Meet Etsy Artist: KeepsakesByKristie

Aside from being a jewelry artist, Kristie Jones is a 38 year old stay at home mom to "three terrific children" and a few cats, dog, and birds. "I’m a lover of the Victorian era and collect period clothing," she admits. "My interest have a wide range - I am not above panning for gold in Alaska or digging for emeralds in North Carolina." Thankfully she also hunts the beach for treasures to use in her beautiful jewelry designs. "I was fortunate to grow up in a very artsy crafty family," she says. With talented quilt makers for a mother and grandmother, she followed in their footsteps. Eventually her grandmother taught her the Victorian art of redwork. "I have done some very intricate Victorian portraits; you know the big hats and bustles." Jewelry came came later. "It was actually my daughters who inspired me to make the jewelry when they saw it at some sort of festival and had mentioned to me how much they loved the sea glass jewelry," she explains. "So after years of ignoring the glass on the beach I started to pick it up and make a few things for the girls and the rest of my family." Her earthy designs show off the natural beauty of the found pieces, letting the glass take center stage. "I am not fond of overshadowing the natural beauty of the sea glass, I am often afraid that if I use too many extras I’ll lose what first attracted me to it." She lets the treasures "speak" to her and inspire her to create something special. "I am often overwhelmed with ideas and not enough time to try them out," she jokes. "There are so many talented people out here that I am just proud to be selling my creations along side them," she says of her fellow Etsians. Please check out her shop: http://keepsakesbykristie.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: sweptfromthesea

Like me, Canadian jewelry artist Cheri Bourque, has Fibromyalgia. "It has been my best friend and worst enemy for 12 years," she says. "It is my best friend (when) it makes me get things done ASAP because I never know what tomorrow will bring. It is my worst enemy (when) my tomorrows are filled with pain and fatigue," she explains. Instead of giving up or giving in, she pushes through and manages to follow her heart, creating simple modern jewelry from beach glass. Much of her inspiration comes from the West Coast. "I haven't always lived in Victoria. I grew up in Northern Ontario next to Lake Superior (also very beautiful), but I always wished that I lived near the ocean." Now only half a block away from the beach, she doesn't take it for granted. "I design what I want to wear," she admits. Although she has been a crafter for quite some time, she started Swept From The Sea Designs professionally 3 years ago. "I owe my crafting addiction to my mother who introduced me to crocheting 15 years ago," she jokes. "Running an online business takes time and requires tons of patience. I find that advertising outside of Etsy the key to making progress." Please check out her shop: http://sweptfromthesea.etsy.com/ and website: http://sweptfromtheseadesigns.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Yeshela24

Teryl grew up in the oceanfront town of Marblehead, Boston. "I was born in Salem, which had the history of the persecution of women healers," she explains. "I felt the pain of that suffering strongly as a child. My heart wanted to heal it." She also had an early passion for art. "We had tourists that came through the town in droves every summer and my first experience of selling my art was making sculptures from beach stones and then selling them to tourists," she says. By nine she had raised enough money from her work for a trip to France, where she spent time at the Ecole Freinet school, "which was created for the children of Filmmakers and Artists." Her time there was well spent. "We made art in the forest, created fetes(skits), created large sculptures, ate from a garden there at the school, skinny dipped in icy cold water each morning to awaken for the day, bathed in the sun in the afternoon. Quite an awakening from Boston puritanism," she jokes. "I learned that art could be integrated with nature and every moment of life. Art was not a compartmentalized element." At 19 she travelled the world on her own for 18 months: China, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Israel, Greece, and Turkey. "I came home turning 21," she says. "I had surrendered my journey, listened to my heart and let it guide my journey." She worked in villages, taught English, and became a part of every community she visited. Upon her return she went to college, which is where she met her Tibetan teacher, "a cave dwelling yogi that had escaped persecution in Tibet and carried his (own) teacher out on his back." She says, "He taught through his presence rather than trying to impress externally. His purpose was to help other refugees and that was the only reason he had left the cave and his meditation." Awed by his dedication and resolve, she quickly started her own efforts to sponsor refugees. After Grad school she returned to Asia for meditation retreats in the sacred places she visited 12 years before. "On this journey I lived in Bali and shot much of the Lotus series seen on my website." Along the way she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but never let it get in the way of leading a full and happy life. She has triumphed over her illness, depending on her spiritual Faith and art to see her through the tough times. She reminds her fellow artists to "encourage each other." Please check out her shop: http://yeshela24.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: innerlightarts

While Kristena sells her beautiful jewelry and art on Etsy, it was not always her primary site. She has also been very successful on Ebay, but with the site's downfall - and Etsy's uptick - she is focusing more on Etsy these days. "I am...rebuilding my Etsy (shop) and my http://www.innerlightarts.com/ site," she explains. A professional artist, she has also been a teacher for over 30 years. "I studied with shamans for years and taught basic & advanced shamanism and had a private practice for years," she says. With two degrees - one in fine art and the other in psych/communications - and a love of drawing, she has created many spiritual pieces, such as the one pictured above. In her work "you will see lots of images of powerful women." She uses humor and fantasy in her works to create joy and promote inner clarity. "I love supporting women making art," she admits. "A life long dream of mine was to design women's clothing, so I started http://www.sunheartclothing.com/ and am now designing and sewing small collections - which I am going to sell on Etsy." Please check out her shop: http://innerlightarts.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Artist: tHeENDpeace

Jennifer has many hobbies - from jewelry making, crocheting, cooking, baking, and even heirloom & organic gardening. "Tying in with my love to grow things, I also save seeds (for conservation purposes) and either sell them, keep them for the next year, or trade them with other gardeners," she explains. Her Sushi Dragon bracelet is not only gorgeous and fun, but captures all of her passions in one soulful piece. Another passion of hers is collecting. "I collect from yard sales, thrift stores, and antique stores," she admits. "I love to 're-create,' such as altered art charms." Like me, she also enjoys experiencing other cultures and has a deep appreciation for nature, as is evident in her gardening and repurposing of items. "I dislike waste and always try to think of a way to get another use out of an item." Aside from her art, she is also working on becoming a Special Education teacher. "Personally, I want to see the look of pride and accomplishment on a student's face when they learn something by thinking outside the box and being creative." Inspiration can come from anywhere - and usually pops up at inopportune moments. "Most of the time I get my best ideas when I should be paying attention in class or when I am trying to go to sleep," she jokes. Please check out her shop: http://tHeENDpeace.etsy.com
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: SteppingStones

Tracy Prince creates beautiful jewelry and natural cabinet pulls out of gorgeous beach stones and glass she finds with her husband and children along the Rhode Island coast. She describes herself as a "Jane of all trades" and admits that if she is not constantly creating she falls into a deep depression. "It doesn't have to be jewelry. It just has to be something I'm creating," she explains. Recently she tore out the entire downstairs bathroom - and although she doesn't have a plan for it yet, she has the drive and "constant need to make." Much of her inspiration comes from nature and she counts herself lucky to live in "such an amazing part of the country." Although her craft and passion is also her full time job - along with motherhood - she keeps a once a month position at a local emergency room as a Medical Assistant "just to talk to big people and not go out of my mind." Please check out their shop: http://steppingstones.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist & Painter: BellissimaDesigns

Sherri is the second daughter in a family of five girls, who grew up in Alberta, Canada. "I would never have said that I was crafty growing up, but looking back we made our own barbie clothes, beds, houses, etc.," she says. "In later years I drew a bit, but mostly I was consumed by reading and spending time with friends." Now married to someone she describes as "the most wonderful man" and the mother of two, she manages to find time for her art. "My daughter would want me to also mention the other members of our family - our dog and our three fish," she adds. With a need to try it all, she jokes she may be 'craft ADD.' "I have never been formally diagnosed ,but I know my husband would gladly write the letter stating that I am," she explains. Much of her inspiration comes from nature and her love of gardening. "I am also very obsessed by oriental art and sculpture, especially Buddha images," she confesses. I completely understand. :-) "If I am ever in need of inspiration I just go onto Etsy and I am blown away by everything that these amazing people create...Have you seen the soap that looks like cake? So amazing," she gushes. While she dabbles in many mediums, her true passions are painting and drawing. "My daughters room is covered, on every wall and ceiling. She is in love with Tinker Bell so I made it her little magical wonderland. However since that time we had to move her into another room to make room for her brother so he is also currently enjoying a little fairy magic." Not always an artist, she can't imagine how she ever survived without crafts. "They seem to be consuming so much of my thoughts I don't go a day without thinking about, planning for, buying for (my husband swears it is every day), or creating something crafty," she says. "Get on the (Etsy) forums and learn all you can - there is a wealth of information that Etsians are willing to share," she suggests. Please check out her shop: http://bellissimadesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Artist: mollyheltsleydesigns

Molly, now 49, didn't discover her "creative groove" until the age of 45. "Too busy raising a family I guess," she explains. All of her pieces are created with recycled materials and found objects. "The word of Buddha inspire me, it's very empowering to know that all the strength I need to embrace life, comes from within. I hope my pieces send peaceful thoughts and action to every corner of the world I send them," she says. I was lucky enough to find the gorgeous Buddha cuff bracelet pictured above and purchase it from her Etsy shop before anyone else found it. When she started making jewelry a year ago she was advised to "make less peace and Buddha stuff and you will probably do OK." But, always the rebel, she decided to make only what she wanted. "I can't handle any more business, so that tells me people are crying out for unusual organic pieces." she says. It began as a hobby but is quickly turning into a successful business. She's found re-listing to be helpful, but above all else recommends her fellow artists stay true to themselves. "Don't try to design to please others, and most of all focus on PEACE in every aspect of your life." Please check out her shop: http://mollyheltsleydesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: NicolaYoonDesign

"By day I'm a database programmer," Nicola Yoon explains, "but at night I transform into an obsessive compulsive Super Jeweler, with cape and all." Her inspiration often comes from estate finds or the simplicity of modern design. She describes her eclectic style as "a contradictory blend of restraint and over-the-top ornament." So many of today's items are cheap and mass produced, and she strives to regain the "traditional intimacy between an artisan and her customers." Etsy has been great for her. "I think of it as a global farmer's market for handmade goods," she explains. "Start small,: she recommends, "and do what feels right. I really believe that when making a living gets in the way of making you happy, you've lost your way." Please check out her shop: http://nicolayoondesign.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: KathrynHomanDesigns

Although Kathryn is now an accomplished jewelry artist she started out with a love for drawing. "When my kids were little I did cross stitch and crewel, and later got really busy with the Embroiderers Guild of America when I lived in Dallas," she says. "I made beautiful things with silk and gold thread and French wools." Her path towards jewelry actually came out of the embroidery work. "Once, when I had finished a really outstanding evening purse that took me at least 6 months, someone said, 'That is gorgeous, you should make more and sell them.' Right then I decided to find something that would satisfy my love of color and move along a little quicker," she explains. It started with learning lampwork beads. "(I) wondered how to string them, so I took a few classes in Pasadena in the early 1990’s." Now a Michigan resident, she has retired from teaching elementary school - and has "discovered Etsy." The challenge with Etsy, though, is the capturing the true beauty of her classic pieces in photographs. "It took me awhile to get a camera that...would take clear pictures and now I’m trying to figure out how best to light the jewelry so that the details really show up and the color shows true. It’s fun!" She admits she's found some good tutorials on YouTube. As for her designs, she hasn't given into the temptations to make things that are quick and cheap. "I like to challenge myself with the best semi-precious stones I can find and only use the highest quality silver and gold." Her love of elegant pieces shows up in her beautiful work, which can be worn every day as well as special occasions. "I have lots more to put online and way too many ideas than there is time for me right now," she jokes. "I have made some PMC items, but they’re not in finished jewelry yet. Keep checking back. Some surprising things are on the way," she promises. Please check out her shop: http://kathrynhomandesigns.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: julsilver

I found today's artist while searching for Buddha earrings. From the moment I saw these I knew I HAD to have them. Believe it or not they are even more gorgeous "in person." I was stunned to discover I was her first Etsy purchase. I absolutely love these earrings and will treasure them always...

Aside from being an artist, Laura Bellows is an anthropologist "re-inventing." She became interested in Buddhism and Hinduism while doing fieldwork for her PhD in Bali, Indonesia. Much of her work is inspired by the wonderful cultures and people she encountered abroad. "I am still really interested in the meanings and intellectual problems I dealt with as a researcher," she admits. "I seek to bring this into my work as much as possible, even to the point of including words or texts that I find fascinating, or which simply contain things I feel I have to say." While she makes many pieces her self, she actually makes a living by designing pieces that can be made in Bali via a Fair Trade model - and sold wholesale to various shops. "These practical things are part of what I do and reflect my interest in making useful items that are not disposable, are produced ethically and also beautiful." She also teaches the casting process out of her own studio, which enables beginners to learn the basics of wax working. Please check out her shop: http://julsilver.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: wireknot

Kathy may be an accomplished wire jewelry artist, but she is also a fabulous painter. An art instructor and mother of three, ages 14 to 21, she manages to make time for both of her passions. "My students often inspire me and I them," she admits. "I am always working on something while my students work." Being an art teacher has it's advantages, allowing her to dabble in a myriad of mediums. "Put yourself out there," she recommends - and never give up. Please check out her shop: http://wireknot.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: jangeisen

Jan Geisen has a BA degree in Art "from a long time ago and originally worked as a photographer and printmaker." 18 years ago she discovered polymer clay and fell in love. "I consider myself an 'improv' artist," she jokes. "I let the item tell me what it wants to become." She enjoys making "wearable abstract works of art" and polymer clay is the perfect medium. In her skilled hands it can look like like metal, turquoise, or anything else she sets her mind to. She has even made a pieces that look like water color paintings by creatively controlling the way she blends and rolls the clay. "My favorite raw material is the scraps of clay that other polymer clay artists don’t know what to do with." She never plans her unique designs ahead of time. "I think of myself as just the hands that allow the jewelry piece to become what it wants to be. I need to lock myself away for days at a time and many hours each day to create properly. That is the only way I can get into the creative, right brained, mode needed to make successful pieces." While her art is not just a hobby, she will "never consider my creative endeavors a 'job.'" She explains, "For many years it wasn’t what I did to support myself. It is what I did to fulfill myself, and keep myself sane." Now retired, she supplements her income with her art. "Marketing is key," she advises. "I have had Etsy sales because people have seen images of my work elsewhere – Flickr, website, blog, and photos posted in online subscriber galleries of jewelry magazines that I subscribe too." Please check out her shop: http://jangeisen.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: Antonella72

Antonella was born and raised in Italy, but has been living in Dublin, Ireland, for the last 11 years. "My husband is Irish and now when I think of home, it comes naturally to think of Ireland as my homeland," she says. "I have a beautiful 8 months old baby girl called Zoe, who's 100% Irish," she jokes. Her inspiration comes from her surroundings: "I love nature's way of mixing colours and shapes." She's also in tune with the latest fashion and jewelry trends, but is often inspired by the beads and pendants she uses. "I like to work with beautiful stones in unusual shapes or colours," she admits. Her jewelry is a reflection of her own style: classy and chic. "I like to create unique pieces that really stands out. If there is something I truly hate is cheap mass produced jewelry." She views handmade pieces as "wearable art." Her love of jewelry started as a child when she used to take her mother's old pieces apart to create new ones. Later on friends and family requested her designs and it grew from there. "Five years ago I decided to finally take a proper jewelry making course and started to create too many pieces for me to keep," she laughs. Many of them ended up in the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle (http://www.cbl.ie/), where she's been selling them successfully four four years. Recently she opened her Etsy shop and hopes her hobby becomes a career one day. Right now she is a full time Information Security Officer. It keeps her busy and she enjoys it immensely, but it's not the creative outlet she needs. She may be new to Etsy, but she has sage advice: invest in a good digital camera. "It really shows how proud you are of your creations." Please check out her shop: http://antonella72.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: carrieWdesigns

"'Having patience along this journey' is the line I would use to describe myself these days," Carrie jokes. By day she is a teacher - and by night, a creative jewelry artist. At 30, she has a wonderful husband who is supportive of both her career and her art. Her jewelry making began two years ago when she had custom pieces created for her bridesmaids. "The artist who did the work, now a friend, led me to the right resources to begin," she explains. "I work with sterling silver, copper, pearls (my favorite) and semi-precious stones for the most part." Like many of us, she has a "serious addiction to beads." She has even gotten her mother into the craft. "When we shop for stones and findings, it is a marathon event." Her mother has always been an inspiration. "She is a true artist, teaching me everything I know about color and texture." One day she hopes to turn her passion into a full time career, but in the meantime she's enjoying the creative Etsy community. "I get great tips from the forums and always work on my photos. I relist items almost everyday, sometimes several times during the course of the day. I think relisting is one inexpensive way to get noticed and make sales." Please check out her shop: http://carriewdesigns.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Artist: elsiee

Elsie Echevarria is the talent behind Etsy shop "Namaste Designs" via her user ID elsiee. "My daughter is an amazing artist and beautiful soul, who has been my biggest source of joy and inspiration for the past 20 years," she gushes. And her mother is "a super independent, strong, fashionable, jewelry collecting, travel crazy woman." When her daughter left for art school in Vancouver her mother asked her to join her on yearly trips and "two big amazing changes in my life came together – I started attending jewelry making classes to fill my achingly empty nest and my mom and I started traveling to exotic places together." In the last two years they've been to exotic locales such as Egypt, South Africa, India, and Nepal. It was the latter that captured her heart. "My Etsy shop Namaste Designs opened when we returned from Nepal in June 08," she explains. "It was the trip of a lifetime (happily my daughter and husband joined Mom and I on this trip)." With her long time love of Buddha and goddess imagery - and "never )having) met a chunky stone or bead (she) didn’t love – Nepalese and Tibetan crafts struck a chord and inspired her to share her jewelry via Etsy. "I’ve never thought of myself as crafty or much less artistic, I’m the stereotypical 'can’t draw a straight line' girl, but sometimes, when I look at beads and stones, they become images of fantastical jewelry pieces in my mind," she admits. "Sometimes the entire design comes together in my head while they’re still on their original strands...sometimes the beads put up a valiant fight, but making bold beautiful pieces brings me so much joy, it keeps me up late many, many nights." As dedicated as she is to her new joy, by day she is a Marriage & Family Therapist with her own private practice. While she doesn't have any immediate plans for her Etsy shop, she hopes to "continue to befriend and be inspired by all of the crazy amazing local Etsy women that I’m so blessed to be surrounded by." Please check out her shop: http://elsiee.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: SkylarkStudio

Karen lives in the "heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country...It's pretty wild (seriously!)." She's been a textbook example of a librarian for an Art History department at her local college for the last several years. "I spent my days looking at thousands of pictures of art. It was inspiring if not overwhelming at times," she explains. In contrast, she has also commuted to New York to work with several design firms. "(I'd) wake up with the cows, then (be) on the subway by 9:00 am. It was too much." She finds inspiration in "classic timeless patterns, motifs, subjects - things that don't go out of style...I love looking at design magazines from years past to see what was a fad and what was a classic." Living in a rural area, she is also inspired by a group of fellow artists. "We're determined to be successful even though we live on the outskirts of where it's all 'happening.'" she jokes. "We all really believe in trying to stay true to yourself and your talents without being part of the elite style machine." Working primarily with sterling silver, she creates chic contemporary designs that often have an ethnic feel. "I really want my pieces to last and be worn for years...I like things that look stark and tough but a little fancy at the same time." She started metalwork in high school, but didn't really focus on her craft until last year. "I'm giving this a go as my job right now, we'll see if it takes off," she laughs. "I really love Etsy, the whole concept of it is really amazing. I'd like to get more involved in the forums, talking to other crafters and getting advice and moral support. I love doing location searches for my area, there are so many crafters hiding out in the country!" Currently she's working on a cohesive theme for her shop, which includes complementary packaging, banners, business cards, etc. "I think (B&M) stores might be more willing to sell your product if they see you've really thought it through," she advises. Please check out her shop: http://skylarkstudio.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: chendric

Cheryl Hendric is a "chronic wanderer, settled for the meantime in Boston with my boyfriend and two cats." She's originally from the Midwest, but studied abroad in Denmark and has even worked and volunteered in Thailand and Nepal. Her current work will lead her to Africa later this year. "These places I’ve been and the people met along the way continue to inspire me and my designs," she explains of her fascination with exotic landscapes and cultures. Her interest in science and nature can also be seen in some of her metalwork. "I love the versatility of silver, but I also need color in my life - bright color." She aims to keep her designs simple enough for every day wear, but still unique, "whether that be through the use of an unusual stone, intriguing texture, or bold color." A lifelong crafter and artist, she recalls the unfortunate incidents where she played a role in her second grade teacher having her lamination privileges revoked. "I had her laminate so much of my artwork," she jokingly admits. She has "experimented with pottery, pastels, candle making, soap making, and bookbinding, but my love for silver and gemstones has kept drawing me back to jewelry." In regards to her photographs, she has always admired her fellow Etsy artists, but "it wasn’t until my trip to Nepal that I decided to share my photographs with others; the country and the culture were so amazing that I felt guilty not sharing some of the images that I had captured during my time there." Etsy started out as a hobby, but she soon realized how satisfying it was to create for others. "Although I consider this a business, I do have a day-job working on malnutrition research and interventions in Africa as part of a large international development project," she says. She hopes to share her work with the world through Etsy - "and it would be nice to sell more than I buy on Etsy." Please check out her shop: http://chendric.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: Hint

Beth is "drawn to images of the natural world and universal myths." She studied Art History and has worked as a curator of ancient art, and admits most of her "imagery comes from looking at Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian art." She is also interested in patterns found in nature that are artistically integrated into textiles. She describes her craft as "creating universal stories in metal." She doesn't just make jewelry, but keepsakes she hopes are cherished like precious mementos. "People have described my artistic style as the Wild West meets the Far East," she laughs. "I try to infuse my jewelry with the rustic atmosphere of the American West and the simplicity of Asian design." She's been a sculptor for over 20 years and only recently began creating jewelry. "I had been looking for a media that would allow me to work in miniature and create objects that were intimately connected to the body and sensuality. I wanted people to be able to touch and hold my sculptures." Etsy provides her with a way "to connect with kindred spirits and celebrate creativity." She recommends fellow artists "create what you love not what you think people will like, and allow others an opportunity to gravitate towards that beauty. Continue to define and refine your vision based on your internal voice." Please check out her shop: http://hint.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: Damselle

27 year old artist Melanie Crowe "started Damselle Jewelry after losing (her) well-paying job due the changing economic climate." She explains, "In the midst of the panic, I realized I hadn't been living life on my terms, and my husband and I decided to take more risks in order to do what we love." With a lot of hard work Damselle is now her full time job. "I tend to try to allow myself to be inspired by my materials rather than the other way around. I choose something I find to be beautiful and then design around that material." Often her designs have a dash of vintage elegance. "When I see something very old and very well made, I think, "how amazing that someone cherished this enough to keep it around and care for it, so that future generations can enjoy it.'" Her style was recently described as "Anthropologie meets Ladies who Lunch," and she admits that she likes that description. When creating her pieces she likes to "imagine (her) customer as a beautiful, unusual, and highly intelligent woman, who gets things done." She hopes to use Etsy to bring her closer to the things she cares about and to make a positive impact. "I'd like to get to the point where my husband is able to work less and we can spend more time together and more time on causes that are important to us," she says. "The road to success is different for everyone, and sometimes the road isn't what you expect it to be." Please check out her shop: http://damselle.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com