Helloooo 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. I'm so grateful for every blessing this year, particularly for my 1-yr-old son and a new baby girl on the way.. and for a loving and caring husband who has so naturally become an amazing father. This year has been an adventure in so many different ways. And how could I forget.. etsy came into my life this year! hahah. It's been so much fun getting to know so many wonderful people in that community and I just can't get enough of seeing so much creativity and artistic talent all in one place! It's no wonder why there are so many etsy addicts out there (and I'm a front-runner for sure). I'm grateful that I get to do something I love (create jewelry) and that I get to share it with some of you. Thank you to those who have so kindly supported my little passion. And thank you to those who have shared their incredible work with me. I hope that the new year brings you much happiness and prosperity! Enjoy every second, because before you know it, it'll be 2010! :D

I guess I need to think of some new years resolutions now, huh? What are your resolutions for this year??


ADDENDUM:
Yahoo! My new years treasury list was just on etsy's front page! What a sweet surprise! It was inspired by my urge to get all dressed up for the new year, but alas, I am 5 months pregnant plus it's snowing like the North Pole outside. No partying it up for me this year. But if I were to, this is what I would (try to) look like. hahah

Etsy Front Page

It has been eons since I've been featured on the front page of Etsy. But this past weekend, I caught a glimpse of my earrings on Etsy's front page, thanks to the lovely Carita of JealousyDesign. It's always such a thrill and pleasant surprise to see one of your items or one of your lists on FP. So thank you for making my weekend, Carita!

Snow Days...

Boston finally got more than a fair share of snow this past weekend and although I hate the cold, we all bundled up and braved the elements so that Jax could enjoy his first outing in the snow! He was only a couple months old last winter so we couldn't really take him out to play in the snow yet. So of course, the first chance we get this winter, we got him into his snowsuit (daddy's old snowsuit from when he was a wee lad) and made him shovel the sidewalk. ;) ok, not really...



Alex thought it would be good marathon training to strap the sled to himself and pull Jax and I behind him. I had a great time! Not so sure Jax was all that thrilled, judging from that expression on his face. It was definitely cold out and the snow was coming down pretty hard, but he toughed it out without fussing too much. Did I mention I had a great time? Getting pulled on a sled is the best way to travel through snow-packed streets! You should try it.




The following day, Jax went out in the snow again. It wasn't pouring down that time and he seemed much happier. Daddy looks happier too, without a sled strapped to his back. :D

Hope everyone is staying warm and toasty this holiday season and is enjoying it before it flies right past us. I can't believe Christmas is 2 days away!

Weekend Special!

On my quest to raise funds for charity this holiday season, I'm continuing last weekend's special:

Buy a pair of Earrings for Charity,
and receive 50% off your choice of any other item.

Can't beat that! You're helping a great cause AND getting a spectacular deal!

Just mention this blog in the "message to seller" during checkout and the discount will be refunded to your account. You can also wait for a revised invoice before paying.

Offer good through this Sunday. I ship through USPS Priority Mail (2-3 day) so if you order this weekend, it will ship on Monday and arrive in time for Christmas Eve! Hooray for last minute shopping! :D


Don't forget to check out the accompanying RAFFLE FOR CHARITY for your chance to win a shopping spree at eNVe Designs! Time is ticking so don't miss it!

FEATURED ARTIST :: westernartglass

This week's featured artist needs no intro.. simply because I cannot possibly come up with one interesting enough or funny enough to do him any justice. You will soon understand why. So I'll let his interview speak for itself. Here he is... Brian Western of westernartglass. One of the funniest people you'll ever meet! I guarantee that by the end of the interview, you will have the urge to hang out and have beers with him just to see what interesting things he says next!

By the way, I've added more questions to the standard interview. I'll be doing that as other random questions pop into mind, just because people intrigue me and I'm nosy. :)

......................... the interview .........................

A random fun fact about yourself:
The hospital I was born in, is now a nursing home.

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
ooze wrinkle spackle

What's your favorite read of all time?
What Men Live By by Leo Tolstoy and Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkien

Any guilty pleasures?
Oozing mud in-between my toes and extracting belly-button lint from my navel--I like fried foods!

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
Forty years ago, behind the sheds of my Grandparents place--Otto und Emma--nosing around the dirt lane in a small prairie town of Saskatchewan, Canada.

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Eclectically organic, simple lines–funky synergy of old world and off kilter with plenty of band-aids to boot.

How long have you been at it?
Thirty odd years of glass nibblin’, plus hours and hours of cartoon drawing as a wee lad during marathon sermons, missionary roust-abouts and general Bible verse popcorn at the local chapel I attended with me fambly–I mastered the contours of one fellow’s head–sporting a meaty looking red growth on his bald pate–in particular.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
Was I an inmate? well my father had a couple of favorite salutations for me–“You’re breaking your mother’s heart” and “When you land in the penitentiary, don’t expect me to visit.”

From where/how do you find inspiration?
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve read War and Peace by Tolstoy, The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky and listened to all of Mozart’s piano concertos.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
Discovering that I could create curved leaf designs from the sides of abandoned beer and wine bottles.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
Tap my foot along with Howlin’ Wolf, Django, or some classical cartoon music.

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
Um....

What is your formula for success?
Lots of hand gestures, complete control of my eyebrows, and a few head nods thrown in for good measure.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
I’m a bit of a rumpled failed artist, but I enjoy making antique glass honey bees for bee keepers, and female deer ticks and mosquitoes for entomologists and mosquito control pilots, or a ginkgo leaf for somebody to send to their childhood friend in France that grew a ginkgo tree in their front yard–that’s what I’m talkin’ about!

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Two words–Belgian Trappist Ales!

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Noodling on my 1914 Gibson A4 mandolin...walking my neighborhood in search of interesting objects of nature...watching foreign films with a large bowl of buttered popcorn.

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
Brassiere fitter extra ordinaire!

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask about?
Swimming is exhilarating and giving foot massages to my wife gives me goose bumps–whheeee!

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
paperandglue.etsy.com is my favorite Canadian disc-jockey that has a soft spot for fitting large heads with Winnipegian toques–she has a fairly large head herself with very large hair!

experimetal.etsy.com is my favorite crazy person that has a knack for creating outlandish pieces from metal and assorted mandibles mit gravy.

sarahhornik.etsy.com is my favorite subliminal creator of swirly molten glass compositions–we’re in a short story together that is in process about an elevator mishap and the end of the world...

Ngan is my favorite purveyor of simple sophisticated esoteric (that’ll be one prescription of Valium please).

fricdementol.etsy.com is my favorite bilingual unique phraseologist–plus a cool use of line und colour in her compositions.

Nik is my favorite person to tease...although she generally is too clever for me old bag o’ tricks–her pieces have a timeless quality about ‘em.

Noelle is my favorite!!!!

tinctory.etsy.com has phantastic concoctions that defy description.

lilfishstudios.etsy.com makes phenomenal felted acorns and other nature naturals–she’s from Minnesota, dontcha know?

ELBfoto.etsy.com Ericka is another Minnesotan that wields a thought provoking camera...

jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com Natsuko's creations combining metal with glass enamel knock my socks off--hooray!

kitlane.etsy.com crafts wonderful sensible nonsense writty paired with cool felted organisms...

...there are too many favorites, and I’m beginning to become abstracted und woozy....

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
A closet full of xenotees

Any suggestions for my next featured artist?
Any of my favorites? Salute!

And last but not least, my psychologist side was inspired by your Rorschach mobile (which I love!...pictured right) and I had to throw in this final question....

What might this be?
When my wife and I look into each other's eyes--up close--we each have one eye. Or, Emma Kirkby's mouth as she soars between Mozart's Requiem. Or, where errant pattern pieces for intricate art glass pieces end up. Or, the opening of the Katie Couric Health Special Oscopy. Or, the end.





.......................... end interview .........................

Thank you for the interview, Brian! You are a riot as always!

Weekend Special!

Wire Leaves - Earrings for Charity Collection

This weekend's special:

Buy a pair of Earrings for Charity,
and receive 50% off your choice of any other item.

Can't beat that! You're helping a great cause AND getting a spectacular deal! Hurry before I come to my senses on this one. I did wake up super early this morning so maybe I'm a little (extra) loopy today.

Just mention this blog in the "message to seller" during checkout and the discount will be refunded to your account. You can also wait for a revised invoice before paying.

Offer good through this Sunday.


Don't forget to check out the accompanying RAFFLE FOR CHARITY for your chance to win a shopping spree at eNVe Designs! Time is ticking so don't miss it!

12 days til Christmas!!! :D

RAFFLE for charity

What's better than giving to a great cause? Giving to a great cause and having a chance to win some sparkling handmade jewelry! :D

My husband Alex (in the orange) is a part of the Run for Research marathon team again this year. Their mission is to raise funds for the American Liver Foundation and to run for this cause during the upcoming 2009 Boston Marathon.

And because I love my husband, his big heart, and his relentless determination, I am helping him raise money for this vital organization. I'm raffling off 3 shopping sprees to be used on envedesigns.com! Prizes this year are even better than last year!

1st prize: $175
2nd prize: $100
3rd prize: $75

Here's how you can get into the spirit of giving and help a great cause.. and potentially win one of these prizes!

To enter this eNVe Designs raffle:
(you must complete #1 and #2 to be entered; #3 through #7 are optional)

1) Please visit Alex's fund raising site: www.run-alex-run.com to make your donation. Be sure to leave a valid name and email address (do NOT check the anonymous donation box).

$15 = 1 raffle entry
$20 = 2 raffle entries
$25 = 3 raffle entries

2) Then leave a comment here (any comment) to indicate your entry. IMPORTANT: Make sure your name on the donation matches the name on your comment posted here. That's the only way I can verify how many entries to give you.

That's it! You will be entered into all 3 prizes drawings.

But wait, there's more. Here are some options for additional entries if you'd like to increase your chances of winning:

3) Make your donation by Dec. 15, 2008 (1 additional entry)

4) Link to this post from your own blog (2 additional raffle entries)
* please leave an additional comment indicating you are doing this, along with a link to your blog

5) Purchase an item from my "Earrings for Charity" collection (2 additional raffle entries)
* 100% of your purchase will be donated to the American Liver Foundation.
* please leave an additional comment indicating you are doing this

6) Email your friends about this raffle (1 additional entry for every 10 people)
* you must CC contact@envedesigns.com in order to receive credit
* please leave an additional comment indicating you are doing this

7) Subscribe to the eNVe Designs mailing list (1 additional entry)
* just send an email to subscribe@envedesigns.com
* if you are already on the mailing list, you will automatically receive the additional entry
* please leave an additional comment if you subscribe or if you're already on the list


The three winners will be randomly selected on January 16, 2009. Remember to check back to see if you're a winner! And as a thank you to those who participate, but do not win, I will post an unbeatable special just for you!

FEATURED ARTIST :: VickiDianeDesigns

If you are a devoted etsian, then you are sure to already know my next featured artist: Vicki Diane of VikiDianeDesigns. She is legendary around there -- for her fabulous wearable art jewelry, for her infamous "Artists of Etsy Exposed" treasury series, and just for being one of the most genuinely nice people around. I'm so delighted that she agreed to do an interview for my blog. So without further ado...


......................... the interview .........................


A random fun fact about yourself:
... ADDICTION TO AVOCADO PEARS

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
SEX, CHAMPAGNE, SUNSHINE

How would you describe your work?
FUNIQUE, PROVOCATIVE, VIBRANT

How long have you been at it?
24 YEARS AND 2 weeks !!!

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
FROM VERY ARTISTIC BACKGROUND

From where/how do you find inspiration?
MY MEDITERRANEAN SURROUNDINGS...THE SEA, MOUNTAINS, MUSIC AND CHAMPAGNE.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
I STILL PAINT AND DID A PORTRAIT OF TONY CURTIS ON MARBLE. HE RANG ME THEN SENT ME A SIGNED STILL LIFE DRAWING AND IT SAID *TO VICKI *. I LOVE AND CHERISH IT.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
HAVE ANOTHER DRINK

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
NEVER GIVE UP !!

What is your formula for success?
PROMOTE LIKE THE CLAPPERS !!

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
STILL WAITING FOR THE BIG TIME !!

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
SPEND AN HOUR ON A HOT SUNNY WINDY BEACH WITH A CAMERA ( AND A DOG IF YOU HAVE ONE ).

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
PLAYING TENNIS OR DANCING BAREFOOT IN THE SAND

In a parallel universe where you are not a fabulous jewelry designer, what would you be?
I WAS A PROFESSIONAL BLUES SINGER AND PIANIST FOR BEFORE MEETING MY HUSBAND. I'D GO BACK TO THAT.

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
BLUE MOOSE, IMAGINESTUDIO, GLASSGYPSY, SLAVKO

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
TO BE A FEATURED SELLER AND REACH 500 ARTISTS OF ETSY EXPOSED TREASURY'S. ( AM ON PART 24 now )

Any suggestions for my next featured artist?
I THOROUGHLY RECOMMEND BROWNBUNNYIRIS FROM BERLIN, WHO HAS THE MOST ORIGINAL FUN HAT DESIGNS AND AS YET HAD NOT ONE SALE.

......................... end interview .........................


Thank you for sparing some time, Vicki!

so I learned something from Martha Stewart

When I was pregnant with Jax, I watched a lot of baby related shows (Baby Story, John & Kate plus 8.. I probably had TLC on all day long). So when Martha Stewart had an all baby special, guess who was watching! There was a lot of cutesy stuff and great mom finds and such, but the only thing I made a note of from that show was this photography idea: for the first year of your child's life, take a picture of him/her each month wearing the same outfit. Such a simple yet clever idea. So that is what I did with Jax. Now that he is approaching 13 months, I've compiled his 1-12 month pictures. It's amazing the amount of change babies go through in the first year!

So did anyone else do this with their child? And if you have any other cool ideas like this, please share!

FEATURED ARTIST :: Oktak

If you've spent your time wandering around etsy, then surely you've come across oktak. This shop is full of the most adorable and stylish purses you'll find on etsy, featuring vibrant and fun textiles, and even her own hand embroidery. Aki, the artist behind these beautiful creations, was kind enough to spare some time in her busy schedule to be a Featured Artist.


......................... the interview .........................

A random fun fact about yourself:
I was trained to do something totally different - I worked for the Japanese Foreign Ministry before I started this.

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
cat,lunch,party (OK, I'm an airhead..)

How would you describe your work?
Bright & fun with a special attention to detail.

How long have you been at it?
I started making bags in 2003, but it wasn't until 2005 that I launched my own website and Etsy shop.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
I definitely think it's both. My aesthetic and creative ideas are innate, but my technique is something I had to acquire and prefect over time.

From where/how do you find inspiration?
Never really thought about this, but I guess from a lot of things. Definitely materials - when I see a gorgeous textile, I immediately know what to make with it.
Photographs and paintings, old dresses and kimonos, food (beautiful fruits & veggies), flowers, and sometimes my kids' drawings.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
About 6 months ago, I started making "special edition" frame pouches which were very labor-intensive. Some were hand-embroidered, and some were patchwork, and they took hours to make. I wasn't confident at all that they would sell - I guess for me, it was more "art" than "product", and I just needed an outlet for my creative energy. But to my surprise, these high-end pouches sold very well. I then realized that people did recognize and appreciate "art" and hard work, and were willing to pay extra for these special pieces. Since then, I'm not afraid to make what I want :)

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
I've never had this problem. I don't know if I'm lucky or not, because I have the opposite problem - there are constantly about 100 ideas in my head, but I don't have the time to materialize all of them! It's a huge dilemma.

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
Oh, too many to share here .. it's constantly trial & error, both in creating and in doing business.

What is your formula for success?
I'm not sure if I'm qualified to give such a tip, but I believe that you have to make what you really love and want to make. This should come before considerations about what is selling in the market, or what other people are making. If you make what you love and work hard to improve it, your work will shine and people will see that.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
Again, I don't know if I've "achieved success" yet ..
But it sure felt great when I was featured in several national magazines this year, and hit 1,000 sales on Etsy!

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
If you think your work is great, but is not selling - examine every factor that is not directly related to your art. Most importantly, photos - improve them by any means!
Description, price, promotion, customer service, selling venues, packaging etc. ..
There are always many things that can be improved. It may be scary, but get other people to critique your shop and be brutally honest.

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Being a mom to 2 kids (ages 9 & 4). Not much time for anything else!

In a parallel universe where you are not a fabulous designer, what would you be?
A ballet dancer or lawyer.

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
Kinchi
Abigailpercy
PataPri
dazeychic
moonteaartworks
and many, many more ...

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15859086

Any suggestions for my next featured artist?
Any of the guys mentioned above!


......................... end interview .........................


Thank you for your answers, Aki!

always on the lookout

I have always been a huge fan of versatility (in case you didn't know) and I tend to look for it everywhere... from clothing, to accessories, to writing utensils, to kids' toys, to furniture. To me, it's always a great value if I can use any given item in different ways. It keep things interesting, I can utilize my creativity, reflect the kind of mood I'm in, and get more mileage out of my things.

One of the many reasons I love etsy is that it is not lacking in creative artists who design items with versatility in mind. I'll share these versatile finds with you whenever I come across them during my (many hours of) perusing the wonderful world of etsy (and beyond).

My first and one of my most favorite finds is this hat by Terry Graziano. I've never seen such ultra stylish and truly truly versatile hats like these before and I'm sure you'll agree. I'm not a hat person, but will probably convert just to wear one of these amazing creations. The Acapella is one of my favorite designs by Terry. LOVE it!

Acapella - Blue Tweed
by Terry Graziano

I am also a big fan of this hooded scarf. One side is vibrant, for when you want the world to see you, and the other is subdued, for your incognito days. But regardless of your mood, you'll still look super hip. Can't beat that!

Reversible Black/ Orange Check Hood Scarf
by ilikeyouworld

And I don't know when or why my love for fingerless gloves began, but I love fingerless gloves! Here is a pair that is reversible and you can wear it long or rolled down for a shorter look. Love love love.

extra long reversible fingerless gloves
by hannahsas

There are more finds, but I will save them for another day. Please PLEASE share your versatile finds with me if you happen to come across any.

Time to VOTE!

Even if you choose to do nothing else today, please get your butt to a voting booth and VOTE! :)

I hope these people all got dressed and went to vote!

I won!

Today, I received word that I won this amazing print by Emiko, of f2images! Thank you, Emiko!


I have been a long time fan of f2images, a husband/wife collaborative. Here are just a few of my favorites from their shop. It was difficult to decide on these because I just love everything there! There's so much movement and evoked emotions in these.. just lovely.

Almost Free

Haunting

Red Boots

This shop is a must visit if you haven't already seen it! What are you waiting for?

Oh, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN, everyone!!!

eNVe Designs on DJ Neekola!

"Clarity", one of my wrap and thread necklaces was featured in a photo shoot with DJ Neekola! She's an international dj who tours Europe and South America. This totally made my day!!!

{credits: model is DJ Neekola; photography by Tim Coburn; hair and makeup by James Cornwell; Wardrobe by Aidah Collection; jewelry by eNVe Designs}

And the winner is.... *drumroll please*

***CONGRATULATIONS NANOUKE ***

You won a pair of earrings of your choice!

The winner was chosen at random, thanks to random.org. Thank you to everyone who participated! There will definitely be more contest fun in the future so check back often.

I wish I could make everyone a winner, but alas, I can't possibly afford to do that. :) But check back tomorrow for a super duper weekend special you can't pass up!!!


ADDENDUM: I just realized that I entered Shawna only once, when she should have gotten two entries (for joining my mailing list). So sorry! That means the fairest way to remedy this is to do an additional drawing. Everyone gets another chance!!! There will be a 2nd winner (of a pair of earrings of her choice) randomly drawn and will be added to this post shortly. Stay tuned... (if I made a mistake with anyone else, please let me know asap. it was sometimes tough to figure out who's name matched with their email since not all subscriptions were contest entrants).

And the 2nd winner is: MELODY

***CONGRATULATIONS MELODY***

You won a pair of earrings of your choice!
Please respond to this post and let me know which pair of earrings you would like.

Weekend Fun

This past weekend was just gorgeous out so we decided to take advantage of the fleeting warm weather. Spent Friday evening walking along the Charles river and hanging out at the park with Jax. He's just starting to walk on his own now so he can't really play on the equipment yet, but he LOVES the swing! He just giggles and giggles.. so adorable!

Saturday was spent in Salem, MA. It was their first big weekend (although pretty much the entire month of October is a big deal in Salem). A lot of people usually come out in costume so we put Jax in his halloween costume. He's a little monkey. Clearly he didn't know what to make of it. At least it kept him nice and warm. It was a little chilly out. He sure got a lot of attention in this costume! It's funny how much more approachable you seem to be when you have a baby... or an animal... or a baby dressed like an animal. All kinds of people smile and say hi, stop and chat, even try to hold your baby. Never happened when we were sans child.



Sunday was equally gorgeous so we went apple picking! We went for the first time last year, a couple weeks before Jax was born, so technically, this is Jax's second time as well. Again, not sure what he thought of apple picking. He seemed much more interested in the planes flying overhead than in the apples. Although he did like eating them!









Here are a few more of my favorite snapshots from the weekend.

Hope everyone had a relaxing one as well!





And don't forget... ONE WEEK LEFT to enter my BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY! :)

FEATURED ARTIST :: Lillyella

Because there is such vast talent on etsy, I've decided to feature my favs here.

My first etsy artist feature spotlights Nicole of Lillyella. Her etsy shop has boomed shortly after her opening it and it's no wonder! Her jewelry is outstanding and she is also one of the sweetest people you'll meet on etsy. Her success has been so amazing that she's been able to quit her day job and design jewelry full time. How awesome is that!

So being a psychologist and all, I decided to pick her brain a little. ;)






........ the interview ........

A random fun fact about yourself:

I had a 40lb cyst. Although, it wasn't very fun - but definitely weird.

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:

cantaloupe

jackal

hydrangea

How would you describe your work?

eclectic, pretty, unique, totally kick ass haha

How long have you been at it?

as long as I can remember, but seriously as a business, about a year

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?

innate, for sure.

From where/how do you find inspiration?

typical answer probably, but things I love or am drawn to for whatever particular reason - be it something in nature like my favorite flowers waterlilies and lily of the valley, or just a particular bead or stamping I find.

What was your most memorable creative experience?

Totally aside from this area of my creative life, jumping into my past career, I'd have to say working on world series designs for the Cleveland Indians.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?

Gosh, this is something Ive dealt with for a long time. Having worked as a graphic designer for 10 years, the hardest part was being creative all day every day. I'm sure it doesn't compare to brian surgery, but it does wear on you. If I am feeling drained, I do one of two things - I work on something more mindless like paperwork, book keeping, etc or I go shopping for supplies and hope that something new will regenerate me. Luckily though, I havent had that problem too much with my jewelry designs. I have such a passion for it that I'm not sure I will ever run out of ideas. The hardest part for me is usually having too many ideas for one particular piece!

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?

Hmmm... I guess maybe the summer months on Etsy - learning just how slow they can be and understanding how to be prepared for that next year.

What is your formula for success?

4 hours of sleep per night + peanut butter + curly fries + green tea = success!

And for those who don't like peanut butter and like their sheets, a more serious answer...

There are a lot of things that go into it - a good product, energy, determination, motivation, a good head on your shoulders, an ability to be intuitive and learn quickly, kindness, appreciation and passion.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?

When I saw my "quit your day job" story on Etsy.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?

I wish I had something really ingenious to say here, but Im not sure I do! This is something I have been dreaming of for a long time, but I truly believe you have to be completely prepared and ready if you want to make a go at your craft full time. Have some money in savings, have a back up plan, a bit of stability, and a plan on how you are going to make it happen.

I had been working my little behind off for 5 years balancing a full time job, a part time job and my craft , in the hopes that I could get where I am today. You just can't give up. If what you are doing isnt working - try something else. But if you want it bad enough - you'll make it happen.

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?

Eatings, working on some sort of project around the house or yard that requires power tools, eating, shooting, bowling, eating, playing putt putt, eating or teaching dance.

In a parallel universe where you are not a fabulous jewelry designer, what would you be?

Definitely an archaeologist.... or a genetic engineer.

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?

wow, this could take awhile...

in no particular order:

xenotees

redrubyrose

whitneysmith
wyndbrookdesign
f2images
flutter
esdesigns
amberalexander

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?

wow that is so hard, but currently...

this ring

Any suggestions for my next featured artist?

wow - even harder!

westernartglass
resurface
ralphnuara

cottageinthesun

sugarsusan

ok.. Ill stop now, I could go on forever - there are so many amazing artists on etsy!

............ end ............


Thanks for letting me fire questions at you, Nicole!