Featured Shop of May 28th, 2012

This week I am featuring D.M. Design from Etsy.com

Meet Doran Merav, owner and creator of D.M. Designs:

I am a 29 year old artist, designer and architect. I graduated from the Technion, Israeli Institute of Technology. I have been creating all my life.  I am self taught and have been mostly painting and carving in wood (mainly because of availability of tools and materials).  In 2006, I started studying architecture which significantly expanded my physical and mental arsenal of creation.  New materials and ideas started showing themselves in my work, but the basic concept has always been achieving beauty through motion, volumes and general composition testing the materials and reinterpreting it in anyway I can think of.

My jewelry is NOT for everyone.  The jewelry I make does not try to hide on your body as a thin line of gold that just says "this is a gold ring". My jewelry is about color, textures, and composition. It wants to be seen. You will not find a simple loop of hammered metal in my shop because that does not interest me. Instead, you will find architectural compositions as well as nature inspired organic flowing forms and jewelry that are more of a statement or a concept.

I do not like writing long stories about each piece unless absolutely necessary.  I rather give basic, important information about materials and size and let the pictures do the talking. Most of my designs are made to order in any size, material and finish you choose.

You can also see Doran's designs on his website:  www.doronmerav.com

Featured Shop of May 21st, 2012

This week, we are featuring Distorted Earth, a bohemian-chic jewelry boutique on Etsy.com



Meet Brandy Kamenski, owner of Distored Earth.

 

I am from Newport, NJ. I have a wonderful family. My husband, Chad, and I have a soon to be 3 year old son. I am a 27 year old stay at home mom. My family is my top priority but I love making jewelry in my spare time.  I make what I like. Everything I make is an expression of my self and style or of some variation. Sometimes it's hard to part with some pieces, but I can't keep them all and I love the thought of my work being worn and appreciated by other people.

I became seriously interested in making jewelry when I was about 14. I would make beaded jewelry and try to sell it at the flea market or small local craft shows. While I met some pretty cool people and had some fun times, I never had any success selling my jewelry. As I got older, I found eBay. Off to the craft store I went. But it was a failed attempt. I could not move my jewelry there either. I stopped making jewelry for a long time until my my mother-in-law introduced me to Etsy around 2007. I did a vintage shop, a pet toy shop, and a woodworking shop with Chad. I saw jewelry sellers doing really well.  I started researching. I noticed that beaded jewelry was so popular that the competition was unbelievable. All really great stuff! No wonder it was so hard for me to sell my simple beaded jewelry! So I decided to go with wire wrapping thus birthing Distorted Earth in 2010. I ordered the supplies and just pretty much taught myself how to wrap with a few tips on the internet. I practiced a lot and I enjoy making rings the most so that is my focus. Chad, on the other hand enjoys making earrings. He is also great at coming up with new design ideas That inspire my own designs. My husband, Chad, also contributes one of a kind pieces and helps with new designs. He is very creative and has his own style.

I draw my inspiration from the bohemian style. I love earth tones and nature. I also get a lot of inspiration from my family too. My son calls the rings circles. So some of the designs were made to look like circles.

My advice to anyone just starting out in jewelry making would be to just be creative and make what you like. Also search online for great suppliers instead of going to the craft store. You will be amazed at the price difference! You get what you put in. Hard work pays off. learn all you can and experiment. You will find what works. Selling jewelry goes beyond making the the jewelry. I spend more time on the business aspect then I do on making jewelry.

My husband is also very talented in woodworking so we have a shop at www.CountryByTheBumpkins.etsy.com. There you will find beautiful wood keepsake boxes and other wood crafts. My mother-in-law makes crochet hats. You can find her at www.GnarlyNotions.etsy.com

Featured Shop of May 15th, 2012

It's been some time now since I have introduced you to a shop from Etsy.  This one is a photography studio, 9th Cycle Studios.

Meet Christine, owner/photographer of 9th Cycle Studios:

I am originally from Australia, but moved to the United States about 6 years ago. I married to a wonderful American man, and am slowly assimilating to the culture. By that, I mean I say "awesome" and "like" WAY too much. We have no children, but plan on getting a dog (or three) at some point.

I started photographing things very early on. I don't remember who gave me my first camera or when, but I do recall taking one to school as early as 4th grade. I couldn't wait to get that roll of film developed, and put those photos in my album. It was always very important that I capture every memory I could.

No one ever told me how to use a camera. I just experimented until I found a way I was comfortable with. I now incorporate the use Photoshop, and always enjoy finding new ways to enhance or change the original mood of the photo.

I primarily use a digital Panasonic FZ47. This is only a recent addition. Before this, I had to make do with a VERY cheap Canon point and shoot. I also have an old Holga camera. I love the effect these cameras have, and how unpredictable they are. I often wish that I could make this plastic toy camera my primary one, but it's not at all cost effective. (*Sigh*).

My subjects are all over the place. Usually, I'll take a long walk and just photograph random things. I can be inspired by angles of a building, shadows being cast, the time of day etc. Sometimes, I stage my photos to illustrate a certain concept. It all depends on my mood. Some people say that having a defining style is very important as an artist, but I don't entirely agree. I would like to be cohesive, to a point, but I also like to reflect the shifting moods I have as a human being. That's why some photos are bright, some are morbid, fun, sad and everything in between.

I joined Etsy in September 2011, and it's been a fun ride so far. I put a lot of work into networking and promotion, and find myself spending a lot of time on the site. So far, it seems like time well spent. And, it's a fun time. I meet many interesting and creative people, I get to make treasuries to promote other artists and I get the thrill of seeing people admire my work.

If I could offer any advice to people starting out in photography (or anything they're passionate about) it is to persevere. I was dejected for the longest time because I had low end equipment, not capable of all the flashy work I'd seen with other photographers. Now, however, I'm glad. It taught me to work with what I've got, and make the best of it. More importantly, have fun with it.

May's Featured Business

Many of you have and use their products in your jewelry designs and aren't even aware of it.  We see them in the craft aisle of Wal-Mart, Jo-Ann, and Michael's, but never know until you look at the back of the packaging who manufactures those beautiful and sparkly items we love so much.

I am super excited to introduce you to Cousin Corporation of America.

Their product line includes the Jewelry Basics® line, Snap In Style®, Crystazzi®, Trinkettes®, as well as various tools, cording, kits, and bead organizers.

"Providing quality, value and inspiration for the designer in you.

This simple statement is our mission and the vision that we live by every day. It is the force that drives our business so we can deliver on our promise. Since we began our company our focus has been to design, manufacture and provide quality jewelry making products at an exceptional value to customers who are inspired by the craft of jewelry making.

Company History

Cousin has been family-owned for over 40 years. It all began in 1970 as Enterprise Art, a retail craft store in Largo, Florida. With the success of the arts and crafts, floral and home decor products, a wholesale division was created and Cousin was born. The popularity of jewelry making inspired us to focus our efforts on the products for this exciting craft. Today we are a premier wholesaler of jewelry making supplies.

Product Development

Our experienced design team creates jewelry making components with a classic style and gives it a twist of the latest fashion and jewelry looks. Our multi-talented designers constantly research jewelry, fashion and accessory trends, staying in tune with the newest look and ahead of the latest trend. We create and update our collections to provide our customers the most up-to-date quality jewelry making products at an exceptional value.

Digital Media and Marketing

We support our products and promote our brand by being innovative. From our comprehensive catalog and interactive website, to our extensive social media campaigns, we are engaged with the jewelry making community. We are the market leader in this ever evolving craft.

Cousin Today

Our stability and solid reputation speak for our company and our culture. Our full-service approach allows us to create and develop products in-house, from initial concept to creative design to final packaging. Our team of talented professionals ensures quality products at a value and provides support and inspiration to our customers.

Environmental Responsibility

Cousin is committed to making our world a better place through recycling, conservation and sustainability. Our “Green Team” has improved our existing processes and continually implements new environmentally friendly improvements. For more information on our initiatives please visit our website, www.cousin.com."

The Cousin Corporation of America's website is full of wonderfully helpful technique tips and project ideas.

Cousin Corporation of America also hosts product giveaways on their Facebook page.  Be sure to check it out and enter.  Click here to go to their fan page.  You can view their catalog here and order directly from their website.  Cousin Corporation has a blog you can follow as well.  Click here to visit their Jewelry Design Blog.

Absence

Forgive my long absence.  I've been severely under the weather lately.  I'm getting back in the swing of things though.  I have contacted two new artisans to be featured here in the next coming weeks.  In the meantime, I will be randomly blogging about stuff.  I will be featuring a company that not only is a mass producer of beads and findings, but a great source of inspiration and project ideas to the jewelry design market.  Visit again soon.

Featured Shop of March 5th, 2012

This week I have chosen to feature Lilywinkel, Real Touch & Silk Bouquets, Boutonnieres Flower Jewelry.

Meet Annie and Suzanne, owners of Lilywinkel:

My name is Annie and I work with my grandmother Suzanne (who I call Grammy). My grandmother has been creating beautiful wedding bouquets for over 30 years, having worked first in a florist shop and then later creating both fresh and artificial wedding floral for family and friends. She's the florist of choice for all her grandchildren's weddings as well.

I've often sat at the kitchen table with her, wiring leaves and handing her clippers or flowers, carefully shaking off the water and making sure the thorns didn't stab. Then I would watch as she placed the most beautiful flowers in crucial places in the bouquet. For one, it was a lily on the very top of the bouquet that only the bride could see so that she was reminded of Christ clothing her like a lily of the valley. For another, it was carefully placed magenta orchids that throbbed with life and beauty for my little sister's wedding. After the primary flowers were in place, she would fill in with complementary flowers and leaves, each blossom placed exactly right. Sometimes, when she didn't have to think about the artistic placement of each flower, she would tell me stories about her childhood in the Dutch Reformed community in Denver, and about her mother's rosebushes, and how girls in her youth always got married with orange blossoms in their bouquets or in their hair.

Now, I would like to learn from her as I share her beautiful bouquets with you. We will be working together to create silk and "real touch" bouquets that have the life and artistry of a freshly cut bouquet, but the long-lasting steadiness that only a silk bouquet can bring. Your love doesn't die when your wedding day is over, so why should your flowers? We hope to make you happy by listening to your wishes and ideas and then filling your hands with gorgeous designs that will take your breath away for years to come.

Featured on the Christian Artists and Sellers Blog here: http://christianmarketplace.wordpress.com/category/featured-artists-and-sellers/

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lilywinkel
Find us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/Lilywinkel

Featured Shop of 2/13/12

This week I am featuring Beata Belanszky Demko's Contemporary Original Artworks from Etsy.com

Meet Beata Belanszky Demko, owner of Beata Belanszky Demko's Contemporary Original Artworks

I am a wife and mom and live with my little family in Hungary. I started painting after the birth of my son. He is almost 4 years old, and since then I had many exhibition locally and internationally also.  I am the member of a Transylvanian Artists community and participate in international artist's painting camps.

Painting is my passion and my life. Colors really take me on a journey to another world. The procedure of painting satisfies my soul and hopefully it reaches the soul of the new owner too. I can't be more happy but when the painting finds its owner and the owner finds his / her painting.