Meet Peggy Paliotta of Starlet Glam Bath & Body - Featured Artist

Bath Products... We all need them as we all use them.  But did you know that most commercial based bath products are not that good for you. With skin sensitivities and allergies to chemicals, it's really great to know that there are alternatives.

Today I would like to introduce Peggy Paliotta of Starlet Glam Bath and Body, a fellow member of The Artisan Group, Peggy's products are 100% Natural and Free from detergents, SLS and sulfates, are Vegan Friendly and my personal favorite... Not Tested On Animals.    

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
Growing up, I was always involved in Arts & Crafts. I dabbled in Painting, Graphic Design, Hat Making, Jewelry Design (Polymer Clay). While I enjoyed each craft I felt something was missing. One day I discovered a DIY lip balm article that peaked my interest. The web site also sold soapmaking supplies such as various soap bases and fragrances. Bath & Body products have always been an addiction for me so I knew this would become my passion!

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
My first soap experience was making bars with a base called soap noodles. They had to be cooked in a crock pot. While it was fun it didn't turn out as expected. Some batches became burnt and fragrances dissipated.

Valentine Fuchia Pink Pin Up Girl

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
My creative process varies depending on what products I'm making. For the most part it begins with fragrance, recipe ingredients, color and sometimes a theme name. I love the challenge of having several projects going on at once.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them. How has your work changed since you began?
My craft began with glycerine soaps only. I grew an interest to incorporate a line of Bath and Body Products. My collection now includes Body Butters with Shimmer, Body Creams, Sugar Scrubs, Whipped Cream Soaps, Body Balms, Milk Bath Fizz, Perfume Oils, Specialty Soaps, Lip Balm Shimmer and Mineral Lip Tints.

Goat Milk Bath Fizz

What inspires you creatively?
Creating new products, fragrances, theme names and designing my labels. I draw inspiration from Old Hollywood Glamour. I love the famous Bombshells and Burlesque Queens of that era.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
In addition to acquiring wholesale accounts, and selling my products at one of the top 5 Gift Shops in L.A. (Handmade Galleries), I'm so excited to be a member of The Artisan Group! It's such an inspiration to interact and support other talented artisans who are just as passionate about their craft as I am. The opportunity to gift celebrities and donate to charities is the perfect addition to help grow my business!

Marshmallow Confection Lip Balm

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
Talented members of The Artisan Group as well as the E.F.O.E (Eclectic Friends of Etsy) Team I'm a member of. They both feel like family.

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
I'm so excited to announce that Starlet Glam will be represented by The Artisan Group at The MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge in June. Talk about a Glam opportunity! Our Bath & Body products will be gifted to 100 celebrities. Products will include Sugar Scrubs: Almond Cookie and White Truffle Raspberry. Body Creams: Iced Lemon Biscotti, Pink Grapefruit, Red Velvet Cake and Vanilla Champagne. Alo included will be coordinating lip balm shimmers.

A few other goals I have would be to rent a kiosk/cart space at our popular mall; or to open up my own retail store.

White Truffle Raspberry Sugar Scrub

What do you do in your spare time?
I love hanging out with family and friends, my cat, traveling, shopping, listening to music and going to rock concerts. I'm a Rocker chic!

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
I'm selling my products in my Etsy shop http://www.starletglambathbody.com as well as Studio B Salon & Beauty Boutique, RI and Handmade Galleries in L.A. I also do several juried craft shows throughout the year.

Almond Cookie Perfume Oil

If you sell online or at physical store. How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
I normally spend more time creating. But I try to include a few days per week for the business side.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
I would say if you're passionate about your craft to give it a shot. It's a good idea to join groups or forums that relate to your craft where you'll have a lot of opportunities to learn and meet others.

*****

Thank you Peggy for taking time to tell us more about you.  Be sure to visit Peggy at her sites and check out all her wonderful products.

• Shop: http://www.starletglambathbody.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarletGlam
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/StarletGlam
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/starletglam/

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Meet Shara Danziger of Confections by Shara's Paperie - Featured Artist

One thing about me is that I like to see my name in printed on something.  Sounds rather vain, but with my name, it's hard to find anything that I can use, especially when it comes to stationery products.  However with technology today and some creative vision, we now have the option to get our name printed on practically anything.

With that being said, meet Shara Danzinger, the creative force behind Confections by Shara's Paperie. A fellow member of The Artisan Group,  Personalization is Shara's middle name... well not really, but if you want your name on something, Shara is the gal to go to.  From your stationery (such as notepads, labels, invitations) all the way to some really neat gift ideas (drink coasters, plates, pillow cases, IPad cases), Shara's shop is a place to check out.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
I am a graphic designer and always have been…I just didn’t know what it was called when I was a kid. I was always in love with color, fonts, patterns and layouts.

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
I don’t remember the first design that I ever did, though I think my mom does! The first product that I designed was very exciting and I did that when I was about 9 and got my hands on paint your own pottery. Spent what seemed like forever choosing the colors and the pattern.

Personalized IPhone Case

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
My process really can be described as just jumping in with both feet. My best work is done when I pick up the pencil or start on the computer and go. When I attempt to be organized and methodical with my designs I am never as happy with the end result.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them. How has your work changed since you began?
 My work now is much more complex and sophisticated then when I started my company about 7.5 years ago. As the company has grown my skills have grown with it which has been a great experience. Though I have to admit that now I cringe at some of the early stuff.

Personalized Pillow Case

What inspires you creatively?
I get inspired by just about anything. That sounds silly, but if I see a pretty color in a dress my mind will start whirling where I can use that color. If I happen to come across some old wallpaper with an intricate pattern that is a great starting point for a new pattern for me. Basically the world around me is full of everything that inspires me; color, pattern, texture so it is just a matter of looking.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work? 
My goals around my work are centered around growing the company. It has been very exciting to be in a position to find new products and then create designs and patterns to put on them.

 Children's Invitations

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why? 
My favorite artist has always been Monet. I remember going to the museum with my grandmother when I was a child and her introducing me to his work. While I am a graphic designer, not a painter, his work is just so beautiful that I can always find something new and thrilling when I look at it.

What do you do in your spare time?
I admit that spare time is hard to come by between the business, the kids and the husband. But I do love to just hang out with my kids and the husband and just have family down time.

Personalized Address Labels

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
All my work is sold through my online website at www.shopconfections.com

If you sell online or at physical store. How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side? 
This question depends on the week! We also do many custom projects for clients which I love so that takes up creative time. On a “regular” week I would say it is about 40% creative and 50% business.

Personalized Melamine Plates

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
Of course love what you do and be ready to devote everything to it. This is not something that you can commit to fully if you would rather be doing something else.

*****

Thank you so much Shara!  Be sure to visit Shara at these sites:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter

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Meet Stephanie Rountree of EdenSong Essentials Skin Care - Featured Artist

Today's Featured Artist is Stephanie Rountree of EdenSong Essentials.  A fellow member of The Artisan Group, Stephanie's Organic Skin Care Products are 100% Chemical Preservative Free, and is always food grade edible... very cool...

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
My passion (read: obsession) began when I became pregnant with my first child in the 70s, and I went into overdrive about everything I consumed, including what my skin absorbed. I had an "ahha" moment asking myself, "What is my skin eating?"

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
Yes, it was a simple cocoa butter formulation for my "ever-increasing" belly during my pregnancy! lol

Empress Elixir Anti Aging Serum

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
It starts with the "need" -- my need or a client's need - and I dive into research to determine the proper carrier oils/butters, herbs and essential oils that will make the improvements for the particular need.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them. How has your work changed since you began?
I started with carrier oils, butters, herbs and essentials oils and pretty much stuck to them, with some variations with extracts, but I haven't changed much from the basics. I've tried alternatives and each time have come back to the basics, which really, REALLY work. :)

What inspires you creatively?
My clients! They tell me what they need and it makes me want to be better!

Silk Suga' Body Scrub

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
Most recently my products are being displayed at the 2012 GBK Academy Awards/Oscars Luxury Gift Lounge in association with The Artisan Group and they are being distributed to 100 of the celebrities. I was also part of an international Monoi de Tahiti contest and among the 81 finalists.

As excited as I am about the above goals, creating products that really work and making my clients happy are truly my most important goals. :) On that note, I'd like to share one of my favorite stories about how one of my products was created. Throughout the years I've had serious issues with shooting legs pains during my menstrual cycle. About 10 years ago, I'd had enough and went into "chemistry mode" and came up with my current formula. I applied my new formula to my legs. I didn't notice anything . . . at all . . . until about 30 minutes later, and it was SO obvious, I got up and did a dance~! I had NO PAIN! lol YA~! Thus, the name . . No PainYa! Silly, perhaps, but it worked AND still works!!!

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
No one in particular, but I love checking out other formulators to see what they make, because it always gets my creative juices going.

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
I would love to see my products being used on a large scale around the world!
I would also love to be on Oprah. lol Does that sound silly? Perhaps, but I believe once she tries my products, she will LOVE them and that would be a huge endorsement.

Zit Zapper - Blemish Gel

What do you do in your spare time?
lol - I don't have much spare time. I do a lot a research, which I love to do, but I also love gardening, yoga, photography, bicycling and time with family.

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
2012 GBK Academy Awards/Oscars Luxury Gift Lounge in association with The Artisan Group and I also have an online store: http://www.edensongskincare.com

If you sell online or at physical store. How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
Most of my time is spent on the creative side, filling orders or researching; however, I have been spending more time marketing lately, so it's about 60/40 at this point.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
Be your passion and it will guide you.

*****

Thank you Stephanie!  Be sure to visit Stephanie and check out all her wonderful skin care products at:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter

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Meet Sarah Struett of Four Black Paws - Featured Artist

Who has pets? Specifically dogs? My best friend growing up was the 4 legged furry kind.  He was a mutt, not sure what breed he was, but he had this weird waterproof fur which was just a chore trying to give him a bath.  My fondest memory of my dog was how he would walk me to school and when school was over, there he was waiting for me to go home.  I never knew what he did during the time in between, until one day, think it was a Saturday,I heard him scratching at the door to be let into the house and he brought home his "girlfriend".

Back then, there wasn't a lot of variety of things you can get for your furry best friend.  Basic primary coloured collars and leashes. Not very exciting to me.

But now we have variety and I'm thrilled to introduce Sarah Struett of Four Black Paws to you today.  A fellow member of The Artisan Group, Sarah's Handmade Dog Collars, Bed Covers and ID Tags are the perfect accessory for your best friend.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
I have always loved doing arts and crafts; I always felt it was something I was good at. When I was young, my friends and I were always looking for ways to make a buck. I remember making all sorts of crafts to sell in little stands on the side of the road just like lemonade stands. I never really did anything with my love for crafts until December 2010 when I decided to try my hand at makind dog products. At the time I was teaching in a very low socioeconomic area of Southwest Michigan that was so in need of money that they were doing staff cuts in the middle of the year. Since I was a newer teacher, my name was on that list and I knew that if I were to be laid off I wasn't going to sit at home and do nothing. That is when my love for dogs gave me the outlet to help myself. I figured, with all of the money I spend on fancy collars for my dogs, why not make them myself! And that is where things took off.

Drifting Blossom Collar

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
Honestly, I do remember the first collar I made for Four Black Paws and I still have it becuase to me, it wasn't quality enough to sell.

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
Seeing that my inspiration is my dogs, I would have to say that I am constantly thinking about them when I am creating something new. I love finding fun fabrics that will stand out on my black dog but I also search for fabrics that I know will look good on the manliest of dogs. Anything that is unique or a conversation starter will catch my eye (I've had many spontaneous conversations with people about my dogs collar).

Michigan State University Collar

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them. How has your work changed since you began?
Over the past year or so, I have tried many different things. At the very beginning, I was trying all different kinds of ways to put my collars together. I went through about 3 or 4 different styles before I found the one that I liked the best. Now that I have that process down, I am adding in different things to expand my line of collars such as adding martingale type collars, thicker collars and collars with a variety of different fabrics. I have also tried my hand at other types of pet products like handstamped ID tags and dog crate covers. In time I may add those things to my line again but they aren't something that excite me to make.

What inspires you creatively?
My dogs and my love of dogs are, hands down, my inspiration. Without my dog, Leila, I certainly would not have this business. She is the inspiration behind this company and also behind the name of Four Black Paws (she is a black lab).

Large Elk Antler Dog Chew

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
I've hit so many milestones already within the past year; many more than I could have even imagined. My first goal was to sell collars and over the past year I have done that successfully at craft shows, fundraisers and online. Speaking of online, my second goal was to get my products out on the internet for consumers to see. My website is not up to where I want it to be but I am happy that I have my Etsy shop to display my products. Another important goal was to sell wholesale. I have had the opportunity a few times to sell wholesale to a few local places. Handmade and made in the USA seems to be important to people these days and I am a huge advocate of supporting local. Lastly, this wasn't a goal of mine but an opportunity that I was so incredibly honored to get. My collars will not only be featured in the press swag bags at The Oscars but they will also be in the celebrity swag bags at the MTV Movie Awards. This is something I could have never imagined back in December 2010 but am so extied about.

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
I find inspiration in just about every artist and crafter. Everyone who creates something with their hands has such an incredible talent. When I was young, my Grandma used to take me downtown Chicago to the Art Museum. It never matterd what exhibit we were going to see, I knew I would always love it (and I did!).

Small/Medium Deer Antler Chew

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
My one obvious goal for the future is to expand. I would love to one day have my own shop or even expand nationally. I wouldn't mind being nationally (or internationally) known! I would also really like to get my website up to par.

What do you do in your spare time?
In what spare time that I do have, I really enjoy cooking, creating new things and spending time with my dogs. I show two of my dogs in UKC and AKC events and right now we are training for some performance events.

XLarge Dog Bed Cover 36x24

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
Right now I have a few local places who are selling my products. There is a small dog boutique up in South Haven, MI who sells our collars and there will soon be a place right here in St. Joseph, MI selling our collars.

If you sell online or at physical store. How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
I work full time and do Four Black Paws at night so I would have to say that I spend about one or two hours per night on the business side and another hour or so a night on the creative side. Most of my creativity comes out on the weekend when I have hours of time to spend sewing and creating.

The Triple Threat ID Tag

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
Go for it! The worst thing you could do is do nothing at all. The first few months may not bring anything but if you don't give up, you will see the rewards of your hard work. Also, network, network, network! You never know who you will meet wherever you are.

*****

Thank you so much Sarah!  Be sure to visit Sarah to see and learn more about her wonderful products at:

• Website
• Etsy Shop
• Facebook
• Twitter

*****

MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge - The Journey So Far

Well it's been almost two months since I've announced that I will be participating at the MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge presented by GBK Production through my membership with The Artisan Group.  I've been working feverishly coiling and cutting over 10,000 little brass, stainless steel, copper and bronze rings and getting them connected together to make 100 Chainmaille Pendants that will be inside the Celebrity Swag Bags.

So far I am please to say 65 Pendants are made and ready for me to do the final tweaks.  As long as I keep doing my personal quota of five pendants per day, I should be completely done by the end of this month.  However there are other things I need to do such as labeling, packaging, writing out my bio, making sure I have enough business cards.

Dodecahedron Chainmaille Balls

The picture above is a sampling of what I've been doing.  These little chainmaille balls, called Dodecahedron, will be the focus of the pendants I'm making.  It takes 96 little rings to make up one ball, really fun!  I'm not going to post the finished piece quite yet..  Still want it to be a bit of a surprise.... I can tell you the name of these pendants..... Fidget.

I can, however, show you the creation that will be displayed at the table during the event.  It's one of my Signature Chainmaille Tree of Life Decor...

Chainmaille Tree of Life Home Decor

I still haven't given it a name yet... still got some time for that.

So there you go... with some planning and scheduling, I am half way there and will be ready for the big day in June.

An Interview with Me... Penny Cheng of Jewelry by Saniki Creations

Taking a break from featuring my fellow artists, I thought I would do something a little different today and interview myself so you can get to know me a little better.

So today I would like you to meet Me... Penny Cheng of Jewelry by Saniki Creations, a Member of The Artisan Group, Artists in the Boro and Self Representing Artist-Jewelry Designer.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
As far as I remember, I've always loved arts and crafts. I loved being creative but I was never able to put what I had in my head out into a medium for others to see.  I tend to get bored fairly quickly so my little runs with writing, painting, drawing, knitting never lasted for very long let alone nice enough to show off to others.

"Midnight Flight"

I started making jewelry by chance. My first intentions was only to fix the jewelry my daughters had purchased from those mall outlet stores where you can buy ten earrings for $5.00.  Really cheap quality  worthy of dollar store junk jewelry.  After a fixing a few earrings, necklaces and bracelets, I started to put my own spin on them, adding extra charms or beads or deconstructing it entirely to make something new. I found it rather fun and relaxing so I started taking apart any jewelry items I can find and remade them.  Then one day I wandered into a craft store and saw the jewelry making aisle and I was in heaven.

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
I made a few pieces for myself and my daughters in the past, but I would say the first piece I made would have been for my Nana (from my Hubby's side).  It was a beaded necklace with different Swarovski Crystals representing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Back then I thought it was the most beautiful thing I've ever made.. but now that I think about it.. I could have done a lot better.  I actually got a picture of it, my photo taking skills were just as amateur back then too as you can see from the picture below.

Nana's Necklace, Christmas 2008

I have since made Nana another necklace, a Chainmaille one made with Jeweler's Brass and Amethyst Swarovski Crystals.  She still wears this at all the family functions.

Nana's Necklace, Christmas 2010

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
I've heard about how other artists have a creative process.  I honestly don't really have a set plan/process.  Most of my ideas come to me when I'm lying down before I fall asleep.  About 75% of the time I can remember what my idea was in the morning so I work on it right away and it seems to be fine that way.  I'm terrible about writing ideas out, though I have a notebook and pen on my nightstand, I've never used it for ideas.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them. How has your work changed since you began?
I officially started my business on January 2009 doing beaded jewelry (strung pieces, wirewrapped pieces) made with Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, and semiprecious stones.

I started doing Chainmaille jewelry back in the beginning of 2010 as I needed something different to what everyone else in my area was doing.  Once I learned a few chainmaille weaves, I haven't stopped.  Now all I ever do is chainmaille and sometimes I would do a beaded piece on commission basis.  Why Chainmaille as a specialty.. I think it's my personality type. That's what I tell people. I love how metal rings put together can form such strong, intricate yet feminine pieces.  Chainmailling is addictive and soothing for me.

Papillon I

What inspires you creatively?
I think just life in general inspires me.  There's so much going on in the world that it's easy to pick something to get inspired by, if that made sense at all.  I suppose there's really no set thing that does it for me, it could be a sunny day where I'm in a good mood or lousy mood, or daydreaming about winning the lottery and planning my mega work studio.  I'm rather odd that way.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
I think that would be finding my own niche.  Creating my own design that others haven't really thought of.  To be referred to as an Artist.

"Caught"

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
There are so many great Artists out there.  It's hard for me to pinpoint specific people.  I've been lucky enough to get to know others and seeing their work. Out of everyone I've ever met in person or online, I always have a favorite in something they have done.

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
Besides winning the lottery?  I would say being able to get more of my work out into the world.  Possibly have my creations in boutiques would be awesome.

"Shield1" Wall Art

What do you do in your spare time?
Wow.. what is spare time?  So far it's housework. If I'm lucky, I watch a couple of television shows that's not consisting of cartoons or puppets.  Napping is always a plus for me too.

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
I do sell at craft fairs every once in a while or at home parties that friends have set up.

Through my membership with Artists in the Boro, I have had my creations on display during the BC Cultural Crawl, Queensborough Days and at the Queensborough Community Centre.  Last Christmas I was selling my Creations at the Treasure Room located at the Arts Council of New Westminster.

In June of this year I am participating at the MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge presented by GBK Productions through my membership with The Artisan Group.  I will have a display piece at the event with other artists in the group, plus 100 Chainmaille Creations will be distributed out into swag bags for the celebrities that attend the Gift Lounge.

And of course I have my Website that's been with me since the beginning. I have an open door policy, so if someone wants to come over to my place to see my creations, just give me a call and I'll have a pot of coffee ready.

Commissioned Piece

If you sell online or at physical store. How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
I wish I could spend more time on the creative side.  Unfortunately since I'm not in any retail places, I need to spend more time promoting my site.  Ideally I would love to spend 75% creating and 25% dealing with the business stuff.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
Plan it out and do it.  Be open minded, learn as much as possible and network like crazy.  Get to know other people in the same business as you.  They can be your best allies in the end.  There's a lot of hard work involved and at times you would feel like you want to quit, that you are not good enough... those feelings are normal and keeps us humble.  You'll never know unless you try.

*****

Well that's my interview to myself.  Hope you all enjoyed learning more about me.  Be sure to visit my Website, follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook Page.

*****SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*****

Before I say goodbye:  Through my membership with The Artisan Group.  I will be giving a special Chainmaille Gift to actor Tom Cruise and his family (his wife, Katie Holmes and daughter, Suri Cruise)!  This gift will be sent to Mr. Cruise in a special gift bag containing other great handmade goodies from my fellow members.  More details to follow. Stay tuned!

*****

Meet Rachel Leathers of Hearts of Stone Jewelry - Featured Artist

When I was in my late teens, early 20's, my dad became a lover of stones and rocks.  Not the type you find in a gravel pit or driveway, but semiprecious stones, like Agate, Carnelians, Amethysts and a large variety of Quartz.  He tried to teach me all about it, how to tell what was what, all the different names for all the different stones he accumulated, he even believed in the healing qualities each stone contained.    However, being just a kid, I basically ignored him and never did learn what he wanted to teach me.  Fast forward twenty years into the future, my dad is now "up in the clouds" but I am finding myself becoming my dad, a lover of stones, wanting to learn as much as possible about each one and seeing the beauty it brings to a piece of jewelry.

With that said,  I had a wonderful time getting to know more about Rachel Leathers, a Jewelry Designer extraordinaire, Rachel specializes in Semiprecious Stones and her talents can be found in her company, Hearts of Stone Jewelry.  Rachel is also a fellow member of The Artisan Group and I am delighted to feature her work today.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
I have always been involved with sewing and needlecrafts, but I wanted to do something else and starting playing around with making jewelry. I didn't know anything about it and just dove in and taught myself! I have always loved rocks, so gemstones were a perfect medium for me.

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
I do remember my first piece, and wouldn't want to show it to anyone! Yeesch, my first pieces are not good. But, they were the first stepping stones (no pun intended), and when I look at them, it shows me just how far I've come and how much more I know about my craft. They act as validation and encouragement now!

"Whole of My Heart"

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
My process starts with the stones; when I find a heart that makes me tingle, the process has begun! I then start to pair it with other stones and beads and just ride the wave. Any stone can do that to me, and I build from the initial feeling.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them. How has your work changed since you began?
When I began, I was using all shapes and sizes of gemstones. The hearts became more visually appealing to me, and I kept saying I have hearts of stone! So then the name stuck with me, and I've built everything around that. It was such a natural progression; so literal yet so tongue in cheek!

"Blue Moon"

What inspires you creatively?
The stones inspire me creatively. This is the most satisfying thing I've ever done creatively speaking, and all stones resonate with me. It is just such a perfect fit. My other inspiration is George, my honey. He has been a self-employed businessman for over 25 years, and he has the encouragement and insight that keeps me going; his attitude helps to keep mine in check, and now I see what I would have previously thought of as a failure as just another lesson learned and not at all a negative.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
I am so thrilled to have been accepted into The Artisan Group. Doing the gifting to the celebrities and charities gives me instant cache, and being shoulder to shoulder with other artists that wow me has been validating. Being featured on blogs and in an online magazine are also successes to me! To still be doing this 2 1/2 years after beginning it is also an achievement.

"The Lucky Buddha"

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
I love any crafter/artist who truly does their work. By that I mean someone who works with metal, metal clay, or can shape stones, or knit or crochet or sew. I get so riled with people who claim to be handmade artists when all they do is put a charm on a chain and call it a handmade necklace. My line of chokers is basically that, but those exist as a complement and price point to everything else I make. I'd love to rewrite the definition of 'handmade' and compare it to 'hand-assembled'. I love any artist who's work makes me say "Wow!" and then makes me wonder just how the hell they made it!

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
My goal is to find the secret to making more sales. Which sounds trite, but it is oh so true. I do have another dream outside of the jewelry, and that is to have a shop that is half costume shop, half garment construction. I would of course have a private room for jewelry-making!

"Sweet and Simple 110"

What do you do in your spare time?
My spare time is devoted to spending quality time with George. He works so much, and our time is limited together, so I spend as much of it with him as possible. Other times, I might just spend the day in front of the TV and try to decompress. I am a one-woman operation and that gets overwhelming and tiring. Althoguh I did manage a mani/pedi with a girlfriend I haven't seen in awhile the other day!

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
As of right now, I sell online on Etsy and in a brick and mortar in Pasadena, CA. I do want to expand that and will try to get into more retail outlets this year.

"Simple Lapis Lazuli Choker"

If you sell online or at physical store. How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
My biggest challenge is finding a balance to time spent at the worktable and the computer! Some days I have a plan, other days I wing it. I've found that having a loose plan like that helps my sanity. Too rigid a plan would frustrate me and kill the desire to accomplish anything.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
If you want to create and sell something, just jump in and give it a go. You'll never know until you try. Have fun with it, take seriously the business side of it, and be honest with it. Whatever 'it' is, be passionate about it and it will love you back. And take good pictures...

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Thank you Rachel!  Be sure to check out Rachel's beautiful jewelry creations at these sites:

• Shop/Etsy
• Facebook
• Twitter

"Oscar's Copper Dreams - 2012 Academy Awards Luxury Gift Lounge"

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