FEATURED ARTIST

I would like to introduce you to an interesting artist that works in hemp! Come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Courtney...

Briefly describe what you make?

I must admit to being yet another Etsy jewelry designer, but I like to think I have a different take on design than other sellers! Personally I love taking a concept that others may think of as drab or boring and making it come alive. For instance, I base all of my design ideas on things I've seen in nature. I've had many people convo me saying that they love how my designs are so bright and full of different textures since they think of nature-inspired items as being a bit monotone in both color and texture. However, I feel that the natural world is full of different colors, shades and textures that many people just never notice!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

In particular I love macrame because I like taking hemp and dressing it up to be more than a "teenage" accessory, which I feel is how many people think of it. I also enjoy the feel of the fibers in my hands and how easy it takes on any shape or pattern I envision.

How long have you been creating craft?

I, of course, began tying hemp jewelry as a teenager and later began to expand my designs to include beaded and wire jewelry.

How did you get started?

I started designing jewelry because I needed a creative outlet and felt that I had no artistic talent, which I recently realized isn't true! It actually turns out that the OCD control freak in me was just afraid of the lack of control I feel over the paint and the canvas. I originally began selling my designs to make a little money on the side for groceries and extra spending money. Then a couple of months back I began to realize how much I love to create and that if I took my work more seriously I could actually turn it into a legitimate business, which it is well on its way to becoming!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My shop name was created while I was on one of my hippie chic fashion kicks and derives from the word eco-friendly. I thought I may end up regretting the name, closing shop and starting over, but as my design aesthetic has developed I have realized just how much I believe in being "green" and using as many earth-friendly materials as possible. After all, the rest of the world shouldn't suffer just so you can look fabulous!

What would you most want people to know about your work?

Personally I believe the most important aspect of my work is the fact that it is all environmentally friendly. I use locally made materials, materials I create myself and scour yard sales and rummage bins for things to take apart and reuse by incorporating them in my designs. I feel that it is extremely important to keep as many items out of landfills as possible and this environmental consciousness definitely carries over to my designs.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

The most influential advice I ever received both as an artist and a person is to be true to yourself and let it flow through everything you do because that is the only way to be truly happy.


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You have got to go and take a look at this very different jewelry. Go and look at this shop and then please leave your comments here and let Courtney know that you appreciate her work!