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/
Monday, March 16, 2009
Meet Etsy Artist: sweptfromthesea
Monday, January 19, 2009
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...
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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/
Monday, November 17, 2008
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/
Monday, November 10, 2008
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/
Sunday, November 2, 2008
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/
Friday, August 22, 2008
Meet Etsy Metalsmith and Jewelry Artist: jenkahn
Jennifer Kahn "always thought (she) was born in the wrong time. Then PMC (Precious Metal Clay) came along and (she) knew (she) was right where (she) belonged." She graduated from the University of Vermont with a BA in Art and English in 2001. During her senior year she worked at Frog Hollow Gallery, where she met renowned artist Celie Fago. "I took one of her classes, then became her apprentice and by the time I graduated, I knew that I was serious about PMC. I moved to Celie’s, as a live-in apprentice, learning PMC and metalsmithing. I’m also her teaching assistant and I get to accompany her in her travels around the country and abroad." She has sold her work at craft shows and galleries across Vermont and has also been featured in National and International exhibits. "I love what I do and I no longer feel like I’m in the wrong time," she admits. "I feel so lucky to be here, now." She has been creating her tribal designs for seven years. "I try to put a contemporary spin on ancient designs, as I’m influenced by both ethnic artifacts and current fashion trends. I’m fascinated by the way things are put together: patched, hinged, riveted, stitched and often incorporate such connections in my pieces...I’m constantly trying to fuse old and new, industrial and natural, urban and ethnic." Aside from design, she also focuses on the craftsmanship of her pieces. "The back must be as compelling as the front. For that reason most of my pendants and necklaces are reversible." Comfort is also key. "Rings must be smooth inside and earrings must not be too heavy." Please check out her shop: http://jenkahn.etsy.com/
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Meet Etsy Potter & Artist: sumiko
Sumiko has "had a love affair with all art forms since (she) was a teenager." Born in Kumamoto, Japan, she began studying fine arts while in High School. In 1958 she traveled to Italy and studied under local artists. She got married while in Naples and "put (her) artistic endeavors on hold while (she) raised (her) family." She eventually made her way to the US and lived in Washington, D.C. and Honolulu before settling in San Diego, CA. "I became serious with art as a student at Miramar College where I received an AA degree in Fine Art," she explains. Later she attended a class at Mesa College and "found (her) calling." She studied ceramics, sculpting, and glaze technology under Dr. John Conrad, a world famous author and a Master Potter. Please check out her shop: http://
sumiko.etsy.com
Monday, June 16, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: becomeinspired
Robin Bonnell lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and Durango, Colorado with her husband, 4 horses, 1 burro, 3 dogs, and "one very beautiful Ocicat." Creating and designing her inspirational jewelry is not only her full time profession, but also her passion. "After spending 20 years in corporate America as a search firm owner and worldwide executive search consultant, I took some forced personal time and began exploring my creative side that had been dormant for those 20 years," she explains. Like me, she was diagnosed with severe fibromyalgia - but also has damage to her central nervous system due to a brain injury from a motorcycle accident 15 years ago. "I had always been an overachiever and was very driven. I did not know what to do with myself," she says of her lack of energy. "Even though I felt terrible physically, my mind would not stop. I never slept. Partially because the brain injury affects my sleep mechanism and partly because I felt so lost. Frankly, I got very depressed. Then I discovered metal clay." It was then that she realized her calling, and fell in love with it right away. "I felt a new sense of purpose." She has always been very spiritual and often finds inspiration from within as well as in nature. "I started transforming feelings into jewelry," she says. Lately she has even made a few memorial pieces, "something special that...makes them feel their loved one is there with them all the time." Often times her designs are asymmetrical and she admits, "my thought is that beauty is not in a perfection of form, but how it makes you feel. If it feels good, it is beautiful." Passionate and soulful, she is, as a friend once described, a “drinker of life." Despite - or perhaps in spite of - her illness, she has led a full and happy life and feels blessed. "Etsy has been a great thing for me," she says. "I have met fantastic people all over the world and even joined the local Phoenix Etsy Street Team, The Crafty Burritos. They are a special group of people that are devoted to Etsy, art, and to each other." She joined Etsy on my Birthday - Oct 7 (2007) and as of June 15 has amassed 100 sales. "I have loyal customers that come back again and again to have custom jewelry made. I am slowly getting to know them and they all have such great stories of life." She recommends her fellow artists think outside the box. "I think having a great title for the listing makes people curious and want to look at the item." Please check out her shop: http://becomeinspired.etsy.com/
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Meet Etsy Lampwork Artist: helensharvest
Helen Simon is a 57 year old homesteader in SW Louisiana. She's a self-admitted "Jesus freak, ex-hippy," who has always been an artist. One of her current obsessions is lampwork beads - and she has created some of the most ingenious and detailed examples I have ever seen. Although the koi is my personal favorite, she prefers make flowers and other natural items such as birds and shells. "God inspires me through His glorious creation," she says, "and through the work He does in folks' lives." Most of her waking hours are spent on her craft - always 60 or more a week. Please check out her shop: http://helensharvest.etsy.com/
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: anajune
Ana June possesses a myriad of talents: metalsmith, jewelry artist, and photographer just to name a few. Aside from Etsy she also manages to juggles several jobs: Art Director for a newspaper in her hometown of Santa Fe, NM, and graphic design teacher at a private middle school, freelance photographer, designer, writer, and editor. Even more astounding, she also has four kids that "alternately light up (her) life and get on (her) every nerve." As for her style she says, "I'm rather fickle at times, but I particularly love simplicity in any design. I'm into Asian-influenced art (must be my East Indian background) as well as edgy vintage/retro." She particularly enjoys creating personalized pendants. "I think every mom should have a fine silver pendant stamped with her child's name. I wanted one, but couldn't find anything that really fit who I am...so Skye & Soleil was born. Thank goodness for PMC, as I know that metalsmithing involves quite a learning curve." Although she's been creative all her life she didn't pursue anything seriously until 2000. "Crafting hit me when I was pregnant with my second daughter," she explains. "To alleviate my horrendous discomfort as my pregnancy dragged on 11 days past my due date, my midwife and I decoupaged glass bottles and made plaster casts of my belly to paint. I was hooked. I was seized by photography a year later when I went through a painful divorce, and started using PMC last summer thanks to a windfall from a settlement over a photo of mine that was stolen by the State of New Mexico. Thank goodness for copyright infringement...or, at least, discovering that my copyright was infringed upon!" She'd like to remind fellow artists to be patient. "Etsy is a big pool and we're all little fish. Some people are uber successful with it by either kismet or very good marketing...but some, like me, thrill at a sale here and there. Basically, like any business it involves a lot of time, effort, and great product. Good pictures are also a must, and this is a tough one! Even as a professional photographer I have the darnedest time photographing my silver. It takes time, research, a great camera, and good light (full spectrum bulbs!). And most importantly, have fun, be creative...it's a great community!" Please check out her shop: http://anajune.etsy.com/
Monday, March 24, 2008
Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: aloka
Lakshmi Sonbuchner, the talented artist behind Aloka, is also a medical student living in New York City. Aside from creating her elegant designs, she manages to find time to work on her PhD, researching the organism that causes malaria. "I enjoy science and medicine, but I also need a creative outlet, and that happens to be jewelry design and metalsmithing. I love the fact that I can manipulate a flat piece of metal into a 'supple' flower, and, of course, I like playing with torches," she jokes. Starting Aloka was not only a way to showcase her work, but also to give back to those in need. "Any profit that I make from the shop will be donated to Asha for Education (ashanet.org), which sets up and funds basic educational projects for the underprivileged in India," she explains. In fact her own Indian heritage has been a profound source of inspiration to her. "I draw from images you would commonly see in India -- flora, fauna, and the swirly script of the Indian languages. I want to achieve a look that is sleek and modern, at the same time evoking a sense of the exotic. Indian fashion is known for being ornate and colorful -- I like to take details from Indian textiles and ancient buildings, focus on the basic lines and shapes and incorporate them into chic designs." While she has only been metalsmithing for two years, she is serious about her hobby. "I run my shop as if it's my 'job', just on a smaller scale." She hopes to make enough of a profit in the next year to donate at least $500 to Asha for Education. Please check out her shop: http://aloka.etsy.com/
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
MJulian sent me a fabulous surprise!
Awhile back I wrote a feature on MJulian and her beautiful jewelry after I happened across her Etsy shop. Today I checked the mail and found a GORGEOUS necklace in the mail as a thank you from her. I am truly in awe of her talent and generosity. THANKS MJulian! I will treasure it always!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Artist: ImperialEnamelArt
Laura Zell, the amazing talent behind Imperial Enamel Art, is a graduate of the University of Kansas. She earned her degree in Visual Arts Education, specializing in Metalsmithing. "I knew I wanted to pursue art as a career when my work 'Peace Like a Dove' was sold to the Imperial War Museum in London," she admits. Laura finds inspiration in artists Mary Kline and Misol & Julie Heffernan. "While I do not paint, I admire their unique use of subject placement, story and color; elements I hope to incorporate into future works," she explains. Many of her designs display Christian imagery or elements of Art Nouveau style. "Most recently I am researching the enameling technique pliqué a jour and using inspiration from classical stained glass windows to create ethereal jewelry designs." While she has been metalsmithing since high school, Etsy is "more of a hobby that (she) would like to realize as a career." She recommends fellow Etsy artists never under price their work. "I've noticed that a lot of people charge very little for the products of their hard work, and I don't see how a person can make a decent profit. I've worked hard to come up with a fair price for the work I do and I would encourage others to have the courage to ask for fair prices as well." Please check out her shop: http://imperialenamelart.etsy.com/
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Meet Etsy Artist: IndustrialPoppy
Leanne has worked with textiles her entire life. "I feel old now," she jokes, even though she has barely made a dent. Most recently she has turned her attention towards metals as seen in her gorgeous dragonfly necklace. "I am working on a collection for spring inspired by nature. I love the sense that everything can be transformed - that we and everything around us is changing with our influence, whether or not we want it to." Her designs exude this sense of transformation, taking on a natural, lived-in appeal. Right now Etsy is a hobby for her, but she intends to make it into a career someday. "Follow your passion," she advises. I am confident she will be a success! Please check out her shop: http://industrialpoppy.etsy.com/
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
African safari, anyone?
I love experiencing other cultures and faiths - and when I saw the beautiful copper pendant I knew I had to make a necklace out of it. This one is inspired by tribal Africa and is part of my personal collection. It includes beads of bone, coconut, wood, brass, copper, shell, and various natural elements.
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Meet Etsy Metalsmith & Jewelry Artist: MangoTango
Bev proudly declares that "a chance visit to a dollhouse shop in the Cotswolds many years ago turned out to be a collision with destiny for me. I was instantly and completely besotted with the tiny world I saw." She quickly began creating 1/12th scale plants and flowers, honing her skills over the next 17 years. "Decades later I discovered the joy of creating my own jewelry and a much larger, though no less detailed, world opened up for me -- to my enormous delight," she jokes. She displays the same attention to detail and love of nature in her ecclectic jewelry as she does in her scale miniatures. She is a Certified PMC Artisan, member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans; and proud member of Etsylux, the Art Jewelry Collective (AJC), and SRAJD. Six months ago she began experimenting with glass fusing and often incorporates her new talent into her jewelry designs. "I also love 'message' jewelry," she admits, "pieces that contain text involving emotions and things we all hold near and dear." She rarely designs her pieces ahead of time. "I let my hands do what they want to do on any given day." While her pieces are too labor intensive to create and sell on a mass scale, knowing her work is appreciated enough for someone to own one is enough. "To me, the pieces I create are my legacy, my immortality," she explains. She reccomends fellow Etsians "make sure your photos are top-notch. It's difficult to sell to people who can't hold your pieces and examine them from every angle, so you have to let your photos do the selling for you." Please check out her shop: http://mangotango.etsy.com/
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: VillaDesign
The hip talent behind VillaDesign is a full time graphic designer, "but every spare moment revolves around glass, especially flamework glass beads." After a few classes several years back, she was hooked - and has been creating her unique jewelry ever since. She was even featured in Bead Review as is Vice President of the St. Lois Lampworkers Society. Although glass is her passion, she has tried her hand at sliversmithing, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Her inspiration may come from "color, forms in nature, and patterns in everyday objects." Many people have commented that her lampwork beads look like candy. "I don't recommend biting them, though," she jokes. Eventually she'd like her craft to be a full time job, but in the meantime her goals are grounded and realistic: network. She'd like to remind her fellow artists to "never be discouraged and always have fun doing what you love." Please check out her shop: http://villadesign.etsy.com/
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Meet Etsy Pottery Artist: TuxedoJunction
The self-taught potter behind TuxedoJunction had her first experience with clay at summer camp. She's been in love with her craft ever since, honing her skills along the way. She draws her inspiration from her surroundings and it could come from a walk outdoors, a museum - or even "a repeating pattern on a brand name tissue box." She's a fan of the the Arts and Crafts Movement, Frank Lloyd Wright's art glass, and prefers the Art Deco and Art Nouveau pottery styles. Adept in stained glass techniques, her pottery style combines her two loves beautifully.
Right now her craft is a hobby, but she hopes to turn it into a career. She acknowledges that shipping pottery is very costly, which makes it hard to keep the prices down. To even the score a bit she offers an affordable line of jewelry that is more easily mailed. She advises her fellow Etsians be patient. "Stick with it, make what you love, the sales will come." Please visit her shop: http://tuxedojunction.etsy.com/
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Meet Etsy Stained Glass & Jewelry Artist: Word4WordDesign
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