WELCOME OUR NON-MEMBER FEATURED ARTISAN FOR JULY 2010 - JOANNE ORTIZ, THE PURPLE LILY DESIGNS

Here is our interview with Joanne Ortiz, of The Purple Lily Designs:

Non-Member Featured Artists Name:   Joanne Ortiz

Name of Your Shops:   PurpleLily Designs

Names of places you can be found on the internet:
www.thepurplelilydesigns.com  main site
w.thepurplelilydesigns.etsy.com - Etsy Jewelry Shop
www.purplelilydesigns.etsy.com  - Etsy Supply Shop
www.purplelilydesigns.artfire.com -  Artfire Jewelry & Supply Shop

Tell us a little bit about your family:

I am married to Angel Ortiz and have 5 children, 2 girls and 3 boys. We are a crafting family and enjoy making things together. Three or four times a month we get together and either make pages to add to our family album or pick activites and just make them together.

What inspired you to create the business you own?

I wanted to share my passion for making things with others. Problem is, I couldn't afford to just keep all the things that I made so my husband suggested I try to sell my handmade pieces.

How long have you been designing jewelry? Do you design any components of the jewelry you make?

Yes, I feel that I put a little piece of myself in each piece I make. I love making things with my hands.

What types of materials do you use to create your designs?

Gemstones, Ceramic Clay, Wire, Wood, Pearls, Lampwork and Polymer Clay to name a few.

Do you feel that each of your creations expresses a certain part of you?

No, I wouldn't say that but I do feel a connection with my pieces.

Have you ever won awards or been published in a magazine or book, or asked to join any type of organization overseeing information distributed to the public?

My work has been featured in:
Step by Step Wire Jewelry Magazine
Art Jewelry Magazine
Step By Step Wire Jewelry Magazine
Complete guide to making Wire Jewelry Book

What is a typical day in your life like?

Well, I work most of the day. Becasue my studio is in the house, I stop often to check on the children, take care of the day to day needs of the house, and take care of the orders that I have.


Would you design jewelry again if you had a choice? If Not, why?

Yes, I love it. I also love that I can take clay and lampwork beads that I made myself and incorporate them into my work.

What advice would you give to other women who are afraid to take that step toward making their dream happen?

It is hard, no doubt about it but if it is something you love to do try it! Even if you don't make a living from it it is as awesome way to express yourself. Oh and try, try, and keep trying. Not all of us can become overnight sensations but the more effort you put forth the better results!

How would you advise them to stay on track so they maintain and healthy outlook?

This is a bit hard for me. I left the "work force" about 6 years ago and I provide for my family on the income that I make from my jewelry and supplies. Sometimes it is great and sometimes not.

Here are some of Joanne's designs.   To see more of her designs, you can click on the above links  that will connect you to her shops.

Lampworked Mermaid's Cove #2  Bead

Mermaid Cove Lampworked Bead

Lampwork and wire focal bead

Sterling Silver Infinite Loop Earrings

Copper Bail (I have bought some of these - they are great!)

Thank you so much, Joanne, for

allowing us to feature you on our page!

Don't forget to check out her links posted above!

Members - if you have someone

you would like to feature who is not a

member, please contact me at sharon_hightower@hotmail.com

New Non-Member Featured Artisan for May 2010 - Twiggy Thompson of Twiggy's Creations

Welcome to our new Non-Member Featured Artisan for

May 2010

Twiggy Thompson of Twiggy's Creations
***********************************

Your name:   Twiggy Leslee Thompson

Name of your business:  Twiggy’s Creations


Where you can be found on the web:

http://www.twiggyscreations.com/ has links to sales sites and newsletter sign up

 

What inspired you to create the business you own?
Passion. I started to sell my jewelry and beads so I could buy more tools and materials and supplies. I quickly discovered the most exciting part of selling was the idea that I was not the only person who liked what I made. The satisfaction and feel-good factor of selling something that started as a spark of an idea in your head, is a fabulous way to live your life.

How long have you been lampworking?
I started creating jewelry in the late 90’s and evolved to making my own beads over the past 10 years. When I got frustrated because I couldn’t buy the beads I wanted for my designs, I decided to try to make them. I started with polymer clay, but really wanted the look of glass. I decided the best way to make polymer look like a lampwork bead was to figure out how lampwork beads were made. I made a trip to the hobby store and bought a hobby torch kit that included a handful of assorted glass and went home to immediately melt the glass into the most horrible lumps of ugly. I didn’t care. I had melted glass and it was exhilarating! I have been hooked ever since. My original hobby torch is hanging on the wall of my studio to remind me of my roots.

What types of materials do you use to create your designs?
The lampwork beads are mostly made of a “soft” glass, but I occasionally use a hard glass called boro. I use glass from all over the world, mostly glass imported from Italy, followed by American, German and Chinese glasses. The reason you see a lot of Italian glass used by lampworkers is they were the original lampworkers and masters of artisan glass. Along with the historic and traditional reasons to use the Italian glass, their glasses are compatible with each other and they have a beautiful line of colors.

Do you feel that each of your creations expresses a certain part of you?
All my creations reflect a part of me. My start was in beading and wireworking, so most of my inspirations come from what I would like to use in a piece or set of jewelry. Each bead or bead set is a passion. I never sell anything that I didn’t personally enjoy making wouldn’t personally enjoy using.

Have you ever won awards or been published in a magazine or book, or asked to join any type of organization overseeing information distributed to the public?
JustBeads.com invited me to be artist of the month December of 2007. It was fun and my first realization that I had actually started reaching the goal I had set.

What is a typical day in your life like?
When I get out of bed I go straight to the kiln. All my beads are kiln-annealed, they go straight from the flame to the kiln, so I don’t get to oooh and aaah over them until the next day. I have never gotten over the excitement of taking a days worth of work out of the kiln. The only other thing that is on my schedule every day is checking my email in the morning and evening. Everything else is a mad scramble. Fortunately for me, being frantic and undisciplined is part of who I am and helps me create things I might not have created if I had too much time to think about it.

Would you lampwork and make jewelry again if you had a choice? If Not, why?
Not only would I do it again, I would do it the same way. The journey that led me to being a glass artist is essential to how I create my end products and run my business.

What advice would you give to other women who are afraid to take that step toward making their dream happen?
Baby steps are OK. Everything you have done in your life has experience you can draw from, whether it is from going to college and learning to deal with the bureaucracy or working for somebody else or raising a family and running a household. Remember how you want to be treated and build your business around your standards, and the art will follow.

How would you advise them to stay on track so they maintain and healthy outlook?
Take the time and go through the thinking processes that you need to build your business right. For everything you do correctly in the beginning will pay you back many times in the future. If you find that a part of your business isn’t working for you, do what it takes to figure out why. Find the bottom line of the problem, and don’t be afraid to change it. A good example is the way I used to have my shipping set up. It was complicated and took me too much time to simply send a set of beads. I would almost cringe when I sold beads because I had to ship them. Solution: I spent a whole day doing nothing but setting up a small area dedicated to shipping next to my computer in my studio, my printer, multi-shipping in paypal, bought a $15 postal scale and started printing my own labels. Result: No more trips to the post office, no more worrying about getting packages sent on time, shipping takes me about 4 minutes per package, and my clients have a shipping reference number to track their treasures. Was it worth a day and the $15? Ooooh yeah!!


Another piece of advice that I would give is to find a network of people with similar interests and challenges. My friends are indispensable to my outlook. Tera Vermillion and Paula Eibott have been lifesavers for me this past winter when I was unable to work. Your network doesn’t need to be large, and you will find that you have a wealth of information and techniques about your own particular art and business that you can share. The swapping of information and “how-to”s for your business will save you time, frustration and money.

What other types of businesses or Hobbies are you involved in?
I am an education addict. I am unnaturally curious and want to know everything, and of course, the more I know, the more stuff I find to learn about. I am so fortunate to have a business that is my passion, so I would have to call my hobby education. I love history, current events and the sciences. I also enjoy helping others with their education. Education obtained in any form is the one thing that you can never lose or have taken away from you. Once you have it, it is yours forever.

What do you advise about keeping it balanced?
This is the hardest part for me, so I know how important it is. I tend to let my life get unbalanced. I forget to exercise, don’t always eat well, and forget to take care of my physical health in general until I am either sick or hurting too much to keep going. I took a break last winter because I had a serious inflammatory arthritis attack and a cyst on my shoulder. I am not sure if I could have prevented either of them, but my suspicion is that if I had taken better care I might not have been so seriously incapacitated. Anybody that can give me advice is welcome with wide open arms!

Here are some of the beautiful lampwork bead

creations Twiggy has shared with us.

These are amazing to me!

How does she get that flower in there???

Anyone who knows ME would look at the bead above and

know I would want it!

This is a bracelet made by our member

Tera Vermillion, with some of Twiggy's

lampwork beads.  Gorgeous!

These are just fabulous!

OK, I give up!  How do you get all those intricate

patterns on there!

Here is a bracelet made with Twiggy's beads

by Janice Torres.

Wouldn't this make a gorgeous focal bead!

Another set of beads that amaze me!

A necklace created by Tera Vermillion with some

of Twiggy's lampwork beads!

Gorgeous Christmas Beads!

Lovely bead to add to a bracelet or necklace!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, IS A PHOTO OF OUR

FEATURED DESIGNER FOR MAY,

BUSY WORKING!

THANK  YOU TO TWIGGY'S CREATIONS FOR SHARING

HER LIFE AS A LAMPWORKER WITH US,

AND TO TERA VERMILLION FOR RECOMMENDING HER TO BE FEATURED!

March Featured Non-Member - Windy River - Sylvia Windhurst

WELCOME TO SYLVIA WINDHURST OWNER OF ETSY SHOP

Your Name: Sylvia Windhurst

 The name(s) of your shop:

http://windyriver.etsy.com/

Also check my blog: http://windyriver.blogspot.com/ for updates on my work.

Where did you get the name for your business?

My daughter who was 13 at the time wanted to name my store - she really wanted to paricipate in the process!

What inspired you to create the business you own?

I have been a full time graphic artist for many years, but I actually have a degree in Fine Arts. A few years ago, I really had the urge to get back into making unique, one of a kind items. I had been doing life drawing (sketching the nude model) for several years at a local artists group to keep my drawing skills fresh.

When I was a kid, I made hundreds of little dolls with fancy clothes and beaded jewelry and embroidered things too. I thought it might be fun to get back into making something along those lines, so I made some beaded items, and it quickly evolved into making unique jewelry, which became a passion for me. I found I was making so many items that it might be nice to try to sell them, and after selling on line for more than a year and a half, and doing several craft shows, I feel more inspired than ever to pursue the creating and selling of unique art to wear.

How long have you been designing jewelry? Do you design any components of the jewelry you make?

I have been creating jewelry for over 2 years. I don't use a lot of commercial components except for clasps. Mostly I work with tiny beads in either beadweaving or bead embroidery. I do purchase cabochons to use as focals, but am also starting to explore using found objects and making my own focals with polymer clay.

Do you feel an emotional connection with the designs you create?

Yes - the kind of beading I do is so time intensive that I really get attached to the piece I am working on. It's tempting to keep them all for myself, but I can't do that!

What types of materials do you use to create your designs?

Many tiny beads, fabric, thread, suede leather, gemstones, crystals etc.

Do you feel that each of your creations expresses a certain part of you?

Yes - sometimes I want to be bold in my design and color, other times I want to express a softer, more romantic feeling.

Have you ever won awards or been published in a magazine or book, or asked to join Any type of organization overseeing information distributed to the public?

I have yet to be published in a book or magazine, but I have been fortunate to have been featured in several well regarded blogs.

What is a typical day in your life like?

I work full time, so I don't get into my studio until after dinner. But on the weekends, I do as much work in my studio as possible. My husband thought it was a little odd at first, but now he sees how much I enjoy it and is very supportive and often makes suggestions concerning the business side of my jewelry making.

Do you ever deal with Stress, Fatigue or Fear during working on a project?

No fears, but sometimes stress if you have an image of what you want but the materials just aren't cooperating. Sometimes you have to be willing to rip something apart and start over again if it's not working. Also, it can be hard on the eyes - but I always enjoy myself when I am in the studio.

Would you design jewelry again if you had a choice? If Not, why?

Absolutely yes - I love designing unique items to wear.

What advice would you give to other women who are afraid to take that step toward making their dream happen?

Don't be afraid - you won't have any success unless you try. Sure, sometimes it's frustrating - like when weeks go by without a sale, or you hit a creative wall so to speak, but if you love creating art - in this case jewelry - you have to find a way to incorporate what you love into your life. And jewelry is such a commercially viable creative outlet - and there are many ways to create jewelry on a smaller budget - using alternative materials etc. - so that you can start exploring your interest without investing a huge amount of money.

How would you advise them to stay on track so they maintain and healthy outlook?

One thing is you will never appeal to everyone's taste, so you can't get discouraged if people don't always purchase your products. Personally, I try not to worry too much about trends. When you are starting your online jewelry business have reasonable goals. Figure out a budget - do you want to spend on outside advertising, or would you rather save the money and allocate more of your time to online networking to get your product seen etc. It's a lot of work to sell online, so be realistic about what you might be able to achieve. There are a lot of artists with wonderful products competing for attention, so bear that in mind. Many artists who sell online also do craft shows, consignments, wholesaling etc. so you have to be willing to explore many avenues to achieve success with your business.

What other types of businesses or Hobbies are you involved in?

I am a full time graphic artist and I also enjoy gardening and cooking. My daughter is an avid horseback rider, so although I don't ride myself, I have learned a lot about horses and horseshows, which has been very interesting.

What do you advise about keeping it balanced?

Always remember that you got involved in the making and selling of jewelry because you enjoy making jewelry. Don't let it become a chore!

Here are some excellent examples of Windy River
jewelry!  If you are not blown away and
further inspired with regard to your own ability to
just GO FOR IT! I don't know what to tell you!

(I have to admit this bracelet blows me away!!!!)

 

Anyone blown away yet??  I have to admit, this type of jewelry design
intimidates me!  But I love featuring it!

\

Oh, and how I hate to say the next picture is the last one - but please check out

Windy River's Etsy shop and her Blogspot!

You can go right to her Etsy shop by clicking on the banner

at the top of the page!

Thank you, Sylvia, for being patient with me
getting this up!  I needed to feel better
in hopes of doing you proud!
We appreciate the opportunity to share you
beautiful designs!

Welcome to our First Non-Member Featured Artisan - Sholeh Mesbah - ZEBA

Welcome to our first non-member artisan, Sholeh Mesbah, who can be found on Etsy at her store ZEBA.  And, thank you to Teresa Rusk for forwarding her information, so that she could be featured.

Here is a little bit of information on Sholeh. I had a hard time picking out what I wanted to put on this page.  And if you will go to her site on Etsy, you will have the same problem!  [http://zeba.etsy.com] 

What inspired you to create the business you own?



After designing and making jewelry for a year or so, I run into two problems:


1) I did not know what to do with the all the pieces I had made. Even though I was giving them away as gifts to my friends and family, I still had a lot more than I could handle.

2) The second problem was the cost of materials.

That is when my daughter told me about Etsy. So I checked it out and it took me six months to get ready to start my online shop. Most of the time went into picking a name and writing my bio.

How long have you been designing jewelry? Do you design any components of the jewelry you make?


For four years, I started in 2006. Some of my pieces are 100% my design, from forming the metal or the chain to the handmade clasp and some are a combination of my original designs and store bought components. Sometimes, it is more economical, time wise, to buy a part or a finding in the store.

Do you feel an emotional connection with the designs you create?


I think all artists look at their creations as their off spring (LOL). Some pieces are dearer to me than others, but they all make me proud. I always have mixed feeling when I sell a piece.


What types of materials do you use to create your designs?

Currently, I am using sterling silver, gold filled and copper metals as well as geodes, agate slices, point crystals, all kinds of beads and cabochons. I am always looking for new materials and how to use them. My next step is to learn, polymer clay, precious metal clay and resin.

Do you feel that each of your creations expresses a certain part of you?

I am a Piscean and my zodiac symbol is two fish swimming the opposite way. Just like the Fish I like to be able to flow in and out of clothing with ease and I love comfortable clothing. This preference can be seen in all my pieces, I will not make a piece of jewelry that is uncomfortable. My pieces tend to be practical first, trendy second. Pisceans love new sensations; I think that is why you find very distinct styles of jewelry in my shop. You can see the Pisceans love of luxury in my choice of materials and designs.

My pieces definitely represent my personal style. I like sophisticated and luxurious yet bold, colorful, organic and unusual designs.



Have you ever won awards or been published in a magazine or book, or asked to join any type of organization overseeing information distributed to the public?


Not yet, I have not been able to enter in any contests yet.


What is a typical day in your life like?

I am IT professional but since I was laid off nine months ago, I pretty much spent my day working on my jewelry and my online business. I spend the morning online, listing new items (if I have any) renewing, marketing, promoting, advertising, checking what is happening on Etsy, and so forth. Early afternoon, my husband (who is also laid off) and I go for an hour or so walk. Currently, I am working on putting together a catalog, so I spend three hours or so on that and the rest goes to either making new pieces or taking pictures. People don’t believe me when I say this is a full time and half job.

Do you ever deal with Stress, Fatigue or Fear during working on a project?

Usually I deal with frustration trying to bring my designs to life. A lot of times, it takes many trials to learn a new technique or create a new design. I especially hate it when a problem happens right when I think I am done with the piece. When that happens, I have to leave the project and come back the next day to finish it.

Would you design jewelry again if you had a choice? If Not, why?

Definitely, the design possibilities and materials are unlimited. I think I can spend the rest of my life learning new techniques and there will still be a lot more that I can learn.

What advice would you give to other women who are afraid to take that step toward making their dream happen?



I say, “Rome was not built in a day”. Go for it. Jump in with both feet. If you fall, get up and try again. If you like doing what you do, taking your passion public is the next step. I understand you feel vulnerable and think what if no one likes it. I say, don’t worry about it; try again and again until you get it right.


How would you advise them to stay on track so they maintain a healthy outlook?


Stay positive. There will be hard times when you feel you are invisible, when that happens go to your studio and start a project you always wanted to start. The feeling of accomplishment will keep you on track. Keep telling yourself, things will get better; “There is always sunshine after the rain”.

What other types of businesses or Hobbies are you involved in?

My profession is IT (information technology) project manager, I am also a painter, stained glass artist and have dabbed into mosaics. My husband and I are both do-it-yourselfers and have done all of our home repairs and remodeling ourselves. And in the summer time, I am gardening and growing vegetables.

What do you advise about keeping it balanced?

“Do not put all your eggs in one basket”. Be involved in multiple things, exercise, spend time with family and friends and above all take care of your health. A lot of times when I feel I have exhausted my creative side, changing activities brings me new ideas.

Here are some of the beautiful jewelry designs I found on Sholeh's site ZEBA.  I know you will want to check out her whole site once you see these designs.

Thanks to Sholeh for allowing us to display her beautiful designs on our Non-Member Artisan Blog!

We hope she will want to be a part of our page someday!

**If you have someone you would like to nominate to be on this blog, please contact me with

their name and site location.  Make sure they are interested in participating!

AJD-Featured Artisan Non-Member

AJD-Featured Artisan Non-Member

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