Off the bead-ing path...

Today is Saturday, the calendar tells me. gt feels more like a Monday morning, fill of promise. I woke finally feeling better. Not sure why, but the pain in the feet seems to have let up. I think maybe it was the 3 naps yesterday and then gong to be at 6:30 last night. Maybe I just needed sleep. I forget to sleep sometimes. Crazy I know. I haven’t been to my own studio for writing about everyone else’s. I am really hoping this blog thing doesn’t interrupt too much of my creative time. I love bringing you guys stories, but it is the studio that is our bread and butter, and latterly it has only been bread sandwiches for us since I have not been able to promote my art, and get anything sold. The good news is it was picked up locally and is in one of the areas more upscale home décor stores…so we will see. On a positive, and unrelated note…Fat Sally is better! She isn’t her old self, and I do mean old, she is about 9 so she certainly is no puppy. But she is up, she’s moving, slowly, but moving now and seems like she will pull through. We’re hoping anyways! So I think I have rattled on enough about myself here. You didn’t come to hear me muse about myself… Today I have 2 lovely features for you…so read on my friends,-read on!

So I Had said I thought it lazy to be doing Q andA. But you my dear readers have left a lot of feedback for me saying it was great. You loved hearing in their own words from the artisans, So I will do another set of Q and A’s this time with Fashionably Chic and and another with Donna over at Ageratum ., One who focuses’ mainly on traditionally beautiful jewelry and the other a little untraditional. Both very talented, and both extremely wonderful gals. I hope your able to find something in one of the stores for yourself or a gift, as in a gift for ME remember the poor disabled gal with two broken fee, a special needs son who also has a broken leg and let us not forget my dying dog. Sheesh …if that shouldn’t garner me something I don’t know what would?!?!?!

Fashionably Chic (see the ad this page!!!!)

1. Can you tell me your name and a little about yourself and your studio/creative space?
My name is Kristin. I have many passions in life including travelling, Spanish, designing jewelry and the Green Bay Packers. I have a full time day job, but love to create jewelry in the evenings and on weekends. I am selling my work on Etsy. Visit my shop, Fashionably Chic! Space, what is that?! I am originally from Green Bay, WI but now live in NYC where space if hard to come by! I don’t have an official studio or creative space. All my supplies are kept in a tidy corner next to my couch. When I create, I sit myself on the couch and design away!

2. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?

I definitely think my international experiences define the person I am. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to live abroad three times in my 26 years, which doesn’t include all the traveling I have done. I’ve seen so many different places, met thousands of people and enjoyed every minute of it. Without those experiences I wouldn’t be as open, accepting and even creative as I am now. As far as my jewelry designs, my color and style defines who I am. I love bright, bold colors that make me feel like I’m standing out amongst the black suits of the corporate world.

3. Do you have a family and if so what role does your family play in your art?

Right now it is just me.

4. Where do you live and what is it like?

I live in Rego Park, Queens, NY. It is a nice neighborhood and a calming relief to the hectic world of Manhattan. Everything I could possibly want is located within a 20 minute walk from my apartment. The only thing it is missing is my favorite bead store!

5. Where did you learn your medium?

I actually taught myself how to make jewelry. I became interested in the field when I wanted to find unique but affordable holiday gifts for my friends and family. I had so much fun creating that I’ve expanded knowledge and skills and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!

6. What are your goals with your work?

As with many people, I would love to quit my job! The thought of being able to create full time and only have to answer to myself is extremely appealing. Ideally I’d like to do that in the next year or two, but as one quickly learns when trying to sell, it is not easy.

7. How did you come to selling online?

I was bored at work one day so I was surfing the web. I must have been looking up jewelry or handmade jewelry and came across Etsy. Since I had so many pieces of jewelry lying around my apartment, I figured I would try my hand at listing a few items just to see what happened. I thought that it was a great site and that it would be a lot easier to set up shop there versus designing my own website. Every since my first sale I was hooked.

8. Where all do you sell?

Right now I’m just selling on Etsy. One of my goals this year is to explore different selling venues. I would love to do a craft show or two.

9. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Try not to get discouraged. I haven’t been doing this for long, but I have quickly learned that it is hard work. When things aren’t going well, no sales, views, hearts, or whatever it may be, keep at it. If you are determined to succeed, things will turn around. They always do.

10. Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

Because I’ve been so fortunate and able to travel, I have seen first hand how small business and buying/selling handmade can benefit individuals and societies. Not only are you purchasing something completely unique and different, you are directly supporting a tangible person who you can talk to and see. Not to mention buying handmade is better for the environment by reducing supply chain movements and mass production effects.

Ageratum Jewelry By Donna (click on overto Donna's store!)

1. Can you tell me your name and a little about yourself and your studio/creative space?

My name is Donna and I love to do all types of crafting. I am really into beading for now, and am mostly 'self taught'. For now my studio/creative space is wherever I can find it. I hope someday to have my own crafting room. For now, I usually create my jewelry pieces on the dining room table. It has the best lighting and lots of room to spread out. Our house is for sell as my husband is retired and wants to move back to his hometown, and so everytime someone comes by to view it, I have to pack everything away - out of sight! What a pain (in so many ways)!

2. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?

I'm a do-it-yourselfer. :)

3. Do you have a family and if so what role does your family play in your art?

I've been married to the same guy for almost 40 years now (I need a medal for that!) and we have two beautiful grown kids. My daughter has my 'artistic' genes and she is the one who really got me into beading. She has a BA in advertising/graphic design from CCAD in Columbus, OH.

4. Where do you live and what is it like?

We live in sunny Indiana - in the small town of Bedford. I really like it here. The people are friendly and very kind, and the weather is just right. What more could a girl want! :)

5. Where did you learn your medium?

While visiting our kids in MA, my daughter took me to a bead shop to pass some time and make something nice while there. The owner of the shop showed us how to use crimps and attach clasps. It was very enjoyable and immediately I was hooked. I am mostly self taught just by looking at pieces of jewelry and also by reading articles in jewelry/beading magazines.

6. What are your goals with your work?

I just enjoy beading into different designs. I hope to learn some wire wrapping and how to set gemstones.

7. How did you come to selling online?

I have a very dear friend who lives near Albany, NY, who told me about etsy. Before then, I had tried to sell a few items I had made on eBay. I really enjoy being on etsy and am so glad she gave me such a wonderful tip! :)

8. Where all do you sell?

I've tried several diferent places to sell, but have found etsy to be the best, so I am only selling here for now. I have a space at mycraft.com and artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com where I can show my work and keep in touch with internet friends there. Of course I'm ageratum at both these places too.

9. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Persue your dreams and desires, and do what you love doing. :)

10. Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

Of course it benefits society! Buying and selling handmade products keeps everyone close, and friendly, and self-sufficient - and keeps the creative juices flowing so that we don't become a nation of zombies depending solely on other countries for our every need!

Be sure to click on the links to find yourself some great jewelry..and don’t forget to snoop around and find yourself some great art from the Huck-ster… maybe that way we can get a little butter and jam for those sandwiched!Happy creating y’all!