDER'S DESIGNS came to "be".


What led you to start creating your art/craft

I have been crafty for as long as I can remember, but what led me to jewelry was a fundraiser for a not-for-profit that I worked for. We made "Bracelets for Literacy" to help raise funds for our programs. I have been addicted to beads ever since.


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

I really like to work with everything. Just about everything appeals to me, stones, metals, glass, and crystals. I love to combine them together, the look and feel they have just amaze me. I do stay away from flames these days, I have burnt holes in chairs and have almost burnt a hole through my thigh. So my hubby gets to do most of the flame related things! But he loves it and that is what appeals to him, being able to heat something up to completely transform it. I catch him admiring his own work alot!

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

The peace it gives me. Almost everyone but a cat leaves me alone to create. My hubby and I share a room, but when we are working we are very quiet. It is stress relieving for me. I also love the end result, seeing someone's eyes light up because they have found the piece for them.


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

An apple, our craft is ever growing and ever changing. We are always experimenting with new materials and techniques.


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

Painting, I have always loved to paint. Since my kids came along I have not painted on canvas, just walls! The whole world gets left behind when I paint, it is just me and my painting surface. Again very stress relieving for me!


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

Affordable, wearable art! I want everyone to be able to afford my art, I want them to be able to wear it with many outfits and wear it almost every day. I want people to treasure it, but wear it and hand it down to their children.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Get out there and do it! I was scared at how people would see my art/craft. But it was so worth it. I love doing something that I feel good about and I wish that for everyone. The world would be a happier place if everyone could do something that they loved doing. We are a completely self-employed household, and it is very hard some months, but we are still happy. Dive in and do it, you never know till you try!


Thanks, Jenny, for a wonderful interview and sharing you and your husband's wonderful creativity with all of us.  I think it is so great that you can create and work together doing something you both love!!

To see and learn more about the artists behind ALEXANDER'S DESIGNS be sure to visit the links below:

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP -BLUE FOREST JEWELLERY

All the blues necklace

by Alison of BLUE FOREST JEWELLERY

A lot of blue semi precious stones – howlite, lapis malachite, amazonite and turquoise make up this statement necklace. The howlite irregular chunks are the best shade of turquoise blue, sitting alongside true turquoise beads with their lovely matrix. The amazonite beads reflect sea greens and blues, and the lapis malachite beads are the deepest cobalt blue with flecks of bottle green. All are strung on a sky blue beading cord which is knotted between each bead for a classic spaced out look.


WELCOME, Alison and her Etsy shop, BLUE FOREST JEWELLERY.  Pay a visit to BLUE FOREST JEWELLERY and you will find a wonderful selection of Alison's designs of necklaces, earrings and bracelets.  Alison uses semi-pecious stones, silver and silver tones in her designs.

First, take a moment to learn a bit more about Alison by reading her delightful interview below. It always makes it a little more interesting when you know something about the artist.


What led you to start creating your art/craft?


My grandmother must be where my love of making things comes from. She created most of her own clothes and knitted and crocheted in every spare minute. She liked to use beads and sequins, and on Christmas Day she would always appear in a new creation heavily embellished and looking like a queen. I can’t remember much distinctive jewellery, but times were different then and the selection was mostly diamonds and gold gate bracelets. She would have loved today’s choice of modern and eclectic designs. She could shop all day, so the Internet and Etsy would have been heaven for her.


My paternal grandmother was a real stylish lady by all accounts. I never met her, but pictures of her show how fashion conscious she was. As a child, I spent many a happy hour dressing up in her beautiful 1920s flapper-style wedding dress. It was heavy with beads and seed pearls, and short enough for a little girl to model without tripping over it! She was a bit of a freethinker too, causing a scandal by marrying the gardener when her husband died at an early age, and hosting garden parties to show him off! Their delightfully planned garden survives to this day – a haven of ferns, roses and fuchsias.

Cleopatra earrings

Imperial turquoise” (or dyed chocolate jasper) combined with turquoise beads, deep orange-red carnelian beads and sterling silver. A beautiful mixture of blues, browns and reds, these beads each have character and the signature of nature upon them. This is a combination truly fit for an empress, and reminds me of ancient Egyptian jewellery in the British Museum. Tiny floral sterling silver spacers add to the tailored look of these graduated earrings.

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

I’d always made my own clothes, but never really thought it was possible to make your own jewellery without doing real silversmithing. So I just used to tinker with things I’d bought from shops and always be saying ‘One day I’ll go on a course and learn how to make my own.’ Then online shopping takes off, and I suddenly realize you can buy your own tools and supplies, and since then, well, there’s been no stopping me!

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

A while ago I would have said just the whole process of making, but since I’ve been selling, it’s now the feedback from customers and, for custom orders I’ve had, seeing people wearing and enjoying the jewellery. In terms of techniques, at the moment I’m really enjoying stringing and knotting and using semi-precious stones to make statement necklaces and bracelets to fit in with the current trend for all things big, colourful and bold.

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

Had to think hard about this one, but I think I like the idea of my jewellery being like grapes – sweet, colourful and beautiful to eat as they are, with the potential to be converted into something exciting and intoxicating!

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

I love travel and photographing places, so that would have to be my alternative.

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

That women can use jewellery to boost their confidence, to help them achieve what they want, to be individual, and for the sheer pleasure of wearing something beautiful.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

"Keep smiling and don’t worry" – that was the sampler my grandma had up in her house. It’s the best advice I’ve ever had and it applies to all situations!

Alison, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful designs and for giving all of us a little "peek" into your thoughts and ideas.

To learn more about Alison and BLUE FOREST JEWELLERY, be sure to visit her links below.
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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FUSCHIA BLOOM STUDIO

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

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

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

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

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

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

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

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - jaC JEWELRY

Sea Branch Earrings - Pink/Pale Salmon Coral and Sterling Silver Earrings
by

Janna of jaC JEWELRY

(Click on photo to learn more about these earrings)

You can almost hear the waves lapping upon the sandy shore, and the cry of gulls as you look at the the exquisite earrings pictured above! Janna of jaC JEWELRY on Etsy has many more beautiful jewelry designs in her shop...... What's better yet, she now has a SALE going on through JUNE 7th, so be sure to visit jaC JEWELRY. You can learn more about the SALE by clicking on her shop link below the interview questions.

White Lily - Biwa and Rice Pearl and Silver Earrings (Strings)

(CLICK ON PHOTO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE EARRINGS)

Janna has a wide selection of earings, necklaces, and sets, bracelets and a lot more to choose from.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always enjoyed various forms of arts and crafts - drawing, oil painting, knitting, crocheting, and others. After visiting a bead store, I fell in love with the natural beauty of the stones and freshwater pearls, bought a few strands, and that's how it all began!

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

Combining the raw beauty of stones, pearls and other components with sterling silver or gold-plated accents allows me to express my style while creating little works of wearable art. I especially like the fact that handmade jewelry makes terrific and unique accents to our everyday outfits!

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

It's hard to choose just one - if I had to narrow it down, it would be playing around with various components and turning them into new and unexpected designs, interacting with my customers and packing orders! I know a lot of people wish they had someone else to pack up orders, but I just love it!

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

Great question! I would choose a pomegranate because it is striking in color and has a unique texture. Similarly, my jewelry is a combination of bright splashes of color and various 3-D shapes.

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

I would love to become a metalsmith. Making my own metal findings, rings and pendants would be incredible!

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

My tag line contains the message that I want to convey with my pieces: jaC Jewelry - Pieces that Speak to the Unique in You.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Stay true to who you are and follow your passion!

JANNA, thanks for being a featured artist here on DZFANTASY and sharing your thoughts and lovely, lovely jewelry designs with everyone!

Don't forget to visit jaC JEWELRY.....SALE runs through June 7th!!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SUE RUNYON DESIGNS

PEACH pearl necklace set

(Click on the above photo to learn more about this beautiful set)

I'm very pleased to have Sue of SUE RUNYON DESIGNS on Etsy as a featured shop here on DZFANTASY. Sue has a wide variety of lovely jewelry creations to choose from...fresh water pearl and gemstone necklaces, necklace sets, earrings, bracelets and bracelet sets, and much more. Be sure to pay a visit to SUE RUNYON DESIGNS. You just might find a piece of jewelry that you can't live without. To learn a bit about what motivates this creative artist, read Sue's interview below. I found it very interesting.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've always been interested in art and design since I was a child and made my own paper dolls and all their little paper clothes. I have a BFA in Drawing and have also pursued many creative outlets from basketry to soap making. I enjoy working with my hands and the whole creative process.

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

I had the opportunity to live in South Korea for two years. Since it was just two hours to Beijing, China by plane, I traveled there a couple of times and went to the famous Hongqiao Pearl Market. When I saw how beautiful and affordable freshwater pearls had become over the past couple of decades of improvements in culturing them, I became interested in learning more. I realized that not many jewelry artists were working with traditional methods for hand-knotting pearls, but the art was much in demand because of the beauty and quality of the finished product. Back in Korea, I learned the art of classic pearl stringing--with a whole lot of practice. Armed with my scanty knowledge of the Korean language I took advantage of the colorful gemstone bead vendors in Seoul for finding beautiful beads to mix with freshwater pearls in my designs. I really had no idea of starting a business, but when my designs started selling off my neck, a business was born.

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

I enjoy the actual time that I have to design and make my jewelry. I love throwing things down on my design table and seeing which combinations really enhance the design. I often do professional pearl re-stringing and custom work and have fun working with my customers on their special designs. Most artists don't really enjoy that type of collaboration, but I've had a great time with it. I have awesome customers.

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

LOL. I'd have to say a Korean Shingo pear. Since my jewelry making was "born" in Asia and my family was addicted to these incredible pears while we lived there I'd say they might have a little something to do with it. ☺

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

I haven't done much of it lately, but I do enjoy quilt making and also drawing with pastels. Sometime you just need a change and stepping away from jewelry making for a time to work in another medium is refreshing and makes one see new design possibilities.

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

The pearls, gemstone beads and metals that I work with are just exquisite in and of themselves. I try not to get too fussy with the designs because the materials themselves are so flattering on women. There is a reason pearls, jade, silver and the other materials I work with have been treasured forever. They just look beautiful against the skin. I take the view that our Creator is a much better designer than I am and I like to show off what he can do to the best of my abilities.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

You really have to love what you do because there is a lot more to being successful than just creating. You have to love it enough to stick with it through the licensing, advertising, promoting, book keeping, providing customer service, website design, packaging, photography (my least favorite part) and all the rest.

Sue, thanks for a very enlightening interview. It was fun hearing your thoughts and views relating to your beautiful jewelry designs.

If you'd like to learn and see more of Sue's work, be sure to visit her links below.

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