http://www.nschristen.etsy.com

This week I am featuring another Etsy store - http://www.nschristen.etsy.com.

This full time teacher from Illinois works with "children with special needs in a high poverty and majority minority area." She says "I hope by helping kids learn that they will have access to more choices and hopefully work to improve the community."
Dark Moon & Starry Night Necklace

Her hobby of wired knitted jewellery can be seen in her online store...
"I started knitting jewellery this summer. I love knitting but it's too hot to work with wool and cotton during the summer. I'm inspired by nature. I love pearls and semi precious stones. I love greens, blues, whites and silver. I make things that I would want to wear."

"I love PEARLS! I Love them. They have such luster and life and they match almost everything. At the moment I am working on a thick curled knit wire necklace. It is peridot, pearl and mother of pearl. It really is a statement piece."

Abalone Pearl Crocheted Wire Necklace

"Jewellery can really upgrade an outfit to fabulous. Funky and one of a kind pieces can be a great conversation starter."

"My mom did lots of crafting with my siblings and I, growing up. Besides knitting clothes and jewellery, I like to be active, playing soccer, tennis and running. I live with my rescued mixed breed dog and boyfriend."

NSChristen's favourite pieces are her Dark Moon and Starry Night Necklace,Twisted Amazonite Necklace and her Abalone and Pearl Choker.



Twisted Amazonite Necklace

You can find more of NSChristen's designs at her online store at http://www. nschristen.etsy. com and she is also hoping to do a few craft fairs next year.


Mermaid Blue Green Necklace

Vintage Jewellery

It's been very quiet in my store over the past month and my time has been taken up elsewhere but one thing I did decide to do this month was trek around car boot sales and antique fairs looking for any bargains that I might be able to use, either to make something new or to sell in my Vintage section. At one antique fair, I was like a child in a sweet shop; there was so much jewellery, maybe too much. My favouite piece I picked up was a colourful brooch which caught my eye immediately. Even though it had a slight imperfection the colours and 3d effect shape stood out for me and I had to buy it.




My Vintage section has become quite successful and this just gives me an excuse to visit yet more antique fairs. Here are some other vintage pieces that can be found in my store http://www.charmedjewellery.etsy.com








To be included in my Vintage section, a piece has to be over 20 years old. The three pieces here are from the 1980s. The necklace and earrings set is made of diamante. Diamante is a diamond simulant made from rock crystal, glass or acrylic. Simulants are distinct from synthetic diamond, which unlike simulants is actual diamond and therefore have the same material properties as natural diamond. A diamond simulant may be artificial, natural, or in some cases a combination of both.

So, if you are looking for something slightly different, come and check out my store. At the moment I am having a Christmas Sale!! Buy One Get One Free - Buy one item and choose another of equivalent or less price and get it free. http://www.charmedjewellery.etsy.com

http://www.livingglassart.etsy.com

LIVING GLASS ART

Glass Art has always been a favourite of mine and when LivingGlassArt agreed to be featured in my blog I was quite excited. Like myself, LivingGlassArt has a store on Etsy and she can be found at www.livingglassart.etsy.com.

The lady behind LivingGlassArt is Anna Varney and she creates her handcrafted stained glass at her home studio at the Tennessee River Art Village in West Tennessee, USA.

When did you start creating glass art?
I took one class in the Fall of 2003. It was a total of 8 hours at a stained glass shop not far from where I worked at the time. That's all it took--I totally fell in love with the craft. After the class, I bought a bunch of tools and a load of glass and went home and started putting things together. Some of the first things I made on my own were a bit embarrasing, but they were all part of the learning process. In the spring of 2004 I quit my day job as a distribution manager to pursue creating glass full time.

Where do you get your inspiration?
A lot of the works that I enjoy creating have a nature theme. When I moved from the city to the country I discovered a whole new world (the natural world) that I had never much paid attention to. So, if I see a frog on a lily pad one day I am inspired to put the little creature into glass. Two of the best commission jobs I've done included a large mouth bass with a frog and also a koi in a pond. My cats also inspire me and I enjoy creating little cat faces in glass. Lastly, just doodling. Some of the geometric designs that I've come up with started as a simple doodle, playing with different circles and lines until I come up with something that I think will look good in glass.

Is your glass art a part time business/hobby or a full time business?
Its a full time business. Besides selling online I also sell and accept commission work from my studio.

As you work full time, how do you like to spend any spare time you have?
Other than working in my shop I enjoy getting out and visiting with Mother Nature. I set aside a little bit of time every week to take a nature walk and see if there are any new flora or fauna I can add to my life list. Birds fascinate me and I enjoy birding particularly in the spring and fall when they are migrating through the area. My family--one husband, 7 rescued cats and one rescued dog.

Have you exhibited your work anywhere?
No. I've sold online for years (ebay first now Etsy).

What are your favourite materials to work with?
Glass in general, but I favor translucent textured glass over dense opaque glass. I enjoy the way that sunlight comes through it. I also enjoy working with glass bevels and I feature them in a lot of the geometric works that I do.

What project are you working on at the moment?
I have recently designed another new geometric panel. Of course the idea started with a doodle. I knew that for the center I wanted to use a star shaped glass bevel. Once I started sketching I came up with a plan. For the glass component colors I have chosen light pastel colors of pink, pale green, pale purple and pale amber. I'm excited to see how the combination works out. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't.

What are the 3 favourite pieces in your store and why?



This was the first real good design that I came up with. I've done this design in various colors over 100 times and I always enjoy it. Also, this design was choosen to be included in the renovation and restoration of the Rust Manor Home in Leesburg, Virginia. It was choosen over 500 other designs--which makes me very proud.












I really love this design. This is the third that I have done, they've all been of different colors. There's a tremendous amount of movement in the piece due to the various textures of glass, bevels and faceted jewels. But, all that is hard to capture in a photograph.







I've had this design in my head for a very long time and I finally put it into glass. Dolphins are lovely creatures. I have a real love for all living things.




Lastly, is there anything else that may interest the reader about glass art and its origins?
One thing about glass itself that really fascinates me is the fact that its almost organic. It's sand and metal oxides blended together to create all of the different colors--not synthetic dyes and plastics. Then more metals are used in the form of copper and lead to bind all of the glass together-to 'weld' it together. So, there are all these earthly resources combining to create something of beauty. And when the sun hits it it brings it to life.

If you would like to see more of Anna's beautiful designs you can find her at http://www.livingglassart.etsy.com and don't forget Christmas is only just under 4 months away!!

http://www.smallshinyobjects.etsy.com

The Etsy shop I will be featuring this week is called Small Shiny Objects and their store can be found at http://www.smallshinyobjects.etsy.com.

If you visit their store and look at their profile you will see that Small Shiny Objects is based in Santa Cruz, California, USA where inspiration comes from many sources ... "the natural beauty of the sea or forests surrounding us, a mist-covered flower, the fold of a fabric, or strokes of color within a painting."

"Looking at some of my favorite artwork, or beautiful nature scenes. I see the colors and patterns from those, and try to work it out in jewelry form. I made my Earth Goddess bracelet thinking of the painting Flaming June, for instance. Usually, the best pieces come from that."

With all this natural beauty around I asked them what was their favourite material to use on their jewellery?
"I love working with natural stones, all different kinds and lately I have been doing a lot more with silver wire, which has been fun as well."

When did you start making jewellery and why did you start?
"Well, I started out a couple of years ago making beaded bookmarks for my daughter's classmates. It was going to be a one-time thing, but I found myself liking it so much that I tried making a bracelet or two, then earrings and before I knew it I had a library of beading books and a shelf full of tools - the beading bug had hit me hard!"

What are your three favourite pieces of jewellery that you have made and why?
"Well, I just sold one of my favorites last week - the Dubh Lacha necklace, which had this gorgeous multi-toned glass whale tail pendant, and the necklace itself was twisted green and gold seed beads. It took a bit of work, but the result was almost too pretty for me to let go of. Another favorite I didn't let go of - I made a seashell necklace with a huge piece of sand-washed abalone I'd found on the shore, and some glass beads, along with some antique brass chain I'd picked up at a street fair. I just love finding unusual things and getting to put them together in ways that work so well it looks almost natural. The third one is still up for sale now, my Empress necklace. It's made from this really gorgeous Imperial Jade and a rich toned carnelian (much deeper orange than most of the carnelian I've found at shows). I hope it finds a good home soon!"


How often do you make your own stuff?
"I'm almost always making my own stuff these days...it just seems more economical that way. Every once in a while though, I splurge on something really nice."

What are you hoping to make next?
"I'm going for some different styles of necklaces - some lariats, specialty chains, etc. I'm pretty excited about the stuff I've been working on, actually."

Is this your full time business or do you do other things?
"I have a day job, for sure - my shop is still too new to be a full-timer thus far. I'm a mother of two, and work in Administration. I've also fronted my own jazz band (lead vocalist), written a childrens book, and done a few other odd creative things on the side. I'm definitely a multi-tasker!"


Well the lady behind Small Shiny Objects certainly seems to be extremely talented, be it making jewellery, writing a book or being behind a microphone; if you would like to find out more about her and see some more of her fantastic designs, visit her shop at http://www.smallshinyobjects.etsy.com

Next week I will be featuring a glass artist.

http://www.steppie.etsy.com

This week I am featuring another Etsy store ... http://www.steppie.etsy.com/


I asked Steppie about her art and her Etsy store which has been open for about one month. She is hoping to expand her store and allow her work to reach others. Here is a little insight into Steppie and her work ...

When did you start painting?
"In college. I had just moved into my first apartment, and was more than thrilled to be able to decorate my room with wall art. It began as a hobby for me - and has now turned into an embarrassing obsession!"

Where do you get your inspiration?
"I get my inspiration from a lot of places! Randomly walking around on the street can inspire me. But I think I'm most drawn to nature - birds, trees, animals are a lot of what you'll find in my paintings."

Is your painting a part time business/hobby or a full time business?
"I am currently an unemployed college graduate trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. Before I find that answer, however, this part time (sometimes full time!) hobby is more than I could ever ask for. I'm hoping this will take me somewhere greater."


"Even though I don't work at the moment, I have a lot of projects that I am starting up. My Etsy shop is probably my biggest priority (more of an obsession, really), but I'm also starting up a mini wedding favors business with my sister! We don't currently have a website up, but you can contact us at enrougedesigns@gmail.com for more information."


Have you exhibited your work anywhere?
"Aside from my bedroom walls - nope. I hope to someday though!"


What are your favourite materials to work with?
"Acrylic and canvas. But I've recently become drawn to mixing different medias, and am currently experimenting with acrylic and fabrics!"

What project are you working on at the moment?
"I'm working on a lot of projects, actually! I have printed some new ACEOs for the artist collectors; am working on expanding my mixed media Acrylic&Fabric and my "I Heart" series; and will be selling some cute buttons of my artwork very soon! I have a lot on my mind on where I want to take my shop - it's all in a matter of time. So, look out for me! Because I'm full of surprises!"


What are the 3 favourite pieces in your store and why?
"My favorite pieces are":

(1) "Serene Escape" (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13216878)
"simply because it jump-started my passion for painting"















(2) "I Heart Whale" (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13438866)
"because my "I Heart" series is probably one of my most funnest to work on"




















(3) "Modern Tree" (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13923343)
"because I like to think it showcases a lot of my style and personal funk!"




















I am so glad to promote different sellers in my blog, they are all individual and unique. Steppie's work includes a fantastic array of colour and is a fun, funky collection.


You can see more of Steppie's artwork at her Etsy store at http://www.steppie.etsy.com/ or visit her own blog at http://www.enrougedesigns.blogspot.com/

Marketing

Well, August has arrived and unfortunately the last few weeks have not been very productive. I have lots of beads and other materials to work with but other things seem to take priority! School holidays mean the children need to be kept amused and I have foreign students staying at my house at the moment, so their needs also have to come before my jewellery production.

What I have managed to do this month, however, is to find other ways to market my Etsy store. When I first started running my store the extent of my marketing was to email details to friends and family. Since then, I have started this blog and have a mini-etsy on Myspace where I often send bulletins to my Myspace 'friends'. I was then introduced to Facebook, where I have made a 'fan page' which advertises my store and where I can notify my friends of anything new in my store and any new blogs that I write. Also on my Facebook Fanpage I have a 'discussion board' where other Etsy sellers can promote their stores.

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At the moment, I am making a necklace made from bamboo and coconut shell which I will be including in my 'beachy' collection. Other pieces in my 'beachy' collection includes a Mother of Pearl Pendant made from a mother of pearl disc with white seed beads, sandstone pied rice beads and different coloured and sized pearl beads.

The mother of pearl pendant could be complemented by these dangle earrings which include gold pearl, small silver beads and Swarovski crystal hanging from sterling silver ear wires.

Another Pearly set I have in my store at the moment is this necklace and earrings set which includes various sized and coloured pearly beads with sandstone pied rice beads, gold twisted tubes and Swarovski crystals. The earrings hang on gold plated ear wires.

Pearl's powers include love, money, protection, luck, purity and honesty.

Crystal's powers include healing, wisdom and harmony.

EsmeElements

Each month, as well as letting you know what's happening in my own store, I will be promoting other Etsy stores. This month I will be promoting Esmeelement.

Esmeelements is run by a lady called Alison who, like myself, is from the North Devon area of England. I asked Alison about the creative side of her business and here are her answers:


When did you start making your own jewellery and what made you start?
I started making my own jewellery when I worked in an independent jewellery shop. I just worked with the limited stock that they would trust me with and once these designs began to sell within the shop, they gave me more materials to work with. I started because I just like playing around with the stones, loved the colour combinations and all the different textures.

What is your favourite material to use to make your jewellery?
I do not really have a favourite material. I just love all of the different techniques out there. I am always on the look out for new and inspiring materials and have recently looked at the art of enamelling.

What are your three favourite pieces of jewellery that you have made and why?
My favourite pieces at the moment are -




1) Pure fine silver and 22ct gold accent, square flower earrings~I love these because I can’t quite believe that I made them. They took a long time to construct. Each part of the design is tricky and I was so impressed with the finished result! (And they are so reasonably priced!)










2) Semi precious stone, sterling silver 'lariat' style necklet~I love this piece of jewellery because it is so unique. The colour combinations of stones are just endless and it’s such a practical design to wear.



3) Sterling silver and pure fine silver hoop earrings with iolite and fresh water seed pearl~These earrings are one of my favourites. I made an extra pair of these and have additional stone combinations made up to cater for every outfit in my wardrobe! They are practical and modern and I always receive compliments when I wear them, so they have almost become a good luck charm!









Where do you get your inspiration from?
Most of my inspiration comes from my natural surroundings. There are reflections of the sea, forests, beaches, seasons, everything natural. I love going out for walks and finding things that I can use for the displays. Each picture is like a painting to me and I think I do have a keen eye for detail.


How often do you make your own jewellery?
As I work full time as a Teaching Assistant, this will depend on time and allowances. I am always thinking that “I must make some more pieces” and I always go around with a little book to draw anything that comes to mind or something that’s inspired me. It’s the summer holidays now, so providing the children can occupy themselves for a while, there should be a slight increase in designs!

What are you hoping to make next?
As I mentioned before I have been looking at enamelling. I am always on the look out for new and innovative designs. I would like to make more modern and contemporary pieces but I’m an old fashioned girl at heart and my heart does belong to vintage and classic designs. So….watch this space!


To see more of Alison's designs, visit her etsy store at:
http://www.esmeelements.etsy.com/

Commissions in June

It is nearly two months since my last blog, when I intended to write a blog more frequently. Since then I have promoted my store both locally and on the internet; not only using the facilities within Etsy but also by gaining more Etsy friends on 'Myspace' and making a fan page on 'Facebook' and joining some of the many Etsy groups within 'Facebook'. Even though these may be small things, they may eventually encourage a sale.

June was a busy month for me, I had a number of commissioned works from making bespoke jewellery to alterations. One example of this was a customer had a beautiful turquoise necklace that had been bought for her as a present, but it wasn't long enough; I restrung the beads onto beading silk and included spacers beads until the required length was achieved. The customer also wanted matching earrings; I tried to find matching beads which was rather more difficult than I thought, but got as close a match as I could. Here is the finished set:

Turquoise has powers that include protection, courage, peace, healing and luck.

The earrings hang from sterling silver ear wires.

Other materials that I have worked with this month are:

Amethyst which makes the wearer gentle and amiable and Tiger's-Eye that has powers that include courage, energy and luck.

These earrings can be

found in my store,

made from gold

pearlised beads and

Tiger's-Eye.

These dangle earrings are made with Amethyst

and an antique silver bead on sterling silver ear wires.

Another commission I received this month was to make a pair of long blue earrings. My customer wanted a particular blue which she hadn't been able to find in any shop. After making these, they became my favourite earrings in my shop:

Electric blue and Silver dangle earrings on Sterling Silver ear wires. Made with blue Swarovski crystals, silver spacer beads and finished with a Millefiori square bead, these earrings are multi stranded and dangle to 9 cm.

My New Adventure

Hi, my name is Julie and I have created a new online jewellery store - www.charmedjewellery.etsy.com. I only discovered Etsy one month ago and couldn't quite believe that I hadn't come across it before. It is easy to use and features some fantastic sellers who have an array of talents. I'm glad to be one of them.

I started making jewellery just four years ago and it was very strange why I started! I had a dream about it! One morning I just woke up and thought 'I have to make jewellery'; well I've been doing it ever since.

I make mainly beaded designs, starting off using any beads I could come across and have built up rather a lot of stock using glass beads and some semi-precious stones. At the moment I am concentrating on building up a stock of items purely made of precious and semi-precious stones which I hope to list on my etsy site as soon as possible.

When I use a particular stone in any of my pieces, in my description, I will always give you a definition of the power and property behind that stone. Each stone has its own properties and here are just a few that I have listed -

Hematite crystal makes you alert. Its powers include self-control, concentration, courage and self-confidence.
Howlite is associated with creativity, self-expression and unity.
Rhodonite encourages calmness, casts off doubt and provides peace
Topaz protects and heals; bringing peace, love and money to the wearer.

Each week I will list other stones and give their meaning.
Here are just a few of my pieces that include these stones:

Four Strand Topaz Tassel Necklace

This necklace uses a number of different sized and shaped beads including Topaz. Other beads included in this design are Hematite and Pearl. I loved making this one; its intricacy made it one of my longer projects, but the end result was worth it. The autumnal colours of browns, golds and blues make it my favourite piece in the collection.











Rhodonite and Sandstone Dangle Earrings

Rhodonite chips are featured in these earrings together with sandstone pied rice beads. Another one of my favourites; they hang on gold plated ear wires.

These are just two of my handmade pieces that you can find in my shop www.charmedjewellery.etsy.com. Each week I will feature more pieces designed by me.

As well as showing you my own designs I would also like to feature another Etsy shop each week. Next week, I will be featuring Esmeelements.