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:

BLOG

WEB PAGE

TWITTER

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - KI DESIGNS

Domed Pendant Hand stamped personalized necklace

CLICK on above necklace to learn more about this item

WELCOME, Karen and her Etsy shop KI DESIGNS. If you are looking for unique hand-stamped, sterling silver jewelry that you can personalize with names, dates and phrases that have special meaning to you, your loved ones and friends, be sure to visit KI DESIGNS. Her necklaces would make lovely, special gift ideas.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was making jewelry for myself and for family and friends. People were so happy to receive my creations and would tell me how they treasured them. I wanted to branch out and do this for other people, so I started my own little hand stamped jewelry business.

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

I saw a hand stamped piece in a magazine and was intrigued. I researched everything I needed to know to get started. I was already making bead and wire jewelry so I already had some knowledge about jewelry making.

Blessed Necklace - Personalized Birthstone Necklace, Jewelry

CLICK on photo to learn more about this necklace

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

When I sell something in person, the greatest satisfaction is in people's reactions when they love their piece. It's not quite the same doing online sales, but it is still rewarding. I recently did a custom piece for a woman who had lost her sister unexpectedly in an accident and wanted something special to wear in her memory. The woman's email after she received the necklace brought tears to my eyes.

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 a grape. Not really sure why. Maybe because they are small, like my jewelry. They are very tasty.

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

Well, my other creative outlet, besides my hand stamped jewelry and regular beaded jewelry, is scrapbooking. It is very relaxing for me and I get to express myself.

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

I want to convey that jewelry can be a personal expression. I love doing custom work. I like the challenge of coming up with a design that will express how someone feels.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Remember that you should enjoy what you are doing. If you don't love it, you won't enjoy it. Also, start slowly. I started off selling to people I knew, and little by little my business grew. I eventually moved on to online sales, and now to Etsy.

Thanks, Karen, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity here on DZFANTASY. Your work has a charming elegance to it.

To learn more about Karen and her creations, visit the links below.

KI DESIGN WEB PAGE

BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BIJOUGIRL DESIGNS BY AMANDA CONLEY

Oval Hummingbird with Pearl Necklace
by
Amanda Conley
(click on the photo above to learn more about this lovely necklace)

WELCOME, Amanda Conley and her Etsy shop BIJOUGIRL DESIGNS. I was just wandering through Amanda's shop, and love her nature inspired designs. One can definitely tell she is in tune with nature. At BIJOUGIRL DESIGNS, you will find a lovely selection of necklaces, earrings, rings and more. Be sure to pay a visit!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My major in college was Fine Art - painting and sculpture. When I met my husband, who was also a fine art major, I decided to let him be the painter and I would would start working with metals.

Teardrop Chandelier Earrings with Pearls

(click on the above photo to learn more about these beautiful earrings)

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

I've always been a jack of all trades, master of none. When I began a little family (I now have three children,) I realized that I needed to narrow my interests down, and jewelry became the forerunner.

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

The process used to be the most dreaded part of my craft because it takes patience - but as I have grown in my craft and my business, I find my self enjoying the process the most. It's a anticipated and meditative part of my day to just do the next thing in the process of getting the jewelry finished.

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

My craft is a fruit. There are seasons of nothing...building, thinking, etc., but when the product is finished, it's beautiful, sweet and desirable. It takes a while to make it that way, but when it's done, it's worth it.

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


Painting. It's what I see and interpret into my jewelry. I trained to be a painter before I even realized that I wanted to be a jeweler. So, if there was something else, it would be painting.


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


There is definitely a spiritual message to my jewelry. My inspiration comes from my Christian beliefs and from my experiences with nature and family.


What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?


Don't forget that there are seasons for everything. You can't do everything at once, and while you are marketing, you won't be creating, and vice-versa. And that's o.k. and normal. Take everything one step at a time, breath, and you can do it. Persevere.

THANKS, Amanda, for taking the time to share your beautiful jewelry and thoughts with everyone!

If you want to learn more about Amanda and her jewelry, be sure to visit her links below.

BLOG

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.

1000 MARKETS

FLICKR

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - Misty Ridge Designs - Handcrafted Jewelry

Sugilite and Silver Filigree cuff

The striking bracelet above is just one of many gorgeous designs you will find when you visit Heather's MIST RIDGE DESIGNS shop on Etsy. She has beautifully designed earrings, bracelets, and more.

First, let's learn a bit more about Heather, and how she came to be a jewelry artist. You can visit her shop and blog by clicking on the links below this interview.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always been a creative person and have always enjoyed making things with my hands. I have dabbled in painting, sculpting, pottery, knitting and many other things for as long as I can remember. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a debilitating inflammatory arthritis. The pain and stiffness weakened my hands quite a lot which caused me to give up many of my other crafts. I kind of stumbled into jewelry as a creative outlet and as a means of dealing with stress.

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

I don't know if it was so much a conscious decision or just happenstance that I work with the materials that I use. I really like the look of sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones so I am sure that personal preference played into it somehow. Other than that, I really just use materials that are comfortable for me to manipulate. For instance I don't use a lot of seed beads because they are too small and I don't have the dexterity and fine manipulation in my hands to allow me to use them. I create most of my jewelry using mid gauge wire and mid sized beads, which are easy for me to handle.

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

I really enjoy the whole process, but if I had to choose just one aspect it would have to be when the piece is completed and I can finally see and hold a tangible item that began as just an idea in my head.

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

This is a very unique question. I have never thought about it before. I suppose I would choose a cluster of grapes because it takes several individual grapes to compose a cluster. I can see similarities between the curling twisting vine and the twists and curls in my wire work. And like the individual grapes combine to form a beautiful cluster, each wire formed link and bead combine to form a wonderful finished piece of jewelry.

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

Wow, this is a hard one. I love to do so many things. I guess if I had to choose only one, right now it would be glass. I would love to learn to make the amazingly intricate and beautiful glass beads that I have seen and then use them in my jewelry.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice to fellow artists is don't give up. We live in a tremendously diverse world. Whatever you produce if you put your heart, tears, and sweat into it, there is someone out there who will love and cherish it. Take any criticism as a learning opportunity, but don't let it get you down rather let it fuel your desire to create and make the best art that you can. Specifically for ETSY artists I would say find your own style and run with it. Take good pictures that show just how fabulous your pieces are. Promote, promote, promote. Try to have the best customer service that you can, and make friends with some of the artists in your field. It always helps to have someone that you respect and look up to to bounce ideas off of.

Heather, it is a real pleasure to have you as a featured artist out here on DZFANTASY. Your work is truly beautiful, as well as your spirit!!

Thanks again for taking the time to share with everyone.

Below are links to MISTY RIDGE DESIGNS, and also Heather's blog.

MISTY RIDGE DESIGNS BLOG

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 - 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

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - MINDY G JEWELRY BOUTIQUE

WELCOME, Mindy of MINDY G JEWELRY BOUTIQUE, and her beautiful jewelry creations! I just love the colors and design of the above necklace. A truly delightful piece!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always loved arts and crafts as a little girl. If my hands are busy creating and designing things then my mind is at peace. I like the outlet that making something with my hands gives me.

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

Jewelry making started when my youngest son attended preschool and my older son started Kindergarten. I made a bracelet one day and I started getting compliments on it from other moms and girlfriends. Before I knew it I was getting orders from local moms and decided to start a line of jewelry to sell at home parties. That way I could still be home with my kids during the day and sell my jewelry on nights and weekends.

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

I like networking and meeting new customers that share the love of jewelry. It makes them happy and it makes me feel great that what I create can do that.

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 watermelon because when you cut it open you see the most beautiful shade of red and the contrast of the white rind and outer green is naturally very pretty. I like bright colors. I love combining bright colors together and different textures in my jewelry designs.

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

If I wasn't making jewelry I'd probably crochet or sew quilts because I love yarn and fabric and working with my hands. I like the colors and textures at the yarn and fabric stores, there are so many to choose from!

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

My jewelry sparks happy conversations and I get to meet so many nice people over the years. I am very detailed in my work and I make sure each piece is crafted with the best quality of gemstones, pearls and findings.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep an inner peace by creating and dreaming up new possibilities!

Thanks for a great interview, Mindy! Be sure to visit Mindy's shop on Etsy to see what other gorgeous pieces she has available. You can also see and learn more about her work by clicking on the various links below.

MINDY'S BLOG

FLICKR

INDIEPUBLIC

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)