Interview with Jenny from Authentic Arts - River Rock Jewelry Maker

Rainbow River Rock Necklace - Authentic Stone

I first discovered the super-cool stone jewelry of Jenny at Authentic Arts through her stone drilling tutorial on the papernstitch blog. Since then I've discovered we have quite a bit in common, and I was excited for the chance to interview her for the blog.

What led you to choose stones as your medium in jewelry making?
An entire childhood of rambling around woods and through streams and half a college career studying geology? Actually the stones chose me :) one day I was making beaded gemstone jewelry and the next I was making little rock collection necklaces. It's just like evolutionary history, we're all here by accident! It's just as lucky that I happened to pick up a rock and make a necklace out of it as we're lucky that our ancestors survived the mass extinction event that claimed the brachiopods. :D

Brachiopod fossil rocks from Jenny's collection

How many stones do you have in your collection/inventory at any given time?
Way too many and not enough! Right now, I've got about 500 of the small colorful stones I buy from a fellow Idaho artisan, a good amount to work from. Wisconsin stones? I've got about enough to fill... 3 shoe boxes. Many may never become jewelry, my beachcombing motto is "pick up anything that appeals to you, because you never know what kind of stone you'll need next" I've also got a shoebox of slate from New York and a shoebox of Pennsylvania rocks (most are big brachiopod fossil rocks that I just had to love, there's no way someone could wear them around their necks!)

Ammonite Fossil Necklace - Authentic Stone

Do you have a day job too, in addition to your creative work?
I also work part-time in a library. No creative energy needed or encouraged and no health insurance, so I'm planning to take the jewelry making full-time within the next few years.

What state are most of your etsy customers from?
Good question! I get a lot of people from California, but really they're from all over, a real mix. Sweden, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Canada, Iowa, Australia, Illinois, Wisconsin, etc. There's no clear trend.

Farmhouse Basket - Abundant Haven

What are your three favorite pieces right now in your etsy shop?
This Ammonite and Wisconsin rock necklace is my favorite, hands down!  Followed by this pair of Wisconsin stone earrings  which is a brand new style that I already LOVE wearing! My favorite that I made from the colorful Idaho rocks is this Rainbow Rocks necklace,  it's awesome that natural, undyed rocks can be so colorful! Since every piece is one-of-a-kind, there's ALWAYS something new on the horizon :) That means a lot of photographing, too, but the jewelry is worth it!


Finally, What does your ideal Saturday (or day off) look like?

DEFINITELY watching the entire Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea movies (all 8 hours!) while doing something creative like knitting or drawing with breaks for taking walks around the neighborhoods and through the cemetery by my house. Also, I would have grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch and an ice cream cone sometime during the day. :D Maybe firing up a John Denver LP on the record player to sing along with while I cook the grilled cheese!

Jenny collecting stones for jewelry

Thanks Jenny! Mmmmm grilled cheese and tomato soup are the BEST (especially with extra sharp cheddar). I hope my blog readers will get a chance to check out Jenny's online shop, Authentic Arts
her facebook page and her blog as well!

Interview with Susan of Abundant Haven

Custom Map Pillow - Abundant Haven

Susan  from Abundant Haven got in touch because she was interested in cross promoting her vintage style pillows (especially ring bearer pillows and flower baskets) with my vintage nautical wedding invitations - what a great match! She kindly agreed to do an interview about her lovely work for us as well!

When did you learn to sew, and what led you to start creating pillows in particular?
I don't remember for sure when I learned to sew, but it was at an early age under the guidance of my mom. I think I have been making my own patterns from nearly the beginning (much to her chagrin actually!), be it clothing, accessories, or now creatures.

My earliest memories are of fabrics and color...from around the age of four. My best friend and I used to search out stray pieces of fabric in our houses and stitch doll clothes from them by hand. I completely lucked out because my Mom was curious (and talented!) about everything handmade and taught me to sew, embroider, crochet, knit, quilt, paint, needlepoint...the works! There was always time to work on projects during cold Wisconsin winters.

In High School I spent a ton of time in the Home Ec rooms...cooking, sewing and interior design. My college degree is in Fashion Design and Apparel Manufacturing. I worked in the clothing industry as a Patternmaker, Designer and Technical Designer for many large corporations. As I advanced in my career and became a Director I became painfully aware of the lack of creativity in my life and the huge stressors of managing large teams, hitting major deadlines, price points and federal rules and regulations. Everything had gone overseas to large manufacturers and while exciting, it left a huge GAP in my soul as a creative person.

Established Date Pillow - Abundant Haven

Do you have a day job too, in addition to your creative work?
This is my full-time employment...I am so blessed to be doing what I LOVE even though it had it's scary financial moments in the beginning. The more I lived this beautiful, creative life, the more I knew it would be difficult to ever return to corporate America! My past definitely prepared me for running my own business.

What state are most of your etsy customers from?
I have shipped product to all 50 states but tend to have a lot of customers in the southern states and in California. I ship quite a bit to Australia and Canada as well. I just finished custom map pillows for clients in Singapore, South Carolina and Oklahoma. Such extremes! :)

Farmhouse Basket - Abundant Haven

What are your three favorite pieces right now in your etsy shop?
My three favorite pieces in my shop are:

1. Vintage Map Pillows - Simply supply the lake, island or location you wish to have imprinted and custom artwork will be sent for your approval before pillow construction begins.

2. Chickenwire Baskets / Liners - Charming oblong wire basket is perfect for holding quest soaps, tea and hot chocolate packets or as a catch-all in your office for post-its, scissors and twine.
 
3. Established Date Pillows - PERFECT for a housewarming, wedding, b-day or anniversary gift! Celebrate special occasions and milestones with a personalized pillow bearing the last name and established date of your friends or family.


Finally, What does your ideal Saturday (or day off) look like?

I love to meet up with friends at the Madison Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. There is this spicy cheese bread that is absolutely amazing and beautiful produce, flowers and fun treats. The market stretches along all 4 sides of the capitol building and is a fun social event. Sometimes we walk along the lake, hit an exhibit at the art museum or grab coffee on State Street, which blends right into the University.

Personalized Ring Bearer Pillow - Abundant Haven

Thanks so much Susan! I'm jealous about the amazing sounding Madison farmer's market, I hope you have a treat for me next time you go! I hop my blog readers will get a chance to check out Susan's etsy shop, Abundant Haven , and you can also follow her her blog as well!

Interview with Kristy from Fog and Swell - Fiber Artist

Orca Whale No. 4 - Hand Stitched Soft Sculpture - Fog and Swell

I first saw Kristy's etsy shop Fog and Swell in my etsy newsfeed when my friend Chelsea favorited some of her items. I live on the Atlantic coast so it's really neat to me to see all of the cool shells and sea creatures from the Pacific Coast, represented here as three dimensional soft sculptures!

When did you learn to sew, and at what point did you start creating your own patterns?
I don't remember for sure when I learned to sew, but it was at an early age under the guidance of my mom. I think I have been making my own patterns from nearly the beginning (much to her chagrin actually!), be it clothing, accessories, or now creatures.

Green Sea Urchin Shell - Fog and Swell

Do you have a day job too, in addition to your creative work?
I have worked for a number of years as a graphic designer, and I am just about to take on a second part time job doing tourism marketing, so I guess I do manage to keep fairly busy on top of my creative work. I have a hard time being completely idle though, so it's good to always have something going on.

Do you get to go swimming much, or is it way too cold where you are?
I've never actually been a big swimmer - I'm usually happier ON the water instead of IN the water. That being said, I try do a lot of activites on the water when I can - stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing and boating. Swimming or not, the ocean is really only warm enough to go in on hot summer days around here (unless you are a carefree kid), but we also have lots of rivers that can be a bit more approachable. And a full wetsuit can make the ocean not half bad at all when going surfing in March!

Moonglow Anemone - Shore Fragments - Fog and Swell

What are your three favorite pieces right now in your etsy shop?
My three favorite pieces in my shop are:

The sea nettle jellyfish - jellies of all kinds fascinate me, the way they dance and pulsate through the water with those long trailing tentacles.

Moonglow Anemone (pictured above) - This flat stitched piece of a moonglow anemone reminds me of wandering the beach at low tide, spotting them poking out of the sand.

Narwhal No. 3 (pictured below)- Narwhals aren't Pacific west coast animals, but they are fascinating nonetheless. I love this guy's long horn.


Finally, What does your ideal Saturday (or day off) look like?

That's a hard one to answer. I feel like I rarely have days that are completely 'off' since I am generally always working on pieces for my shop when not at my day job. And yet, that's something I've chosen to do and enjoy, so I suppose that is part of an ideal day 'off'. Maybe an ideal day off would have time for a bit of stitching or other crafting, some time spent in the kitchen (I love to cook and bake), plus time to be outside with loved ones exploring on foot, on a bike, on a board...you get the idea. An ideal day off would be one where I have the time to pack in all the things I like to do and yet still feel relaxed and rested (or tired but satisfied) at the end of the day.

Narwhal No. 3 - Arctic Whale Soft Sculpture - Fog and Swell

Thanks so much Kristy! Lovely work - I hope my ocean-loving folowers will check out her shop! - You can find Kristy's handmade soft sculptures and hand-stitched pieces for sale on the web at her etsy shop, Fog and Swell , and you can also follow her on Facebook and on the Fog and Swell blog.

Interview with Jessica Polka, Nautical Crochet Extraordinaire

Pattern for Red Coral - Jpolka on etsy

I first spied Jessica's awesome crochet work in a treasury we were both in, made by Jenny Hoople of AuthenticStone - it was called Orange, Green and Cozy - A Community Portrait. My cuttlefish wedding invitations were featured, as was Jessica's "Pattern for a Gentleman Prawn". I couldn't help but click, and then I was taken to the most amazing world of tiny nautical crochet! I got in touch with Jessica for an interview, and she kindly obliged:

When did you learn to crochet, and at what point did you start creating your own patterns?
My mom first taught me to crochet as a kid, but I didn't really do much with it until my senior year of college. I had just seen Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities [ed. note: this is the most awesome coffee table book of all time] and, serendipitously, had also recently discovered Etsy. My first purchase was actually an amigurumi pattern - I was fascinated with using yarn to make 3D objects. I tried making more and more unusual forms until I replicated a coral branch from the book.

Pattern for Gentleman Prawn (No. 26) - Jpolka on etsy

Do you have a day job too, in addition to your creative work?
I've been studying how bacteria move DNA around for a PhD in biochemistry. I hope to finish that up this year and keep doing research.

Swimming with dolphins - good idea or bad idea?
I've never done it, but I can definitely endorse swimming with ctenophores.

Mushroom crochet patterns, Volume 1 - jpolka on etsy

What is your most popular piece in your etsy shop? which one is your favorite (are they they same, or different?)
I think the cuttlefish pattern is the most popular, but I'm partial to the mushrooms. I've written a set of diatom patterns based on Victorian-era lacework techniques that I need to get around to putting in pdf format. They were actually cut out of my recent book of sea creatures for being too nerdy, so naturally they were my favorite.

Finally, What does your ideal Saturday (or day off) look like?

Short gratifying projects, science fiction, video games, friends, boy, tacos.

Pattern for Cuttlefish - jpolka on etsy

Pattern for Squid in Love (No. 9) - jpolka on etsy

Thanks so much Jessica! I just love these  - too bad I can't crochet, but maybe someone will make me a cool squid someday (my personal favorite) - You can find Jessica's PDF nautical crochet patterns, as well as occasionally finished products for sale on the web at her etsy shop, jpolka - Wunderkammer: A Handmade Cabinet of Curiosity , and you can also follow her on her blog.

You can find the awesome crochet book she authored, "75 Seashells, Fish, Coral and Colorful Marine Life to Knit and Crochet" on Amazon.

Interview with Julie of The Social Seam - Bridal Clutch Designer

The Elle Jane Clutch in Ivory Silk - The Social Seam

I first saw Julie from The Social Seam's work when I joined the Etsy Wedding Team where her Tiffany Blue Bridal Clutch immediately caught my eye! I love the novelty of her clutches with their big bow handles - they look like a gorgeous present! I remember I got a great 80's dress with a massive bow on it at the thrift store for a party in college, and I ended up hiding my wallet inside of one of one of the bow loops - too bad I didn't have a lovely clutch like one of these. Julie was kind enough to answer a few questions about her shop:

How did you get started sewing? What led you to the bridal scene?
I started sewing at age 8 in my mom's sewing room where she helped with the cutting. Then there was the junior high home ec class and some sewing as a young banker after college. But I really got serious about it 15 years ago and took lots of classes on dressmaking. I had a custom sewing business out of my home for 10 years, then switched to making things that I liked and opening an Etsy shop. Working for a bridal shop lead me to sewing silk and satin clutches.

The Elle Jane Clutch - Black and White Striped Clutch - The Social Seam

What types of things should a bride stash in her clutch, just in case?
Brides can stash their cell phone, tissues and lipstick in their clutch and have it handy at the reception so that mom doesn't have to carry their stuff.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I'm a night owl and usually kick into gear about 4 pm.

The Kimberly Clutch - Aqua Blue and Cherry Red - The Social Seam

What are your three favorite pieces right now in your etsy shop?
My three favorite pieces in my shop are:
The Elle Jane clutch in ivory silk dupioni. Every time I make one I fall in love all over again. It's just so beautiful! It's named after a mom, Jane, and her daughter, Elle (pronounced Ellie)

The Kimberly Clutch in aqua blue and cherry red. What a fun combination of colors! I especially like the photo, as my model has on a red dress and has her nails painted red, it just came together perfectly. Kim is my sister in law.

Again, Elle Jane clutch in black satin. I love how the big bow dangles from her wrist. I envision this clutch walking the red carpet someday.


Finally, What does your ideal Saturday (or day off) look like?

Ah, the ideal Saturday! Well for starters I'd sleep late (the night owl thing), drink lots of coffee while being on the laptop, gym, gardening, sewing, grilling, talking to my kids, watching college sports (M - I - Z) and ending up with Saturday Night Live.

The Norma Clutch - Latte Silk clutch with bow handle - The Social Seam

Thanks so much Julie! I just love these clutches - You can find Julie's bridal clutches and other lovely wedding accessories like bowties for sale on the web at her etsy shop,The Social Seam , and you can also follow her on Facebook and on Twitter.

Interview with Suegray Fitzpatrick, Wax Seal Jewelry Maker

Every time I take a look at jewelry maker Suegray's etsy shop I am overwhelmed with how awesome it is - I love wax seals (you might remember this post). Sue makes fine silver wax seal jewelry, utilizing her large collection of antique wax seals, the type used to seal letters or officially sign a document in ye olden days. I think her jewelry is such a neat way to display the beautiful and intricate art of sealmaking, without having to wait for the occasion of sending a super-fancy letter. She was kind enough to do an interview for the blog:

How did you get started making wax seal jewelry? Were you a jewelry maker first, or a wax seal collector first?
I've actually been making sea glass jewelry for 22 years now and I've always been a collector of sea glass and small trinkets! As sea glass collecting and jewelry making has become more popular, it's much harder to find so I decided to start something new. I received my first wax seal as a gift when I was a young teen and slowly added to that collection until I figured out that I could use the seals to create wax seal jewelry, and then the collecting exploded when I discovered that selling the wax seal jewelry could support my antique seal collecting habit! It has all come together perfectly!

Compass and anchor wax seal pendants with aqua verdigris patina

What are your favorite pieces from your etsy shop and why?
hmmm... favorites? I'm always excited by each new wax seal so that it quickly becomes my favorite, but really, I think the armorial seals are my favorites. To think that someone had the seal engraved, personally for him, and so full of meaning, 100 or more years ago! I just love the process of learning about the owner that I'll never know by researching the heraldic symbols and trying to put together a story about the owner... part fact, part fiction!

Two Hearts, Two Keys and a Skull Necklace - SueGrayJewelry

Do you have a day job or is jewelry making your full time occupation?
My jewelry business is my full time job, but I'm sad to say that the actual jewelry making is only half of my job... the other half is paperwork, ordering supplies, communicating with customers and book keeping (yuck!).

Do you wear jewelry everyday?
Of course I do! I love jewelry! Apparently, I have no shame because I've made almost everything I wear... but I do really love it. Today, I'm wearing my Two hearts, 2 skeleton keys and a skull wax seal necklace (I venture to say it is my favorite since it's so very interesting), with the tiny skull earrings and tiny skull ring... it's another skull kind of day-


Finally, What does your ideal Saturday (or day off) look like?

I don't often get a day off unless I take an actual vacation with my family, but when I do I just love scouring flea markets and antique festivals and shops or riding my bike for miles to find an obscure beach. It is so relaxing to search for sea glass and other beach treasures with the sea breeze blowing and the sound of the surf!

Tiny Skull Wax Seal Earrings - SueGrayJewelry

Thanks so much Sue! Isn't her work awesome? You can find Sue's Wax Seal jewelry for sale on the web at herSue Gray Jewelry Etsy Shop , and you can learn more about her seaglass jewelry at her website.

Also check out this neat tutorial I found through Pinterest, carve your own wooden wax letter seal with a dowel and woodburning kit - detailed instructions with photos can be found here, on RageHaus blog.

Interview with Natalie Stopka, Bookbinder

I've long been an admirer of bookbinder Natalie Stopka's work on Etsy, where she has a shop called NatalieAsIs. As a fellow bookbinder, I can especially appreciate her highly technical stitch work and fierce attention to detail. Her books are a beautiful combination of simplicity and complex tiny details. Read on for an interview:

How did you learn bookbinding?
I began studying bookbinding while I was at the Rhode Island School of Design for Illustration. I loved the idea of bookbinding as a way to control the complete experience of the viewer, including the words, images, design, and structure of a book. Since graduating I have been mostly self-taught, and binding at a wild pace. I learn something new with every piece.

Ombre Linen Book in Peach and Gray - NatalieAsIs

Where do you do your work, do you have a studio?
I have recently moved to New York to work and study at the Center for Book Arts as a Van Lier/Stein Family Scholar for the coming year. I now share studio space with the printers, binders, and students at the Center. It is a remarkable resource and community!

Guest Book in Gray and Gold Chevron Embroidery - Natalie Stopka

Are you a night owl, or an early bird?
I generally work during the day, but it is not uncommon that I am stitching away at some little cover piece until the wee hours, oblivious to the time.

What are your three favorite items in your shop right now?
I work so often with fiber arts, I'll choose my three favorite fiber techniques at the moment: a new series of albums with woven spines, a guest book embroidered with gold, and a little ombre dyed journal.

Photo Album in Lilac with Houndstooth Woven Spine - NatalieAsIs

Thanks so much Natalie! Isn't her work stunning? You can find Natalie on the web at her website NatalieStopka.com , and her books are for sale in her Etsy shop, NatalieAsIs.

Interview with FriedaSophie, Jeweler

Spirit Quartz Druzy Gold Dipped Necklace - FriedaSophie

FriedaSophie makes gorgeous jewelry out of, among other things, mineral gemstones. I first saw her shop in the etsy forums, but I fell in love with her gold-dipped jewelry. It reminds me of my rock collecting days, when I'd ask for geodes for my birthday as a kid, and I still love them! Read on for an interview:

Tell us about your (somewhat) unusual name:

I named my store after my 2 grandmothers who were fashion designers, writers, hat makers and jewelry collectors. I started out as a painter in my childhood, switched to sewing when I was 11 years old, was a band manager and ran a music club with friends back in Europe in my teenage years, studied Acupuncture and Holistic Medicine at the same time and moved to San Francisco where I now work as a Jewelry Designer.

Gray Opal Druzy Earrings 14k Gold - FriedaSophie

I am particularly drawn to your mineral gemstone jewelry - is there anything in particular that you saw or thought of that inspired the stunning combination of gems and liquid gold?

I get inspired by each mineral stone itself, they have such a uniqueness and one of a kind beauty. I like to keep them as natural as possible
without encasing them in too much of a setting which is why the gold dipping
works so well, it will still show most of the stone.

Midnight Sunstone Gold Necklace - FriedaSophie

What is your favorite piece from your current collection?

I have 2 favorite pieces right now:
the midnight blue sunstone necklace
and
the blue spirit quartz gold dipped necklace
I just love the stone's sparkle

When do you do your best work; morning, day, or night?

I work in stages: in the mornings I answer customer emails and handle the shipping, mid day I do some commercial and work on sketches for new piece and in the eve I make my jewelry orders.

You can find FriedaSophie on the web:

www.friedasophie.etsy.com
www.friedasophie.com
www.friedasophie.blogspot.com
twitter.com/#!/friedasophie