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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BLUE FOREST JEWELLERY ON FOLKSY

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DAINTLY DESIGNS

SunBurst Drop Earrings

by DAINTLY DESIGNS

WELCOME, JACKIE!  I'm happy to have Jackie and her Etsy shop, DAINTLY DESIGNS, here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy shop.  I discovered Jackie also lives in Wisconsin, and not very far from me.  What a small world!  I find it such fun to meet all the talented people who sell on Etsy, and get to learn a little bit about them and their creativity.

Read Jackie's interview below to learn how she got started creating her lovely jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft

It started as a Christmas present for my mom...I thought I'd learn how to make earrings and make her a bunch of them as a gift. I went bead shopping and all the lovely beads had me envisioning so many lovely pieces of jewelry, I went a little overboard in my bead buying! This seemed to be the case every time I went bead shopping, resulting in my collection of 2 tackleboxes full of beads! I decided making jewelry to sell would be an excellent use for all those beads, and a fun way to make some extra money.

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


I like the limitless options available when working with sterling silver, gold, and antiqued bronze wire. I also wanted to form my own earwires, and using wire allowed me to do that.

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


Picking out beads, of course! I love when I find that unique bead that catches my eye and I immediately start imagining what I can design with it. It is also very rewarding being able to create something that people find special!

SALE- Red Swarovski Earrings

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

I think green beans. The more that I create with my beads, the more ideas pop into my head, kinda like how green beans grow more green beans when you pick them! Plus I really like green beans :) That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

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

Wheel-thrown pottery. The possibilities of what you can create are endless, just like jewelry. It's so relaxing, and very satisfying when you create a piece that can be actually useful for something.

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

I'm not sure that my jewelry has a particular message, I just hope that when someone sees one of my pieces they think it is well-made and they feel a little special when they wear it!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you are thinking about selling online, I strongly recommend Etsy.com! It is so easy to get started, and you'd be among a great online community of crafters.

Thanks, Jackie, for a delightful interview, and for taking the time to share your beautiful jewelry with all of us. 

Be sure to pay a visit to DAINTLY DESIGNS, to see all of Jackie's charming and exquisite jewelry.  She has a huge selection of wonderful earrings! You can either click on the individual photos below to go directly to that item in her shop or click on her shop link below the photos.

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 - BRIGA BAUBLE - Handcrafted Jewelry and Rosaries by Brig

Dreaming of Spring Flower Choker
by
Brig

WELCOME, Brig and her Etsy shop BRIGA BAUBLE. Brig designs and creates beautiful earrings, chokers, bracelets, rosaries and more. Be sure to pay a visit to BRIGA BAUBLE to see what she has to offer. First, get to know a bit more about this delightful artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Technically? Being trapped at “home” recovering from surgery and forbidden to do anything active, combined with reverse culture shock, unemployment and a general dissatisfaction with the direction my life was taking. Yes, I know, it sounds a bit like the plot for one of my late grandmother’s “stories.” But it’s all too true. Essentially, due to the need for emergency (minor) surgery, I’d been forced to pack up my flat and two years of my living and working in Prague (the capital of the Czech Republic) in all of two days—one day for each year that I’d built up my little expat life. I had been planning to return home to the States anyway—just not that suddenly or under such unfortunate circumstances.So, there I was, recuperating at my parents’ house while they were gallivanting about Europe with my then 8-year-old nephew—a trip that I was supposed to have joined when they went through Prague. I wasn’t bedridden, I just couldn’t walk without massive amounts of pain and I was recovering at about 1/20th of the predicted pace. Feeling lost, confused, out of my element, and yea, a bit depressed, I needed to occupy both my brain and my hands. I’d always longed for a creative outlet that I could do alone, and that would use my hands. I’d tried my hand at painting, drawing, freeform pottery (no wheel) and, I think it’s safe to say that I failed at all of them. Already being a bit down in the dumps I wanted to attempt an art that I thought I might have a reasonable chance for success with. And that is how I came to design and handcraft jewelry and now, rosaries.

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

As I mentioned, I’d already ruled out a fair number of mediums based on my obvious lack of talent. Both my sister and one of my closest friends made jewelry at the time—though my sister now only does so by special request—so I knew that I had two talented ladies to rely on for tips, techniques, advice, etc. I’d always loved jewelry and, with the exception of preferring silver-toned pieces to gold, my tastes were wildly eclectic (much more so than my taste in clothing). I’m fascinated by color combinations and by seeing what colors can be thrown together to make someone happy, even if others would argue that the colors “clash.”Determined to start on my own and only call upon my friend or sister if desperate, I did what a lot of people do when they’re housebound. I shopped online! And boy did I shop! I ordered gobs and gobs of beads, supplies, tools, etc.

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

I’m a planner, and yet I’m oddly bad about visualizing future results. For example, every time I get my hair cut and the stylist asks me what I’d like, I always say, “Um, I don’t know. Something different?” He or she shows me some pictures and asks what I think and my answer is always, “Sure, whatever you recommend. You’re the professional.” Why am I so lackadaisical about my hair style? Because I find it impossible to imagine what my face will look like with that hair cut. With designing jewelry it’s different, I open all of my various storage containers and start picking out beads, semi-precious gemstones, shells…I organize them on my beading board to resemble an image in my head or, I move them around until I have a combination of color and style that I like. Essentially, I can see the finished product before I begin the actual process of making the piece. I love this! I can’t help it, I love to plan!

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

I think I’d have to say a brown baking potato. Why? Well, when you first look at a potato it appears to be, quite possibly, one of the most common and, therefore, boring vegetables on the planet. In this way, it’s similar to how the field of jewelry design feels, especially on Etsy. It’s a completely saturated market and, for buyers, it begins to all run together—what’s the difference between buying from this seller or that seller? And yet, the potato is an insanely versatile vegetable. It can be dressed up into dozens of delectable baked creations—even hundreds if you’ve got the ingredients and the imagination. It can be dressed down into various forms of fries—French, western, tater tots, hash browns, etc. It can be the main dish, the soup, the appetizer, the side, even the dessert if you get creative. It’s loved by vegetarians and carnivores alike. This simple brown vegetable that, at first glance, is as plain as the name “John Smith,” is, in fact, as unique and open to interpretation as jewelry is. At least, in my humble opinion it is.

If you had to choose another medium in which to display your creativity, what would it be and why?

Decoupage. I love decoupage. As of yet, I’ve only tackled a couple of projects—one a table that I call “I’m in the money!” because it’s covered in bills and coins from around the world, and one an old magazine stand that I picked up for $3 at a thrift store and gave new life to through the torn up and antiqued pages of a trashy old German romance novel that I discovered at a library book sale. I have all of these decoupage projects swirling around in my head that are not yet solid enough for me to turn into reality but, when they are, I’ll make them. Oh! And woodcraft. My Opa (Austrian grandfather) was a master craftsman and my father’s two hobbies are cycling and working with wood. I grew up in a house in the States where all of the furniture but the beds and the couch were handcrafted by my father or my Opa. And I spent my summers in a house outside of Vienna that had been built from the bottom up by my father and his father and every non-electrical item in that place was built by my Opa. I would love to learn the craft. However, my dad will never teach me. Something about the danger of combining me with power tools. LOL. Can’t say that I blame him.

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

Happiness, laughter, joy, sometimes sadness, sometimes sexiness, sometimes faith. For me it’s about emotions rather than messages. I make Catholic rosaries and Anglican prayer beads (also referred to as “rosaries”) not out of a faith of my own but out of a respect for the faith of my mother, my friend, the man sitting across from me on the Metro…Everything I make is for the purpose of providing someone with the ability to convey, if only to themselves, an emotion they’re experiencing (or want to experience) at a particular moment.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Ha! I feel like I’m in no position to give advice. There have been many days of late when I’ve wanted to just give up. And it’s really only the feeling of frustration that these thoughts bring on that stops me from doing so. About the only thing I can say is… make yourself happy with what you do and that will spread to others.

BRIG, thanks for a delightful interview, and for sharing your creations with everyone! You can learn more about Brig by clicking on the links below.

BRIGA BAUBLE BLOG

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DESIGNS BY WENDY

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words-Picture Jasper Necklace and Earring Set

by
Wendy Thatcher

I really love how this artist uses so many beautiful stones in her designs. The necklace and earring set above is absolutely gorgeous. Very earthy! Wendy has a wide selection of beautiful jewelry out in her Etsy shop, so be sure to pay her a visit.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I’ve always been a “rock-hound”. As a child I would collect stones from anywhere! Always a nature buff, I was just naturally drawn to beautiful stones. As I grew older, I needed to find a way to bring my rock collection with me that was a little more mature than having my pockets full of stones! What better way than to wear them? Once I started, I was totally bitten and was creating day and night. I have now found a great balance and jewelry is my art. I truly believe every person should find a creative outlet. It’s good for the soul.

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

It’s always been about the rocks! See #1.

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

I think I find the planning and designing aspect of my work the most enjoyable. The possibilities are endless with my chosen medium.

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

Not sure which one, but I would choose a fruit! Maybe an orange? Natures candy! When was the last time you saw a child bite in to their broccoli and smile?!

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

Wood! I love wood. I even use a lot of it in my designs. My husband and I will sometimes pull out the tools and create wall hangings. We will edge, sand and stencil cute little country themed items, and Dave has made almost all of my displays that I use at shows and art festivals. I would love to expand on this but have trouble finding the time.

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

That nature is BEAUTIFUL. I love that most of my supplies are natural and not at all man-made. There are so many beautiful things that are already out there. All you have to do is look. It’s like a treasure hunt!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love, and love what you do! If you are not loving every minute of it, it may not be the perfect choice! Try something else. I get so much out of what I do and I would love to think that every artist feels the same way that I do.

Wendy, thanks for a delightful interview and sharing your beautiful creations with all of us! Great work!