Featured Artist and GIVEAWAY :: PoleStar

Apologies for the delay in posting this today.  But I assure you, this Featured Artist is worth the wait!  Introducing Jen of Pole Star Jewelry--a super successful mom and jewelry designer extraordinaire!  If you've been to her etsy shop before, I'm sure you've had a tough time leaving because there is just so much eye candy to chomp on.  I even had a tough time selecting the photos for this feature because there's an endless array of sparkling beauties to choose from.  I've had the delight of getting to know Jen through etsy and twitter and on top of her gorgeous creations, she's one intriguing and hilarious lady.  Now you can get to know a little more about Jen and her inspirations!


Jen is also giving away one of her most popular pieces!  So if you are a lover of sparkle, check out the details following the interview and get in your entries.

Thank you for an amazing interview and giveaway, Jen!

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

A random fun fact about yourself:
I had my nose pierced a few times in my late teens, and I still have a little scar from it on my nostril.


The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
rain, warm, nap. (it is cold and nasty here today, I just want to snuggle up in bed)


What's your favorite read of all time?
So hard to choose as I am an avid reader. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. It was one of those books that when you finish it and close the cover for the last time, you feel like all the characters are waving "bye" to you. I was so sad when I finished it and there wouldn't be more adventures. (though I have read his follow up novel.)

Any guilty pleasures?
The Golden Girls on DVD, pink wine I would have made fun of someone for drinking when I was 10 years younger, Oreos.

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
I have never been to the Caribbean, but after this winter it is seeming very appealing.

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Simple everyday-wear gemstone jewelry and fun vintage bead jewelry, with some lampwork jewelry inspired by space and the cosmos.

How long have you been at it?
I made jewelry as a hobby for years but decided to start selling on Etsy in September '08. I had been shopping on Etsy for a year or more before that.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
I think for me it is practice makes perfect, but I think that is the case for anyone and their art or craft. Over time, you find your passion and work on perfecting your your techniques and how to get a piece where you want it to be, no matter what your medium.

From where/how do you find inspiration?
I definitely find most of my inspiration from the natural world and the galaxy. We have a lot of space books around this house, and some physics and Stephen Hawking's books. Also love watching Cosmos. I also draw inspiration from pop culture and the human experience. I usually put the beads together and go with the impression they give me once the piece is complete.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
I have dreams or as I am falling asleep, I think of ideas, sculptures, dresses, paintings. The problem is I am not trained in any kind of fine art or sewing, so I have no way to really make these imaginings come about. I wish it would happen more often with jewelry designs.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
I take some time off and do things I enjoy. Go to dinner with friends, read, watch period pieces on DVD (pretty hopelessly addicted to those) or browse art blogs for new and interesting finds. They can all be very inspirational. Some of my favorite blogs for inspiration are Accidental Mysteries http://accidentalmysteries.blogspot.com/ and the Sartorialist http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
When sales are slow and I think my shop sucks. :D

What is your formula for success?
A lot of hard work and a reasonable aesthetic eye, along with caring about the quality of what I make and how happy my customers are. They give their hard earned money to me for something that should last for a long time, and I remember that with each piece I make.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
I think I still don't feel this way all the time.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Find out what you really want to do. Do you want to do it to mainly express yourself, or making a living. If you want to make a living doing it, you will have to make some compromises.

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Out at a park with my 3 and 5 year old boys, or playing a PC game, reading, watching a movie with my husband, trying a new recipe or going to dinner with friends. Hopefully soon exercising more will be added to that list.

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
A supermodel with a trust fund or a criminalist.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask about?

Thai is my favorite food.

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
OH wow, this could go on for a loooong time. I love your shop of course and your new Daily Dose http://www.etsy.com/shop/DailyDose
2. Sara over at ShySiren has a gorgeous shop and she is a good friend http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShySiren
3. RosyRevolver http://www.etsy.com/shop/RosyRevolver
4. LeavesofGlass http://www.etsy.com/shop/leavesofglass
5. Enhabiten http://www.etsy.com/shop/enhabiten
6. SadieOlive http://www.etsy.com/shop/sadieolive
7. I would love some blouses from ForetLA http://www.etsy.com/shop/ForetLA
8. Polpette Clay always makes me smile http://www.etsy.com/shop/polpetteclay

 What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
Right now Monica of Moonovermaize is making me a custom Moonstone ring
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonovermaize

Any suggestions for my next featured artist? 

Any of the above :)




 

And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  
Not very creative but my first thought was a black and white version of the Japanese flag.









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

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!!  
(winner selected on Monday, February 15th)

Jen is graciously giving away this gorgeous piece to one lucky winner:
her popular Star Bright Necklace (valued at $42)!

Here's how to enter:

*  Leave a comment about what your favorite type of jewelry is: vintage beads, lamp work beads or gemstone? 

* you must include your contact info (email, blog, or etsy shop)

Possible Bonus Entries:

Leave a separate comment for each entry please.


1) follow Jen on twitter: @polestarjewelry
2) follow me on twitter: @eNVeDesigns
3) tweet about the giveaway (include @eNVeDesigns and a link to this post for validation) (one entry max)
4) fan PoleStarJewelry on facebook
5) fan eNVe Designs on Facebook
6) follow my blog (anonymous followers not a valid entry)
7) subscribe to Jen's mailing list
8) 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, Feb 15th so get your entries in before then.  Good luck! :)


**** GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS TO LILLY....winner of this lovely necklace!****