Celebrate Pride Month and Wave your Rainbow Flag. The Pride Celebration in San Francisco helps to educate the world, celebrate freedom, commemorate LGBT heritage and gay culture. The San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of the LGBT community in the nation, bringing out hundreds of thousands of attendees. So get inspired and shop for Pride designs and products all year round from the SFetsy team! Show your Support for the LGBTQ+ Community! See You at the 46th Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration on June 23/24th!
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Fall has arrive and Halloween is around the bend. We are back with another Friday Feature. This week we are featuring the youngest member of our team.Latitude Design Studio is owned by 14 year old Mahika. She started her Etsy shop (and selling handmade jewelry locally) last year. She has been active in community service initiatives from an early age. At 8 years old,she made canvas paintings of pets with her friends to raise money for the Humane Society. Latitude Design Studio branched from a smaller idea to donate money to charity, into a combination of style, culture, and giving. When she is not creating, you can find her singing, songwriting, writing opinion pieces on human rights issues, or cooking up a healthy meal.
SFtsy: How did you learn your craft? :
Mihika: Because I am naturally creatively inclined, I taught myself how to design and create jewelry. As I brainstormed and created more pieces before LDS was launched, they began to increase in complexity and style. SFtsy: Tell us about your creative process, where do you begin and how does it evolve?: Mahika: Usually I will have a burst of inspiration for a piece and will quickly write it down or sketch it out to be pursued at a more convenient time. I'll then display my ideas to my family and friends to see what the response would be from a buyer. What I've learned as an Etsy seller is that, while it's important to stay true to yourself and your style, it's also important to get feedback from others, because in the end, it's the buyer, not you, who's determining if your product sells. SFtsy: Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?: Mahika: Www.Instagram.com/latitudedesignstudio SFtsy: What inspires your creations?: Mahika: My parents have always believed in the power of education through traveling. There is no greater way to learn about the world than through traversing through it. Each collection from my store is inspired by a different place. I currently have 4 collections - Pura Vida (Costa Rica), C'est la Vie (Paris), Islander (Hawaii), and Nirvana (India). Each collection has a different style profile, from beachy to boho and sophisticated to spunky. When I travel to a new place, I make sure to take in all the sights, scents, colors, etc. in order to find inspiration for my jewelry. SFtsy: What's your work schedule / routine like?: Mahika: Because I am passionate about so many things, it is often difficult to manage my time. Usually I will finish my academic work and then design, create, and/or photograph a product. Late night, when I allot myself some 'free time', I'll finish editing photographs, writing listing descriptions, and adding items to my shop. SFtsy: Tell us about your work space - where do you create?: Mahika: My creative space is more a mindset than a set location. I could be working in my 'studio', a storage room converted into a design space with my supplies, but I don't only design jewelry there. I love to go outside when I'm brainstorming or creating, and especially to take photos! SFtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day to day process?: Mahika: A notebook is helpful for writing down statistics (high/low performers), order details, to do lists, and ideas. I also love making collages of photographs for inspiration! SFtsy: How did you get involved with Etsy?: Mahika: I had always adored the natural beauty products, accessories, and jewelry on Etsy, so when I had the idea to sell handmade items for charity I immediately thought of opening a shop. I am so glad I did, because the experience of having an Etsy shop and the people I have met through it are absolutely amazing! SFtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? Mahika: My biggest challenge is not being able to grow as much as I'd like. Because this shop is more of a hobby than a full time career like many small business owners, I can only make small investments in my shop, for supplies and tools, that are reliant on sales. However, I am grateful to have been able to have made a difference - last year I was able to purchase a goat for a family with the proceeds from my shop. SFtsy: What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite? (optional): Mahika: My favorite item is the Alyssa Necklace, which is a beachy glass bottle necklace containing golden sand and a tiny seashell! It's inspired by the stunning golden sand beaches of Hawaii. I love it because you can take a little bit of the beach with you, wherever you go! You can find it here: SFtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business?: Mahika: EtsyRank was recommended by a fellow SF Etsy member, and I love it! There are so many features that can really help improve your shop. SFtsy: What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you? Or Why should people support small business and handmade? Mahika: Our world is so commercialized nowadays that brand names hold more significance than beauty or quality! Handmade items have so many benefits over mass-manufactured items - they're often higher quality, made with better materials and attention to detail, much more unique and best of all, they're made with love! SFtsy: As makers we all suffer from creative blocks - what do you do to unblock to let your creativity flow?: Mahika: Visiting a new place, even if it's only a few miles away, is always a good idea. I take lots of pictures to remember the moment, and then grab a pad of paper and sketch out a bunch of ideas. What I mostly have trouble with is stopping and erasing a sketch or telling myself "Eh, I don't know if that will be so popular..". A writing teacher of mine never let us free write or brainstorm in pencil, only in pen, with no scratching things out. That's a good principle to apply with your art - never destroy new ideas when they're still in their beginning stages. Allow yourself time to sit on an idea and let it blossom!
SFtsy: What are you working on right now?
Mahika: Right now, I'm working on expanding my collections into other countries. Currently I have in mind a marine biodiversity collection for French Polynesia and some Sakura (cherry blossom) and silk pieces for Japan! SFtsy: What does the future hold for your Etsy Shop and you personally as a maker or small business?: Mahika: I hope to expand to even more collections, and maybe even do partnerships with other Etsy shops or bloggers! Additionally, I would love to connect with more members of the Etsy community and to learn from other makers with more experience, to continue to grow. SFtsy: Give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community. Mahika: 10% of profits are donated to charities around the world. I have pinpointed local charities I believe in, in each location, that will be donated to. Causes include Family Services, Environmental Awareness, Clean Water Initiatives, and Disaster Relief. I firmly believe in the power of helping others, and I hope my shop will be an outlet for positive change! SFtsy: Anything else you would like to add? : Mahika: Send me an Etsy convo so we can connect! Use coupon code 'SFETSY' for 25% off your purchase! You can find out more about Latitude Design Studio at: Instagram: www.Instagram.com/latitudedesignstudio
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.
Corrections: Mahika's name had been spelled wrong as Mihika. This has been corrected. Mahika turned 14 in October and her age has been updated as well.
Hope everyone has had a great summer so far. After a short break we are back with another Friday Feature. This week we are featuring the Etsy Shop Adorn By Anita. Owner, Anita Bora makes jewelry and ceramics. She started crafting a couple of years ago and is extremely drawn towards the whole handmade journey. When friends started to ask for some of her work, it was really encouraging and that's how the passion grew. It gives her immense satisfaction to see something she has made being used or worn by someone. . She has a part-time job and persues this on the side.
SFEtsy: How did you learn your craft?
Anita: I chanced upon a jewelry store around 3 years ago when traveling in New Jersey and I found the whole process of putting beads and findings together really interesting. I didn't take any formal classes, but I started learning via videos on YouTube - there are so many wonderful people who share their ideas and techniques. I also learn a lot about polymer clay and began playing around with this medium too. Around the same time, I did a beginners ceramics class in India. When I moved to the US in 2015, I had some time on my hands and decided to renew ceramics journey and I was able to learn a lot more since I was able to focus on fine-tuning and practicing various skills and techniques. I also enjoy making ceramic jewelry - seeing clay transform into a piece of wearable art by shaping and glazing/painting it just fascinating and extremely fulfilling. I continue to learn everyday and right now I try and find as many opportunities to continue this journey! SFEtsy: Tell us about your creative process, where do you begin and how does it evolve?: Anita: I have various sources of inspiration. One is just things I see around me. For example, I was sitting at the airport and suddenly noticed a very interesting pattern. I sketched it. Or sometimes, I'll see something on the wall, art on the street etc. and I keep documenting them, taking pictures. I later try and see how I can incorporate them either into my jewelry or clay in terms of patterns, shapes and textures. Secondly, I also use ideas I see online as an inspiration, but then I try and put my own touch or twist to it. So, it's more of creative inspiration and evolution! SFEtsy: What inspires your creations?: Anita: Nature, people, places, things and just random thoughts and ideas I have - like images in my head in the night before I go to sleep! SFEtsy: What's your work schedule / routine like? Anita: During the week, I usually spend around 2 days at least working on various aspect of my creative process - whether it's actually making things, doing photography, updating Facebook and the Etsy page. I also work on weekends when I have special orders or a project I'm working on. Tell us about your work space - where do you create? I have a small working area at home and I try and manage in that space. So I work on my jewelry pieces there. With clay, it's more challenging so I go to a studio where I can practice anytime I want to. I do all my bisque, glazing and final firing there. SFEtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day to day process?: Anita: Every tool plays a part and there are so many that are invaluable. I think for jewelry, it's almost impossible to do anything without the pliers and in clay, it's the needle tool! But I think the greatest tool is one's hand! SFEtsy: How did you get involved with Etsy? Anita: Etsy has been a kind of aspirational marketplace for me and I always thought I should perfect my art before starting a store. But then I realized, that the craft journey itself is unending and a process of constant evolving and learning. One never really gets to a stage where they can say, "this is it, I don't have anything else to learn". So I just decided to jump in and kickstart the journey! SFEtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? Anita: As a beginner, and a newly launched shop, the challenge is obviously to get people to visit the shop. And buy! It's like being a small fish in a very big ocean, trying to get noticed. It's a bit daunting and challenging and sometimes I wonder what I should do next, but I'm trying to read, learn and absorb as much as possible from other sellers via the groups and forums. SFEtsy: What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite? Anita: I did a whole series of mugs around dogs and cats, and I really enjoyed making them. They are all hand-painted and took me a lot of time, but creatively I really enjoyed the whole process. I sold quite a few of them offline, but I'm hoping it catches the interest of more animal lovers online. SFEtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business?: Anita: I've been trying to make sure I participate in the forums and groups. I've joined quite a few teams and I'm hoping that will help grow the business as I go along. I definitely would like to do a physical event with the SF Etsy team soon. SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller. Anita: Be patient, learn, ask questions and don't give up hope! SFEtsy: What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you? Or Why should people support small business and handmade? Anita: I'm passionate about handmade because I feel that you're encouraging creativity, passion and talent. I had a conversation with a buyer recently, who asked why a mug was priced as it was. I explained the whole process to her - and how much a handmade artist makes and she immediately bought the mug! I read this sign (and I don't remember it verbatim) but it said how you buying handmade helps put food on an artist's table, support their kids and encourage an art form. Personally, I would rather buy one $40 mug from an artist and have the money go directly to him/her than four $10 mugs out of a machine made mold, with no character (and in which case I have no idea who my money's going to). I'm not proposing that we fill our homes with handmade (which is also not a bad option!), but I think that we can definitely do our bit by supporting handmade artists. SFEtsy: What skill or craft would you also like to become more proficient at and why? Anita: As makers we all suffer from creative blocks - what do you do to unblock to let your creativity flow?: One thing I've learnt is to walk away from something and come back to it later, when you have a creative block. And most of the time, it works. Do something else, tackle a different project. You'll find the diversion helps! SFEtsy: What are you working on right now? (optional): Anita: I'm working on a new batch of ceramic jewelry in May/June and I have some fresh ideas for it. Hopefully, I should be able to get some of them online on the Etsy store. SFEtsy: What does the future hold for your Etsy Shop and you personally as a maker or small business?: Anita: I wish I was a star gazer or a fortune teller! I would have loved to know where this journey will lead. Right now, my aim is just to keep making work that will appeal to people. I want buyers to start recognizing and wanting to possess my creations. I know that this will take time, but that's a place I would love to be. Even if it takes a few years, I'll keep working towards that goal.
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.
Crafturday was started by Vanessa Aristide during her college days. Her favorite days were ones spent outside, on the lawn at UCSB, creating in the sun. Hours of endless creativity, which usually fell on Saturdays, were affectionately dubbed “Crafturdays” by her boyfriend. She was born in New York, grew up in Idaho, lived in a couple cities in Northern California (including San Francisco and currently Los Gatos), and studied abroad in Paris!
Years later, fringe, dyes and crystals have become her expressions and obsessions. Her hope is to bring beauty into your life, starting with your home.
SFEtsy: Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?
Vanessa: I started making fringe jewelry about 2 years ago. Besides being a classic bohemian staple, I love the way fringe swings back and forth while dancing. I started with armlets (dubbed "fringlets") after becoming obsessed with my mom's metal armlets from the 70s. I wanted to bring them back in a major way, this time with a brand new medium! There was a lot of interest (especially around festival season) and from there I transitioned into chokers, headpieces and anklets. From there fringe wall hangings and the list goes on...I guess you can say I'm fringe obsessed! My most recent collection involves quartz crystal as this stone has always been very meaningful (and beautiful) to me. I'm so excited to be branching into this new realm. SFEtsy: What inspires your creations? Vanessa: - bohemian culture - natural elements - the ocean
SFEtsy: What’s your work schedule/routine like?
Vanessa: Each day varies a bit for me. I’m trying my best to leave more space open to meet with other creatives and do collaborations (whether it be in design or photography). I’ve learned that a lot about selling your wares has to do with networking and referrals. That being said, I usually check emails briefly (I’ve found it’s detrimental to go down the rabbit hole of online), and either get to creating a new design, shipping out orders, or photographing. It’s usually some combination of the three. There’s a lot of running around but it’s fulfilling to see my work go out into the world. I make sure to take creative/artistic type photos for social media everyday. It helps me get better at photography and staging the shoots has been rather fun! SFEtsy: Tell us about your work space— where do you create? Vanessa: I have a hot pink studio downstairs with high ceilings, a large work table, computer desk, etc. It’s very open and big. I need this space because of all my materials and product.
SFEtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and make a huge difference in your day to day process.
Vanessa: Tools for creating designs usually involve crystals, clay, fringe, dye, chain, clasps, cords etc. Digital tools that make a huge difference are social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to market my wares. Gmail and dropbox of course, too. SFEtsy: How did you get involved with etsy? Vanessa: I got involved with Etsy when it was gaining popularity back in 2012. My shop has evolved a lot since then. It started with mostly suede earrings! Then I transitioned into fringe festival jewelry, and eventually fringe decor where I found my niche (and love) for home decorations. SFEtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your etsy shop? Vanessa: At first I wanted to say marketing, but I think it’s all about photography to be honest. What’s the point of marketing your shop if your photos aren’t creating a strong and cohesive vision? People to a large extent are buying a feeling or mood, not the product itself. I guess my biggest challenge would be believing in my own photography abilities and realizing that I am my greatest asset. Only the artist knows how they want the viewer to see their products. I’ve wasted a lot of time leaving it up to someone else (i.e. a photographer) to present my work.
SFEtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business
Vanessa: App-wise I use my Etsy Seller App to keep track of orders on-the-go. I use Instagram and Facebook to market. I use my website (includes a Shopify ecommerce section and a Wordpress blog) to communicate directly with the customer. I also use Mextures and DeluxeFX— they’re photo editing apps that have allowed me to get creative with photography. It’s been really fun! SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller. Vanessa: To take your own photos. Develop your own style. You have to start somewhere, and once you get a style (through much trial and error) your shop will start to look cohesive because only you can replicate that style and see it through your lens. You really have to be the full creative force behind your brand (in my experience). SFEtsy: What's next for you? Vanessa: I’m rolling out a couple new quartz designs (including jewelry and hair accessories) that I’m very excited about. Then I need to market my new collection, starting with a look book. This part is extremely fun for me though, as I’ve started experimenting with photography. I don't have any shows on my radar, but have been stopping by a lot of SF shows lately to meet local artisans. I guess a big next step for me is meeting Etsy sellers offline! There's nothing like connecting with sellers in person. It is magical.
You can we find out more about Crafturday at the following sites:
Blog: http://crafturday.com/blog <----- For bohemian fashion and outfit posts! Website: http://crafturday.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/crafturday Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crafturday Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crafturday
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.
Light of Day Jewelry is Helen Benham Gallagher's latest venture. She is a California-based mixed media artist with a love for color and shine. For her jewelry venture Helen takes what is old and brings new life to antique bottles and broken jewelry. She gets a kick out of digging through boxes of "junk" at flea markets on the hunt for gorgeous bits of hidden treasure. Each of her pieces is a unique labor of love. She is a mom, yoga teacher and master gluten-free baker.
SFEtsy: Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?
Helen: I create new jewelry from vintage jewelry. It's a tear it apart put it back together kind of process. One piece of jewelry could have parts of 4 or 5 different things... very Frankenstein ! My favorite part is hunting for the bits and pieces that I will use to create something one of a kind. The more broken and battered the better. I love flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores- really anywhere you can find discarded items that still have some shiny vintage goodness. SFEtsy: What's your work schedule / routine like? Helen: The first thing I do in the morning is to meditate for 10 minutes. It sets the tone for my day. Then I hit the gym or a yoga class to help balance the time I sit working. I find that my creative process is really improved by physical activity. There is nothing like a brisk walk to get through an artistic block. On a typical day I will spend 4 to 5 hours working on new designs, marketing on social media and answering emails. One of my favorite aspects of my work is going on field trips to search for the vintage pieces that I use in my jewelry. I find that a little time away from my studio helps me feel inspired again.
SFEtsy: Tell us about your work space - where do you create?
Helen: My studio space occupies the tiny spare bedroom in my home. What it lacks in square footage it makes up for in beautiful natural light and a view of my garden. There are several crystals hanging in the window that create rainbows all over the place. It is a cozy, quiet , inspiring place for creative work and I really love it. SFEtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day today process? Helen: I have an assortment of tools on my workbench. Needle nose pliers, bead crimpers , and diagonal cutters are all essential in jewelry design. I also use my Dremel for cutting metal and then grinding down the sharp edges. ( While wearing my safety goggles of course ) Investing in really good quality tools has made such a difference for me. SFEtsy: How did you get involved with Etsy? Helen: I was having lunch with my friend , Amy Fox ( Foxwild on Etsy) , in April of 2008. She told me that she had found a great website where you could buy handmade items and craft supplies. As soon as I got home I became an Etsy member and then I proceeded to spend the next two hours exploring all the fun things that were available. When I decided to sell my handmade jewelry Etsy was my natural choice. I like that it is a world-wide community of artists and people that appreciate hand-made goods.
SFEtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business?
Helen: I have recently begun utilizing the Shop Update feature which is available on the Sell on Etsy ap. It really works well for letting my customers know when I have a new listing. Also, being able to click on the item and shop makes it easier for my customers. I also like a photo editing ap called Photo Grid . It's great for creating photo collages and resizing my pictures to fit perfectly on Instagram. Of course , I use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to promote my work as well. SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller Helen: I think I have learned that there is no such thing as too much promotion when it comes to your handmade work. Utilize the power of social media!
You can we find out more about Light of Day Jewelry at the following sites:
Website: www.lightofdayjewelry.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/lightofdayjewelry/ Twitter: twitter.com/HelenBGallagher Blog: lightofdayjewelry.blogspot.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/Light-of-Day-188708494517569/
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please contact her.
Welcome to another edition of the Friday Feature. This week we are featuring MorninGloria's. Owner Gloria E. Rubio-Verduzco is an administrator for an arts non-profit during the day and devotes her evenings to her shop and business. She makes some amazing French Beaded Flower jewelry as part of her beaded jewelry line.
SFEtsy: Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?
Gloria: I make French Beaded Flowers. The reason they are called this is because the beading technique comes from the Victorian Era where peasants would use the leftover beads from the fabulous Victorian dresses, and string them onto wire to shape into flowers, which then they'd place on wreaths or other centerpieces for weddings, funerals, and other special events. I fell in love with beaded flowers while stumbling upon one in a gift shop while on vacation. I used to dance ballet, and would often put silk flowers in my ballet bun, and when I happened upon this beaded flower, I was obsessed and began making them for dance classes and performances. When people saw me wearing them, they began asking me to make flowers for them...and so MorninGloria's began. :)
SFEtsy: What's your work schedule / routine like?
Gloria: By day, I work full-time as an administrator for an arts non-profit, and my schedule usually consists of coming home, having dinner, and working on my jewelry items or online work (updating listings, promoting, social media) for a few hours each night. This fluctuates on my mood, and sometimes I'll be on a creative bender and itching to make items, and sometimes I'll be creativity spent, and I focus my energy on the business side. No rest for the weary! SFEtsy: Tell us about your work space - where do you create? Gloria: I recently moved into a new home where I have a studio sized (if not bigger) bedroom, and my creative space is a large section where there are floor to ceiling bay windows. I moved there specifically for that so that I could have as much natural light as possible. I am still organizing the area, but it feels good to have a spacious area for making! ·
SFEtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day today process?
Gloria: I could not function without my jewelry pliers and bead spinner. If you don't know what a bead spinner is, it's a contraption that looks like a small bowl with a vertical stick in the center which is used to place my beads on the wire to make my beaded flowers. You put the beads inside the bowl, hold the end of a wire inside the bowl, and use the stick in the center to spin the bowl and the beads climb the wire. It looks like magic...but really it's physics! SFEtsy: How did you get involved with Etsy? Gloria: I've been on Etsy since 2009, right after it began. I began selling my beaded flowers to my dancer friends, and turned online because I've always had a dream to have my own business. I was immediately drawn to the fact that it promoted the handmade community, and created a network for artisans all over the world. It's been a big part of my identity as an artist! SFEtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? Gloria: Time. I have just enough time to create, but it takes 4 times more amount of time to photograph, edit, list, promote, (etc....etc...etc.), and I seem to never have enough hours of the day! We all dream that we could "quit our day job" and do Etsy full-time, but I have so much that I want to do in all facets of my creative and vocational self. ·
SFEtsy: What has been your biggest success and/or proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
Gloria: There are two events that come to mind. One was last Fall at the enormously attended Etsy Holiday Emporium at Pier 35. A pair of customers spent so much time at my booth ooing and ahhing over each of my items, telling me the sweetest compliments about my jewelry and hair accessories. They later came back and told me that my booth was their favorite of the show (which was a HUGE compliment given the caliber of artists that were present!), and they bought more items. I came home that night exhausted as can be to an email from one of them saying that they wanted to thank me for my work and for being so kind to them. The second was very recent, as I had my first meeting with a store buyer, and they LOVED my items and wanted my pieces in their shop as soon as possible. This was equally special as this store was one that I was a constant shopper of and respected for their high end items, so it felt so validating that they felt my items fit in with their aesthetic. SFEtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business? Gloria: My favorite photo editing app is picsart on my cell phone to create memes or promotional images for instagram, and my favorite Etsy tool is Etsy Rank to let me know if my listings are completely filled with tags, and help me with keywords. SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller. Gloria: I have learned to adapt my expectations! I sometimes will put a lot of time and effort into my Etsy store, and not necessarily get sales, and then I might leave my shop online, and get a flurry of sales...you just never know!
You can we find out more about MorninGloria's at the following sites:
https://www.facebook.com/morninglorias https://www.pinterest.com/morninglorias http://instagram.com/morninglorias/ https://twitter.com/morninglorias http://www.morninglorias.com/ Gloria is offering a 15% discount this month with the code APRILSHOWERS.
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please contact her.
Welcome to this years last Friday Feature. This week we are featuring the shop Beautiful Jean. Bonnie Jean makes beautiful feather acessories which include hair clips, headdresses, earrings and shoes.
1. What is your Shop Name and URL ?
www.beautifuljean.etsy.com 2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong? SFetsy 3. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process? I have been creating feather hair accessories, feather earrings, hat clips and headdresses since 2008. I started making hair accessories one fateful night of crafting with my girlfriends. It must have been a hidden talent waiting to be born because once I started using feathers to create a hairpiece I just got really into the creative process. I created three pieces for myself to wear at a festival for my birthday. After all the compliments and seeing other talented artists work as inspiration, a lightbulb went off and I started making more with the intention to sell at my local farmers market. I rest is history. My process is mostly about preparation. For me it's all about having the materials ready, organized and a chunk of time in my day to work with ease. Once my work station is prepped, and I typically start each piece with an idea for a color scheme, or size or concept to incorporate a particular type of feather. It's all about working with a "mistake", going with flow and making each piece work and look beautiful! For the past few years my main focus for sourcing feathers has been mostly from bird owners. I have access to naturally molted, "cruelty free" and incredibly vibrant colored feathers.
4. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.
I am a dancer, yoga practitioner and teacher, and currently in the process of completely a hula hoop teacher training program, so my breaks from making pieces and jewelry typically consist of a hula hoop dance session. Movement is important after sitting for hours and focusing on intricate work. My most awesome achievement was when I was in NY selling at a show in Brooklyn a few years back, and a young women by the name of Trixie Whitley, singer/songwriter had bought a hairpiece to wear at the Juno Awards in which she was nominated for an award. One of my pieces walked the red carpet, which was by far a huge highlight in my design career. 5. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations? www.facebook.com/lvbeautifuljean I have tried to photography every piece I've ever made, so my facebook album is kind of like a timeline of my progress. 6. What inspires your creations? Flowers and colors of nature are my inspiration.
7. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?
I wish to learn new skills and be more comfortable using a sewing machine. I would like to dabble in millinery, and see what comes through and if I take to it. I tend to pay close attention while creating and trying new creative skills because it's important to notice what "turns on" my creative fire. If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy? 8. What has been your biggest success and/or proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop? Every sale on my etsy feels like a success, and makes all the time and energy to get a listing up so worth it. I particularly feel so proud when someone from out of country purchases a piece. Etsy has connected me to wide world audience and clientele. 9. If you had to be an animal for one week, which animal would you choose to be? And what would you do? A mermaid fairy, or as I like to call them a "Merairy". The would like to have the ability to be both in the underworld community and sky community. I like the idea of being multicultural in the realm of fantasy and magic.
10. What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?
Buying local handmade goods is how I vote and place my values. I love to know the story, and where my clothes, beauty products, etc..., came from. I love feeling the energy of the person that made it. The quality of touch, attention to detail and artistry is something that can be sensed and transferred from one to another. Selling locally has helped me develop and be part of community. The community I'm in because of contributing and caring for local handmade has brought in an abundance of resources, support to do what I do, and I get to also be a mentor and assist others in the field of DIY. I vision a world of trade, where everyone is living a life of quality products, food and resources. Where everyone is in touch with their true gifts, talents and abilities and giving back to their communities what they were designed and love to do. 11. What's next for you? My efforts with materials are higher quality metal and gems and being totally 100% cruelty free feathers. My favorite show, this being my 5th year of vending, is the Edwardian Ball in SF. I have lined up a couple local holiday shows, but the Edwardian Ball is my favorite. I feel I get to create with 100% creative freedom, and people totally get my work with no explanation. My dream is to break into the market in Europe, especially the London fashion hair fascinator scene.
Happy Friday Everyone !!! If you are still looking for unique gift check out this week's featured artist. Lynn Cobb has been making jewelry from fine silver metal clay for about 10 years, before that she was a painter and polymer artist. She was a finalist in the prestigious Saul Bell Design competition with a piece from her Flower Series. It and other pieces fromher Flower Series have been widely published including in the Lark Book: Showcase 500 Art Necklaces.
She also has had items featured in numerous magazine articles. When asked about her preffed medium, she said " I really feel as if silver jewelry is “my” medium. I really love its sculptural qualities! "
1. What is your Shop Name and URL ?
www.etsy.com/shop/lynncobb 2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong? Metal Clay Heads and Etsy Metal Clay are the two I am most active in. 3. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process? My jewelry is made using silver metal clay, a revolutionary pure silver product. I sculpt, texturize, mold, form the clay in wet form, fire in the kiln at 1650F for up to 2 hours, and voila, in a modern alchemy, the clay is transformed into .999 pure silver (more pure than sterling which is only .925). I am a certified PMC Artisan, Level 2, many classes. I am inspired by nature, sea life, ancient and indigenous architecture, and the sensual flower paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.
4. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.
I was awarded a finalist position in the prestigious Saul Bell Design competition. My work has been published in numerous books including Showcase 500 Art Necklaces and also feature articles in several art jewelry magazines, most recently Sept 2015, Art Jewelry Magazine, regarding a series of silver castle charms.
5. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?
https://www.facebook.com/Lynn-Cobb-back-porch-clay-works-282213065175168/ https://www.pinterest.com/lynncobbpin/ https://instagram.com/lynncobb22/ 6. What inspires your creations? My most exciting work is inspired by the sensual flowere paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe and feminist installation The Dinner Party, by Judy Chicago. My acclaimed flower series of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, hand sculpted by me into pure silver interpret these artists' feminist work into beautiful wearable jewelry. I am also inspired by ancient and indigenous architecture, my series of Castles and Huts rings, earrings and necklaces have been featured in several art jewelry magazines. I also love using leaves, sea urchins, sea stars and other natural items as inspiration.
7. How did you get involved with Etsy?
Some friends were selling there, so I got on board. 8. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? SEO, it's very hard to get found among the millions of listings. 9. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite? https://www.etsy.com/listing/97126779/luxury-necklace-garden-wedding-floral?ref=shop_home_active_11 This piece GLOWS! It's my current favorite! 10. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday? I would like to do more enameling, and more nuno felting 11. What has been your biggest success and/or proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop? I am very proud and humbled to be named a finalist in the Saul Bell Design competition, 2011. 12. Tell us about your first sale ever? I sold a painting, about 35 years ago. I was just amazed that someone else saw my vision. Welcome back to our final Jewelry Meet the Makers post! These vendors, along with 200+ independent makers, will be at the Indie Holiday Emporium at Pier 35, Nov. 28-29, 11am-5pm. Hope you'll join us! Flower7: Fleurette Sevin - Recycled Glass and more iris elise: vintage inspired statement jewelry ejue studio: Effortlessly Cool Jewelry & Hand Lettered Cards
Welcome back to our Meet the Makers series! We've got even more great jewelry vendors for you--pre-shop now, then meet them all at the Indie Holiday Emporium at Pier 35, Nov. 28-29, 11am-5pm. RandomPrefect: Prefectly Random Designs CanDidArtAccessories: TRIBAL JEWELRY WITH A BOHO TWIST
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November 2020
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