Monica, along with her lovely family
.......................... the interview .........................
A random fun fact about yourself:
I was once a ball girl for Jimmy Connors.
The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
popcorn, kids, jewelry
What's your favorite read of all time?
I have many, but A Wrinkle in Time is a great one!
Any guilty pleasures?
Starbucks
If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
I would love to be in Florence, Italy with my family.
(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
I think simple, natural and organic describe it well. I like to take natural stones that have been cut and polished and use them in a simple design to showcase their beauty.
How long have you been at it?
I have been making jewelry for many years, but started taking it seriously two years ago.
So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
Well, I guess there is an innate part for choosing stones and knowing how I want to use them, but the techniques are, without a doubt, a case of practice makes perfect.
From where/how do you find inspiration?
Every facet of life serves as an inspiration. My children inspired me to work on the 'Mothering' line of jewelry I have where as nature is a huge inspiration for my other pieces.
What was your most memorable creative experience?
Amazingly, it happened today. I was home alone (doesn't happen very often with two young kids) today and I had this wild burst of creativity and was able to make 5 new pieces and I still have more ideas that I need to put to work. It's been an awesome day!
What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
I focus on restocking and organizing my work place. When I have a clean work area inspiration comes much easier.
Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
Not really. I have just recently broken a stone I was setting which is never nice, but that's about it.
What is your formula for success?
Be true in your work, make pieces that resonate with you and others will see the beauty in it.
Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
When people began to purchase the pieces the I so lovingly created I felt I had succeeded. Each and every sale is so special and always makes me smile.
Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Always keep your head up..things will turn around. I am definitely an optimist :)
When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Playing with my two lovely children.
In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
I'm very much into natural childbirth so maybe a doula.
Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask about?
I think you're an amazing person, mom and jewelry artist and I'm honored to be featured here! (aw, Monica, the honor is mine!)What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
Jealousydesign
Sigmosaics
gloilocksandbody
What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
Again, so many I don't know where to start!
This top looks so sweet, sexy, simple and stylish (plus it looks like a good maternity shirt when I'm next expecting)
Any suggestions for my next featured artist?
And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?
My first thought was the Japanese flag. I know it's a different color, but it is such a simple and distinct design.
.......................... end interview .........................
And now for the GIVEAWAY!!! (winner selected on Monday, January 25th)
The very generous Monica is giving away this gorgeous piece (the Queen Ann's Necklace featuring AAA quality stones, valued at $52) to one lucky winner!
Here's how to enter:
* visit Monica's shop, Moonovermaize, and tell us what your favorite piece is (don't forget to check out the sold section).
* you must include your contact info (email, blog, or etsy shop)
Bonus entries:
Leave a separate comment and contact info for each entry.1) follow Monica on twitter: @moonovermaize
2) follow me on twitter: @eNVeDesigns
3) tweet about the giveaway as many times as you'd like (include @eNVeDesigns and a link to this post for validation), one tweet = one entry so leave separate comments here for each if you want it counted
4) fan Moon Over Maize on Facebook
5) fan eNVe Designs on Facebook
6) follow my blog (anonymous followers not a valid entry)
7) subscribe to my mailing list (email to subscribe [at] envedesigns [dot] com)
Your odds are in your hands! You have one week to enter. The lucky winner will be selected at random next Monday, January 25th. Good luck! :)
93 comments:
1) I already follow Monica :D,
2) I already follow you :D,
3) I tweeted it :D,
4) I am already a fan of Monica :D,
5) I am already a fan of you :D,
6) I already follow your blog :D,
7) I subscribed!
jen.on.earth@gmail.com
ooops I forgot to add my favorite! My favorite right now of Monica's is the sedona sunrise ring. I love the way the gold plays with the silver and white, just beautiful! Monica is really becoming an expert at her metal crafting!
I follow @moonovermaize on twitter
@abbylbarnhart
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
i follow @envedesigns on twitter
@abbylbarnhart
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
I fanned Moon on facebook
@abbylbarnhart
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
i fanned Enve on Facebook
@abbylbarnhart
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
I follow your blog now!
@abbylbarnhart
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
I subscribed to your list - can't wait!
@abbylbarnhart
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
tweeted about the giveaway :)
http://twitter.com/abbylbarnhart/status/7913604536
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
Love the shop and would pick the turqoise Vibrancy necklace - gorgeous!
abby.l.barnhart@gmail.com
e-mail: cam.gage@gmail.com
site: eyesonetsy.wordpress.com
favorite piece: Darkest Night Brightest Moon Necklace
Thanks for the opportunity! Several comments to follow...
I follow Monica on twitter!
I follow you on twitter! :)
I tweeted about the giveaway!
https://twitter.com/eyesonetsy
I follow you on twitter! I'm twitter.com/outodry
My favorite piece is the Tranquil Kyanite Necklace...very modern and "tranquil"...
http://outodry.etsy.com
I'm now following eNVeDesigns...
twitter.com/outodry
Just became a fan of Moonovermaize on FB...
http://bit.ly/5xX9De
I LOVE the Pregnancy Curves necklace. A friend of mine just found out she's pregnant with her first, and that would make a wonderful gift. Thanks for the giveaway!
Nicole
rockstar.mommy [at] yahoo.com
Following @moonovermaize. (I'm @1rockstarmommy)
Nicole
rockstar.mommy [at] yahoo.com
Following @eNVe Designs. (I'm @1rockstarmommy)
Nicole
rockstar.mommy [at] yahoo.com
It was so difficult to choose ONE favorite but I have to go with the Pure Passion Necklace. Gorgeous!
http://foxgloves.etsy.com
RT'd your post about the interview/giveaway.
Nicole
rockstar.mommy [at] yahoo.com
I'm already a Facebook fan of Moon Over Maize!
http://foxgloves.etsy.com
Became a fan of Moon Over Maize.
Nicole
rockstar.mommy [at] yahoo.com
Became a fan of eNVe Designs.
Nicole
rockstar.mommy [at] yahoo.com
I'm a Facebook fan of eNVe Designs!
http://foxgloves.etsy.com
I am following your blog with Google Friend Connect.
http://foxgloves.etsy.com
Following your blog via Google.
Subscribed to your mailing list!
I follow your blog! Love Monica and lots of her work; today's fave: Persian Turquoise earrings. My etsy shop is ginnyhuber.etsy.com
omg in love with the Darkest Night Brightest Moon Necklace!!!
glittergurl04 @hotmail.com
My favorite is the now sold Ashen Sky Necklace! That necklace is gorgeous! Thank you for liking my shop :)
1 I follow Monica on twitter
2 I am already following you too :)
3 I tweeted it :)
6 I already following your blog :)
I love Monica's shop and it was wonderful to learn more about her. It is hard to choose a favorite- I love the fertility piece and have always loved amber visions.
I follow your blog and both of you on Twitter. I will tweet this a bit later.
xo- Cat :)
Yeah! What a delicious surprise to find MoonOverMaize featured for your giveaway, Ngan! Monica's "Centered Necklace" has my heart going pitter patter. I love that one as well as everything else in her shop.
I already follow Monica
I already follow eNVeDesigns blog
I am already a fan of Monica on FB
I am now a fan of you on FB too.
I hearted Monica's shop a long time ago... love the earthiness of her work and its simple beauty. My favorite work in her shop, though there are MANY items I love, is the Pregnancy Curves necklace.... it is simply stunning!
Rebecca
http://kneedeeporiginals.etsy.com
I am now following your blog too.
I am now a fan of yours on FB :)
I am also a fan of Monica's on FB!
I follow Monica on Twitter
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com
Oh...sorry, forgot the first entry, lol. I love Monica's Days Gone By Necklace.
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com
I follow you on Twitter
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com
I follow Monica on FB
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com
I follow your on FB
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com
I also subscribe to your mailing list...phew...that's a whole lot of following, lol.
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com
I love the Centered necklace!
I am fan of both you and MoonOverMaize on Facebook.
So that is 3 entries I believe!
not possible for me to choose a favorite in monica's shop. everything is gorgeous! but i do love this mod ring. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38245187
thanks!
3squares@live.com
i follow monica!
3squares@live.com
i follow you!
3squares@live.com
i'm a moon over maize FB fan!
3squares@live.com
i'm an eNVe FB fan!
3squares@live.com
i follow your blog!
3squares@live.com
i tweeted!
3squares@live.com
Lovely interview, thanks for sharing!
One of my favorites from her shop is this necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38794294
minna
http://etsy.com/shop/karuski
I'm following Monica on Twitter!
minna
http://etsy.com/shop/karuski
I'm following you on Twitter too!
minna
http://etsy.com/shop/karuski
I'm Monica's fan on FB! (minna soininen)
minna
http://etsy.com/shop/karuski
How can I pick just one favorite?!!! All of Monica's stuff is gorgeous! I guess if I'm FORCED to, I'll go with the oxidized Glacier Green necklace. LOVE that stone!
nimijewelry@gmail.com
i already follow monica on twitter
@nimijewelry
nimijewelry@gmail.com
nimijewelry.etsy.com
i already follow ngan on twitter
@nimijewelry
nimijewelry@gmail.com
nimijewelry.etsy.com
i'm already a fan of monica on facebook! (jen cobb garry)
already a fan of envedesigns on facebook! (jen cobb garry)
already subscribe to the blog!
nimijewelry@gmail.com
just subscribed!
nimijewelry@gmail.com
tweeted!
@nimijewelry
nimijewelry@gmail.com
I love the Hope and Wish Necklace.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
follow Monica on twitter: @aikchien
aikychien at yahoo dot com
follow you on twitter: @aikchien
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/8025295178
aikychien at yahoo dot com
fan Moon Over Maize on Facebook (Aik Chien)
aikychien at yahoo dot com
fan eNVe Designs on Facebook (Aik Chien)
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I'm a follower.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
My favorite piece, out of her many fabulous pieces!!!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37912454
I am now following Monica. :^)
I already follow you on Twitter. :^)
Tweeted!
Fanned Monica on FB!
Fanned eNVe on FB!
I follow your blog.
I subscribed to your mailing list. :^)
I love her shop!! My favorite is the Hope and Wish Necklace.
jullpete(at)yahoo(dot)com
what a great and generous giveaway! thanks!
I love all of Monica's pieces but my favorite is Falling Leaves Necklace in her sold section.
I follow you and am fan's on both of your facebook pages and follow both of you on twitter, and subscribed to enveblogspot.
thanks Ngan and Monica!
jennreese7@gmail.com
well, i love all of monica's work! but i can say the "centered" necklace is one of my faves- great design & color.
thanks for the chance :)
just tweeted this fantastic giveaway!
thank you :)
oh yes & i already follow monica on twitter. love her tweets :)
just started following you on twitter, yay!
well i'm still slow to the draw with tweeting and facebook-- but i do know monica's work and i enjoyed reading about her in your featured artist post! -- and it turns out i share the same guilty pleasure as monica
o.k. so -- i will have to narrow down ( not easy ) to dark lagoon-- love the deep mysterious color...
thanks ngan -- i love your interviews!
XO,
kathi
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