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 - WILD WOMAN JEWELRY BY KARON DEAN

Leap...“Courage is not the absence of fear; it is acting in spite of fear.”

I really love the colors in the gorgeous bracelet above, which is designed by Karon of WILD WOMAN JEWELRY on Etsy. It reminds me of the colors of the sea!

Karon has a wide selection of colorful, whimsical jewelry, contemporary styles, and so much more.

You really must take a peek at her shop. As I was looking through WILD WOMAN JEWELRY I came upon these delightful earrings. How fun are they!

Mad Hatter's Tea Party MAD HAT Earrings Inspired by Alice in Wonderland

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


I’ve always been a creator of things, loved the idea of making something from nothing. This has taken many forms - photography, interior decor, gardening, needlework, knitting, crafty things....a few years ago a friend showed me how to make earrings and I fell immediately in love with the process and the beads. Oh, the beads! All shapes and colors and moods...I love them.


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


It picked me!

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

I totally enjoy the process of creation itself... the idea, the bringing to form of that idea, often connected with words- a quote or a story, and then the color. I am totally inspired by color.

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

I would choose a fruit because I love bright bold colors with punch!

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

At the moment, it would be photography. I love playing with light, finding that ‘ sweet spot’ photograph that tells the story I want to share.

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

There are many...and they are mostly for me, but I love it if someone else feels them too. Life is good, have fun and enjoy it, dare to be yourself, hear your own voice, take chances...

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

GO FOR IT!!!!

KARON, your work is truly enchanting! Thanks for taking the time to be a featured artist out here on DZFANTASY.

You can learn more about Karon and her work by visiting her shop WILD WOMAN JEWELRY....!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - WIRE TREE JEWELRY by BETH LISA GOSS

WELCOME, Beth and her Etsy shop WIRE TREE JEWELRY! At WIRE TREE JEWELRY you will find a wide array of earrings, necklaces/pendants and more delightful creations designed by Beth! I LOVE the simplicity of the copper earrings above.

Before you pay Beth's shop a visit, read below to find out a little bit more about what motivates her to create.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've been making jewelry on and off for about 20 years, and I think I started because I was looking for a creative outlet. I started my business last year when I realized that I couldn’t possibly wear or give away all the things I’d made! I’d been getting compliments on my jewelry and decided to give it a go.

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

I like to experiment so when I come up with something interesting I tend to stay with that medium for a while.

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

I really like using tools so any time I get to saw or torch something I'm happy!

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

Maybe a pineapple? Great texture on the outside and pretty durable, but beautiful.

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

I'd love to learn how to throw pots. I've tried before and had a lot of trouble with it. I absolutely love pottery.

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

Simplicity.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Just keep doing it. Make what you love and don't worry about what you think people will buy.

THANKS, Beth for sharing a bit of yourself and your creations with everyone! Be sure to stop in WIRE TREE JEWELRY to see Beth's designs, and you can also visit her on TRUNKT.

TRUNKT

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO

I love the stunning elegant look of this necklace by CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO! If you'd like to see more of this jewelry artist's beautiful designs be sure to visit her shop CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO! You just might find that perfect gift of jewelry for the "special" someone in your life....or, give a gift to yourself!

First, let's welcome Carol, and hear what she has to say about herself and what motivates her to create her jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved creating beautiful things and working with my hands, so making jewelry came naturally.

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

While taking a class in another medium, the teacher mentioned this new product called metal clay and I knew right away it was for me, so off I went learning about it and have never turned back.

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

That's a hard question since I really love all of it. I guess finishing a piece and really loving the way it looks.

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

Now that's easy, I'd have to say a pomegranate because its beautiful, vibrant and juicy.

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

I guess it would be fiber arts since that has always been my other love.

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

I'm not sure that I have a message other than putting a little more beauty out there in the world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Most of us never think that what we make is "good enough". Make what you love and it will always be good enough.

THANKS, Carol for sharing your thoughts and work with all of us. Your jewelry is exquisite!

To see more of Carol's work, be sure to click on the links below!

CHANGING WOMAN STUDIO BLOG

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - EISSA

I am always delighted to see all the creative jewelry artists out on Etsy, and Mary Ann is right in there with them!! What a charming necklace, which she says is a part of her "Chandelier" series of necklaces. Very magical! To see what other great pieces Mary Ann has in her shop, and to read how she designed the above necklace, be sure to visit EISSA, but first let's learn a little about how Mary Ann got started with her jewelry.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
I've always been involved in creative endeavors, but came to jewelry design 4 years ago when I moved to Los Angeles from New York. My Mother suffers from Alzheimer's disease and my brother and I decided we wanted to take care of her at our family home in Los Angeles. I packed up my "life", my dog and 2 cats, left New York to start our new life. Because caring for my Mom prevented me from having a full-time job, I started making jewelry from my home. Both decisions have enhanced my life immeasurably.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I tend to wear black most of the time and loved to accessorize with interesting, artistic pieces. When the opportunity presented, I decided to design jewelry that reflected what I would buy for myself.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
Not having a set plan when I start a piece, but to become inspired by the material and letting the piece evolve . I like the freedom to create different styles and not being confined to one particular look.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
Organic European Salad Mix because it’s not boring. Instead there are many different colors, textures and sophisticated flavors and yet there is cohesiveness when you see all the greens mixed together.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I’ve also created mixed media decorative boxes. I love working with different materials, textures, and techniques.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
That I create from my heart and my work brings me much joy. It is an extension of my personality, (always looking for something new and interesting to challenge me).

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
To maintain joy in the process even on the days when you’re not inspired.

MARY ANN...thanks for taking the time to share your beautiful jewelry, and your thoughts with us. May you always be inspired to keep creating! Now....be sure to visit Mary Ann's EISSA shop out on Etsy by clicking on either the photos below to go directly to that creation, or to click on the EISSA link below the photos.

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - ALISON KELLEY DESIGNS

WELCOME, Alison of ALISON KELLEY DESIGNS!! If you love unique, beautiful jewelry, be sure to visit ALISON KELLEY DESIGNS on Etsy! I'm happy to have Alison out here as a featured artist on DZFANTASY! Below, Alison will share a bit of herself, and her thoughts on what makes her "tick" as a person and a jewelry artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have been making jewelry for over 16 years. It wasn't until my mom inspired me to make a necklace for her in the summer of 2006 that got me motivated and excited about making jewelry again. It had been a while since I had made something for myself too, so I made a necklace for my mom as well as an identical one for myself. I was so happy making it, and with the results that I just couldn't stop myself from making more. Before I knew it I had friends coming over to look at my new jewelry designs, so after their overwhelming feedback this ‘hobby’ soon became Alison Kelley Designs and a full-time business.

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

I've always loved beads and it was natural for me to go back to making jewelry with them. My favorite materials are Sterling Silver, Copper, Gemstone Beads, Pearls, Swarovski Crystals, Natural Beads, Shell Beads and Glass Beads.

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

Jewelry making is truly my passion. I enjoy every aspect of it. Getting an idea in my mind, sometimes even in my dreams. I imagine the piece already made. and then going through the process of putting my design together step by step is invigorating. Once my creation is complete I can't help but be so proud. Maybe I have that artistic need to create and in creating something it brings me happiness.

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

I would choose "fruit". Not only do I love fruit, but all their color variety. Color is very important to me. It makes me feel alive and happy. Without color I would be drained of life and happiness.

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

Painting! I used to paint a long time ago, it was relaxing and satisfying.

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

My goal is to offer beautiful handcrafted pieces of jewelry that are as unique as they are beautiful. Handmade is a forgotten art to many, showing the importance of it is an endless journey. I myself lost that for a while. After having three children and living in such a busy world, it is easy to forget the beauty of making something yourself or cherishing another person's creations.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be true to yourself and your art. Don't let the busy world crush your creativity. Flourish it and expand it by continuously learning your art.

THANKS, Alison, for taking the time to share your thoughts and your work with all of us! I enjoyed getting to know a bit about you and how you feel about your chosen form of creativity. Keep on creating!! Below you will links to Alison's Etsy shop and other place where you can view her work. If you are looking for beautiful "bridal" jewelry, be sure to click on Alison's BRIDAL JEWELRY link below.

ALISON'S BLOG

FLICKR

ALISON KELLEY DESIGNS BRIDAL JEWELRY

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - ORIGINALS BY TERRI

I've been browsing through Terri's Etsy shop, ORIGINALS BY TERRI, and find her work to be quite exquisite! I'm sure you will agree once you see her work.

Here, in Terri's own words, she gives us a little insight into how she got started creating jewelry, and what she enjoys about this creative medium. DON'T FORGET TO VISIT TERRI'S SHOP by clicking on the links below this interview.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
Years ago my sister owned a small woman's boutique and there was an outfit I loved, but no jewelry to match it. I went out and bought all the necessary items to make earrings for it and within 1 hour the earrings and the outfit sold as a set. I was so excited, I couldn't believe somebody bought something I had made. I continued to make jewelry to match her clothes and even took custom orders. Unfortunately, her shop closed a few years back, but I am still making jewelry and loving it.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have always loved color, different textures and the way they can all be brought together to look amazing. I guess it is the one thing that I can truly do on my own.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I find putting together different stones and colors that most people wouldn't think of and it sells to be enjoyable. It's not because of the money (even though that helps) but because there are so many jewelry artists out there and somebody picked ME.

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 fruit to describe my jewelry. It's fresh and juicy. Most, if not all, of my jewelry is one of a kind. I try to make jewelry with what colors are most popular at the current time. For example bright yellow is very popular, I would most likely pair it with something bright and bold like either turquoise or red.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your creativity what would that be, and why?
Pottery, because of the colors and textures, it is so unlimited!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
Wear it because you like it not just because it's the perfect match. Most of all, be yourself!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Everyone has their own opinion, but it is what you like and how you feel about yourself that matters.

TERRI, thanks so much for taking the time to share your very lovely work, and giving us a bit of insight as to what makes you an "original" as a jewelry artist.

TERRI'S BLOG

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - Jessi's Jewelry/Distinction Jewelry

I love the unique, light feeling that so many of Jessi's pieces invoke, when looking at them. Be sure to pay a visit to Jessi's shop after reading below, in Jessi's own words, what she as to say about herself and her lovely work.

WELCOME, JESSI....!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?
My path was a rather unusual one. I became a fan of a wonderful but short-lived television show called Firefly, and one of the characters wore a distinctive necklace made of leather cording. I searched for one like it but it was not for sale anywhere. Having dabbled around a bit with beginner jewelry design, I just made myself one! I was able to make an almost exact replica of the necklace, and on a whim I posted to a fan forum offering them for sale. I didn’t expect anything to come of it, but they started selling like hotcakes. Shortly thereafter I started offering simple beaded necklaces inspired by the show, and before long I had to open my own web store ( www.serenityverse.com/shop ) to handle the order volume. Over time I became better at what I did, learned a lot about designing, and thanks to the sales I was able to afford and offer better quality materials. Before I knew it……I was a jewelry designer!

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
Initially all of my work was “stringing.” I used the materials that most appealed to me, namely gemstone beads, sterling silver, and lampwork. Stringing gets a bad name amongst jewelry designers because it is the most basic skill, and is often branded the hallmark of a beginner. That has always irked me because while the market admittedly is flooded with “beginner crafts” strung jewelry, some of the most stunning and artistic creations I’ve seen have been strung necklaces and bracelets. I have always felt, both as a beginner and later as an experienced designer, that a strung piece made with superb materials, quality workmanship, and most importantly a striking and beautiful design is something for which no apologies should be made.While perfecting, honing, and expanding my design skills (and my ever expanding collection of beads!), I dabbled in other mediums. Stringing beads wasn’t enough for me, but I had a hard time finding any other medium that felt “right” for me and gave me the artistic control I needed. I took a brief stab at lampworking, tried wirework, tried Chinese knotting, mangled polymer clay, and all it took was one look at seed beads for me to run away screaming!The epiphany snuck up on me sideways. I began collecting some beautiful cabochons made out of unusual gemstones, planning to wire wrap them. But every time I tried to wrap one, I was unhappy with the results. I didn’t enjoy wire wrapping, and most irksome was the fact that I had purchased these stones for their innate beauty and patterns, and wire obscured and distracted from them. I decided to have them set in sterling silver as pendants so that I could make necklaces with them, but I couldn’t find anyone to do it whose “style” was right for me. Then it happened….my eyes lighted on a dusty sign in a local lapidary supply announcing silversmithing classes.I signed up. I collected even more stones. The class was cancelled. A year later though, I was lighting a torch for the first time. By the end of the beginner’s class I was hooked. By the end of the advanced class I was obsessed. Not even six months after I started, I knew I’d found my medium….and I had acquired my own top of the line torch and more tools than I care to admit to.In silversmithing I have finally found a medium that gives me the creative control I desire and allows me to make things I’m proud of, and most importantly I love doing it. I will probably always do stringing and very basic wire work as well, especially incorporating my metalwork. But my focus has certainly shifted dramatically to silversmithing, and I only expect that focus to deepen.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I adore the creative control; the ability to be able to imagine a design that I think would be cool and then actually create it. That is quite a rush.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
A pink grapefruit. Refreshing, tangy and sweet without either flavor being overpowering, the grapefruit is bold but not brash. The qualities of the grapefruit do a pretty good job of describing what I like to create; pieces that are different but not overpoweringly edgy, pretty without being “cute”, elegant but not snobbish, and clean without being boring.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I want to convey the messages that are personally important to my customers. Jewelry is about more than simple adornment. It's about meaning; a wearable token for who we are, who we love, and what we admire. One reason I love custom work is that I get to create something that has deep and often hidden personal meaning to the person wearing it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Do what you enjoy, and create what you like. There is a lot of peer pressure in the jewelry field to “be different!” “expand into other mediums!” and my least favorite, the unspoken encouragement of difficulty of creation over pleasing design. How, however, is one supposed to “be different” if everyone is struggling to do just that? In that case, are you not, by trying to be different, copying everyone else? What is new and different one year will be the overused trend the next. So stop trying desperately to be different, and be yourself….and that act alone will set you apart. Follow what you like and enjoy, and your own unique style will develop gracefully on its own, and your skills will surely advance along the paths that you are drawn to.

THANKS, JESSI for sharing your beautiful work, and also giving us an insight as to what makes you "tick" as an artist! Below you will find links to Jessi's Etsy shop, and also her web site. Be sure to take the time to visit!!

JESSI'S WEB PAGE - DISTINCTION JEWELRY