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: 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: 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/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My latest creation

I've been so busy it's been weeks since I've created anything, but my best friend asked me to make a necklace for her - something simple yet elegant that she could wear every day. I used beads of apatite and kyanite in her favorite shades of blue and silver spacers and chain, so she can wear it with a ring she's having made from a silver pearl she handpicked at an oyster farm in Hawaii. I used three beads in three sets to symbolize their budding family (they just had their first baby last October). What do you think?
-Wendy Baylis
Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artists: StarOfTheEast

Mother and daughter team Esther and Estella, started making jewelry about 3 and a half years ago. While they both currently reside in Turkey, Esther was born in Spain and Estrella in Holland. Esther has a Civil Engineering degree and her daughter is an Interior Designer, but their true passion is jewelry. Mostly of their designs are co-conspired, but every now and again they create something on their own. Due to their age, culture, and taste differences their pieces display a wide variety of styles. They describe their designs as "Baroque, eclectic, exotic - anything but boring," and I'd have to agree. They believe the real art to jewelry making "is that it should look good and that the person who wears it looks great." Because they buy their supplies in such large amounts they soon had to rent a workplace - and were also able to begin selling supplies. They are especially renowned for their beautiful Sea Urchin Collection and they hope their gaining notoriety enables them to pursue Etsy as a full time career. They know the value of continuous improvement and recommend fellow artists pay close attention to their pictures and descriptions. "Check out what kind of pictures get more attention and what kind of items sell quicker so that you can follow that road," they suggest. "It takes commitment." Please check out her shop: http://staroftheeast.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: CSerdan

Charlene, a mother of two, is the amazing talent behind CSerdan. She is passionate about gemstones, colour ,and texture - and finds inspiration for her earthy style in nature. "I love to look at really big things like the sky, the ocean, (and) trees," she admits. She is also an avid traveler and frequently draws upon memories of the exotic places she has visited. Once you see her jewelry you may be surprised to know that she has only been making jewelry for the past four years. She has also tried her hand at painting and photography. Etsy has helped her passion become a part-time job. She plans to create new pieces every week and continuously evolve her craft. "Do something you love," she advises. "(It) will show in your work." Please check out her shop: http://cserdan.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Metal and Jewelry Artist: BShehu

Bela, the hip young talent behind Etsy shop BShehu, is an up-and-coming jewelry and fashion designer, who had her own retail boutique in Center City Philadelphia for three years. "Being in love is the ultimate inspiration for me," she admits, which is expertly reflected in her elegant and romantic style. It may seem hard to believe, but she has only been selling her beautiful jewelry pieces for two years. At the moment Etsy is both a hobby and a job - and she hopes to get more exposure this year. She knows the importance of promoting on and off Etsy and reccomends her fellow sellers be dilligent in getting their name out there. Please check out her shop: http://bshehu.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: CastoCreations

The hip talent behind CastoCreations may be turning 30 this year, but she still feels like 18. "I have a hubby who gets as excited as I do when I get a sale - and three dogs who could care less about my work. They just want attention," she jokes. "We live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where it rains enough to keep me inside and creating."

While she enjoys working full time for a large global financial company, her art is her true passion. As a child her grandparents created jewelry and she remembers being amazed at their work. Following in their footsteps, she began beading bracelets and necklaces for family members at age 12. During high school and college she switched to making greeting cards with rubber stamps, but soon realized it was as costly as it was fun. That's when she re-discovered jewelry - and sold most of her rubber stamps. She's been creating her classic jewelry ever since. Her clean and simple style reflects a timeless sensibility, showcasing a myriad of lines and shapes.

She recommends patience and good photos to her fellow Etsians. "Selling on Etsy is fabulous, fun, and frustrating...Some sell almost immediately upon opening up their shop. Others take several months to get going. And if you sell jewelry you're in for some competition. But do NOT under price yourself," she warns. "Handmade should not be equated with cheap. Pay yourself even if it is just a hobby. You'll be taken more seriously and your work will be perceived as more valuable." Please check out her shop: http://castocreations.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Jewelry Artist: nicholsforpennies

Joan is a yoga teacher and artist, living in upstate New York. She enjoys vintage items and is "what you would consider a 'Throw Back' in terms of philosophy." Her favorite author is Jane Austen and she is inspired by Victoriana. She creates "meaningful jewelry out of silver, gemstones, pearls, and leather" with a classic style. "I am graphic designer by trade and schooling and have continued my education to learn the bases in silversmithing. I have taught myself the rest and continue to try new methods." Etsy began as a hobby, but she plans to turn it into a small business. "My Etsy goals are to reach as many people as possible, let people know about Etsy, so more folks can buy handmade," she explains. "And, God willing, (to) sell lots of items, so I can afford to continue to create, which for me, is a fundamental need." She advises fellow artists to be persistent. "When one door closes keep your eyes open for the doors that open." Please visit her shop: http://nicholsforpennies.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/