FEATURED ARTIST

Here is a jewelery artist that you really should see. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make all kinds of beaded jewelry, and I also love to paint, but the main focus of Sweet Avenue at the moment is my collage pendants. I use patterned paper, acrylic tiles, and transferred images to make colorful and lightweight, graphic pendants. The other thing you will see a lot of in my shop is jewelry and hair accessories made with vintage-inspired resin flowers. I started making them purely for selfish reasons - I love to wear them myself!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

When I am creating visual art, it's mostly acrylic paints, but also charcoal with ink, and pastels. With jewelry - semi-precious stones, beads of all shapes and sizes, paper, plastic, fabric, wood, ink, all types of metal - basically anything you can think of that can be turned into a cool-looking piece of jewelry, I will use.

How long have you been creating craft?

Over twenty years now, I guess! Although, growing up my mother always encouraged our creativity, so I suppose I've been creating since I was born. I've always been a very passionate person. Apparently, when I was three or four years old, I had a crush on the boy who lived next door, so I painted him a picture, and ran out to give it to him - completely naked! Kids are great because they just do what they want to without worrying about what's proper. I think good artists are the same way.

How did you get started?

I started beading with seed beads when I was eight years old at summer camp. I learned how to make daisy chain, tube peyote stitch, seven bead lace....and it just progressed from there. When I got older, I became more interested in gemstone beads, fashion jewelry (why buy it in the store when you can make it yourself?), and most recently, multimedia jewelry. I have sold jewelry in various ways over the years, including one summer at my parent's farm stand. I decided to open an Etsy shop just this year, and "officially" opened in May. Things have been going really well, and I'm hoping to continue to build momentum. You can also now find my things at the boutique called Trinket on Church Street in downtown Burlington, Vermont.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop comes from the beautiful song "Sweet Avenue" by the band Jets to Brazil, whose singer used to front one of my favorite bands of all time - Jawbreaker. It also happens to be the song that my sister and her husband danced to at their wedding. So besides simply being a song that I love, the song has good memories associated with it.

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

One is that I make the things I make because I think they are beautiful, and I love them. I never make a piece purely because I think it will sell. The other is that when they buy a piece of jewelry, or even if they just tell me that they think it's beautiful, they are supporting an important part of me, a part that I don't get to express in my day-to-day, 9-to-5 job. It brings me so much happiness.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Follow your heart, support your fellow artists, and dream big! On a more serious note, if you are in business, stay organized and keep good records. You'll be glad that you did!


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Now, take a look at this shop and come back here and leave a comment.

FEATURED ARTIST

Here is an artist who works in various media. I would like to introduce you to



Here is our interview with the artist, Kelli -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make a lot of things, but my true love is painting. I paint on canvas, wood, furniture, walls, floors, you name it. I also love making hair clips and bows and handcrafted jewelry. I love things that make people go, "Where did you get that???? It is so fun and unique!" I have a new line of up cycled barn wood paintings that are getting noticed quickly locally and on etsy too...that excites me.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love acrylic paint the most and the more I mix it the more I like it...I am a color lover and mixing interesting colors and hues is fun for me. I love to layer paintings to bring out a bright, vivid mix of colors.

How long have you been creating craft?

I don't' remember not painting...so my entire life I suppose. I consider my first real paintings to be the set I did when I was nine months pregnant with my son. He is 8 now. They are of an elephant, an alligator and a monkey. I couldn't find what I wanted and whipped them out while my parents and my husband painted Greer's nursery. I finished in much less time than they did and couldn't wait for the walls to dry to get them up. I got so many compliments on them I started doing paintings for other people and it just kept growing from there. I sell at a lot of local craft shows now, but am new to selling on etsy. I am hoping to build a fan base there like the one I have locally. I began making jewelry a few years ago and started selling it almost immediately. I began making hair bows when I had my little girl and wanted to make some for her. I used my extra stock to make more to sell and they took off fast.

How did you get started?

I just went for it. It was word of mouth at first and still many customers come from the word spreading of satisfied customers. I am still working on my etsy store and am a newbie there. I am frugal with my shop and only put money into it from sales. This supports my habit of creating and allows me to continue doing it even when the economy is down.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I used my name a long time ago on my very first business cards and have just kept it ever since. I have thought about changing it over the years, but it is working for me. I include my middle initial as a nod to my Dad who I adore.

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

That a lot of obsessive compulsiveness goes into each piece...into each stroke really. I try my best to have the best possible craftsmanship and I don't make anything unless I am enjoying making it. I always want this to be fun...never something I dread or that feels like work.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Go for it! And do everything you can to get it out there. I keep a list of strategies and ideas and haven't implemented them all yet, but I am always planning my next move and prioritizing what that move should be. Do what you love and love what you do!!! That's what life is all about, right??? If not it should be.

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Wonderful interview. Wonderful shop - come see!

FEATURED ARTIST

Our artist this week is a jeweler. Come and meet -



Here is our interview with the artist, Tara.

Briefly describe what you make?

I make jewelry. More specifically, I make jewelry that is inspired by the deep blues and greens of the ocean, the warm sand on the beach, and the sparkle and glint of the sun off the water. I am an avid beachgoer and am most in touch with myself and my soul when near the ocean. I have a passionate love for the sheer, raw energy found there and for all the creatures, big and small, who live in its depths. Many of my creations include sea glass and various charms like sand dollars, starfish, and mermaids. Others just have a hint of the ocean or nature in the color or style.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite to work with is copper. I love how organic it looks and it contrasts so well with so many colors and stones. I also love working with silver. I use gold and brass as well, and enjoy both of them. My favorite shape of stone is definitely a briolette, or teardrop, shape. They are so natural looking and are of course inspired by the water as well.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started out last year selling my paintings and have only been selling my jewelry since February. I've always been creative, though, and I think I've found my niche (for now) with jewelry. There's something so "perfect" to me about working with such sparkly gems and precious metals (because I'm such a girly girl at heart)

How did you get started?

When I sold my first painting, I took that money and bought some cheap wire, pliers, and beads at WalMart and set about teaching myself how to make what I already loved to wear. The designs had been in my head for years but it took a day or two of making awful looking mistakes before I started to actually get the ideas translated into wearable art. I've come a long way since then and haven't looked back since!

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Years ago, when I first started going online, I started using watergirl as a handle because I grew up on the beach. When I opened an account on eBay (again, years ago) watergirl was taken and waterwaif was born. I've loved it since then because waif sounds more "mermaid-y", doesn't it?

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

That I want you to love it as much as I do. I love doing custom work for people and have even created pieces for someone based only on "I want black stones and some gold". Every artist puts their own heart into each piece and I just love giving mine away every time.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't underestimate yourself and always keep looking ahead. Don't wait for opportunities to fall into your lap; seize them now. I waited until my kids were almost grown (they are 15 and 12 now) before I started trying to sell my creations online. I so wish I'd started sooner and not wasted any time. We only live once and we, each and every one of us, have so much to share with each other.

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Nice! Come and see this shop and then come on back and leave a comment for Tara!

FEATURED ARTIST

This artist is a jeweler - Come and meet:



Here is our interview with the artist, Cindy -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. My pieces incorporate real gemstones, freshwater pearls, and swarovski crystals. I make earrings, bracelets/anklets, watches, necklaces & pendants, and rings, and focus primarily on colors and styles that remind me of nature and the beauty of creation that we find all around us. There are so many colors

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I work exclusively with sterling silver for metals, and hopefully someday soon fine silver. I've even started to use Argentium sterling silver which is supposed to be letter allergenic or tarnish-prone. I love real gemstones. They are so beautiful, and each one is so different. They are all unique, and I think that adds to the charm of my jewelry.

How long have you been creating jewelry?

I have only been making jewelry for about a year, but have loved being creative all my life. I play the piano as well, and also have a marketing business, and I love that each day is different.

How did you get started?

I actually started sort of on a whim. I had created a bracelet and watched someone make earrings, and then decided I wanted to try as well. It took me a little bit to learn what my style of jewelry was, but I now have learned that I love to great feminine and dainty pieces of jewelry that is classic and timeless from high quality materials. I believe everyone wants to have affordable jewelry that is beautiful designed and made from top quality materials.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

ck is my initials, and I work with silver. I was looking at all different kinds of shop names, and when I thought of cksilver, it all came together and made sense. I knew it was meant to be!

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

I believe in top quality custom service. That starts with the products I work with, my quality of work, and includes how I treat my customers before, during, and after their purchase. All my products are guaranteed, and come in a silver cotton-filled gift box. I work hard to keep my 100% satisfied customer rating, and want each and every person to know they are valued.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

It takes a lot of work to promote and sell your work. Be prepared to do the hard work yourself or hire someone else to do it. People won't know about your work unless you tell them! I thought just because I was on Etsy people would find me.

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Great interview! Nice work. Come see Cindy's Shop! Then come back here and leave a comment.

Trying to Find a Real Craft Show

It is harder and harder to find a craft show that makes sure that all that is being offered for sale is actually handmade by the artist who is selling in the booth. We no longer will do a craft show that we have not seen in advance. We attend many shows - walk through the entire show and count how many people selling are selling commercial imports and the numbers are staggering.

We have stop doing most shows that we have done over the years. The few that we do have remained with a majority of real craft being sold but those shows have their growing share of commercial import vendors. One has to question why even call these craft shows at all. Some shows that had wonderful reputations for many years have now started to call themselves craft and gift show because the majority of vendors are selling commercially made items - known in the retail industry as "buy and sell".

Are there fewer craftspeople? Certainly not. What there are - are more people who are out of work who have decided that it is easy to wholesale purchase imports and sell them at craft shows. Some will be very open about what they are selling - offering them in their commercial packaging with the Made in China stickers in place on the items themselves. Some think they are pulling something on the public and when asked if they have made something say yes - and that something is what was seen on the infomercial the night before being sold for $19.99 and you get two plus all of these extras. Really - one guy insisted he made the pocketbooks with the insides that move from bag to bag - just ignore those packing cartons with the commercial name of the product on them under the table. These people think they are pulling something on the craft-buying public and I guess they are because they are there at the craft show selling and people are buying.

I have been asked why can't the two - real craft and buy and sell items go together at a show. The reason is very simple - there is no way to compete. I can purchase from a catalog at wholesale very attractive jewelery that I could sell and make a good profit for at two for ten dollars. And I have seen vendors at craft shows selling exactly this. Now, if it takes me an hour to make a handmade necklace and it costs me ten dollars in materials, how could I sell that necklace at two for $10 to compete with the import seller? There is no way.

I have been at craft shows - very prestigious craft shows - where a customer will come up and ask if I make what they are looking at in my booth. I have to say "of course" which is the truth - but just that someone is asking me and the rest of the real crafts people selling is an indication that something is really wrong. I have seen other legitimate crafts people put signs up that say, "We make everything that we sell." How sad to have to do that at a craft show.

There had been a problem in some states around what could be called a "flea market" and what should not be and some states passed laws about the use of the name "flea market". When the same has been proposed by the craft community about the name "craft show" it has been ignored.

I wish I had an answer. The best that you can do is let the promoters at a craft show know that the people who are selling are not selling crafts - but you know what has happened when I have done that - the response is " So?"

FEATURED ARTIST

This is a very unusual craft - an ancient craft brought to modern application. Come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Jessica:

Briefly describe what you make?

I make handmail chainmaille jewelry, key chains, and lanyards.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I work with bright aluminum, anodized aluminum, enameled copper, and sterling silver.

How long have you been creating craft?

I first learned the art in August of 2009, after my doctor told me I needed a hobby.

How did you get started?

I bought a book and taught myself from that book, other books and the internet.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Since chainmaille deals mostly in metal, i wanted to represent that with a regal association, such as the reign of a monarch.

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

I am completely self-taught and despite having a medical condition that hinders my craft, I still love making jewelry!

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Dont give up. Keep experimenting and putting yourself out there. You will never go anywhere if no one can find you.

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Well, short on words but big on talent. Come see Metal Reign!

FEATURED ARTIST

This artist makes what is known as "fine" jewelry, come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Jaynemarie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make fine handcrafted jewelry using fine gems, pearls, crystals and metals. I use different methods to make my jewelry depending on what I have and what I want to work on. I will make custom items as well, especially for weddings, proms and other special occasions. My jewelry is well made and, of course, looks much better than I can ever photograph it!

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I like combining metal, chains, gems and pearls in combination that are pretty and unexpected. I find it hard to pick a medium because every metal (gold, silver, copper, etc.) has really nice characteristics. I will usually pick some pearls and gems and then play with various metals to see what I can come up with. I find I do a lot by combining chains and gems together in unexpected ways. I just love the look of different metals as well as how different chains look and move. I also enjoy the color, texture and variety of gemstones and pearls.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started a looong time ago to make jewelry for me when I was in junior high. I wanted a necklace that I could not afford, so I figured out how to make it. It was a beaded necklace that at intervals had woven flowers. I went to a craft store and bought a box of different color seed beads and thread and from there made not only that necklace, but others for my friends.

How did you get started?

I started by beading simple necklaces and branched out into using precious gems and pearls. I went that route because I like jewelry so much and realized that I could never afford to buy what I wanted, so I had to learn how to make it myself. From there I wanted to more and so I went to school to learn more advanced techniques. Now I make jewelry for my daughters as well as for people who see my jewelry and ask for special pieces. I really enjoy creating something beautiful which is why I keep making jewelry.echniques.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

It comes from my name. It simply Jewelry made by me.

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

I work very hard to make high quality jewelry using the best materials I can. My work is creative and can be personalized for your occasion and wardrobe. I love to make jewelry for weddings and other special occasions because I know that these are very important days and you want to look the best you can. I really like creating pieces that are beautiful and fun to wear. I know my work could be sold in stores (and has been), but I prefer to sell it personally so that I can make it as affordable as possible.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Make what you like. If you do not like what you are trying to sell, why should anyone else?

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Jaynemarie's work is truly a "cut-above". If you want something of quality please visit her shop!

FEATURED ARTIST

This shop is a bit different in the theme of what it sells. Come and meet




Here is our interview with the artist, Sabina -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make spiritually inspired jewelry and crocheted items. That's the short answer. The long answer is that I make pieces that I feel bless the wearers because while I'm making them, I listen to worship music and let the music inspire me in the creation process.


What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

With the jewelry I started out just being interested in the beads, but as time has gone by, I've wanted to learn more and more, so now I'm into wire wrapping, etc. I keep saying I want a micro torch so I can get into some real metalsmithing, but my 18 year old daughter (who's an artist) keeps insisting that I'll burn the apartment building down ...

When I'm crocheting, I work with different kinds of yarn, but prefer either cottons or acrylics that are easy to care fibers. I'm the kind of person who thinks about how this will be used and how would I want to be able to care for it if it were mine. Then I choose the fibers that can we washed and dried easily.


How long have you been creating craft?

For as long as I can remember I've been doing some sort of crafting. When I was little I used to take leftover bits of fabric and fashion clothes for my Barbies. Then my mom taught me to crochet. Later a friend taught me how to knit. I had a sewing business for 10 years when my children were little. I also had a scrapbooking store for four years. So it seems like I've always been doing something crafty.


How did you get started?

Well, because I had some business sense it was pretty easy for me to take my crafting to the next level and make things to sell. I used to give things away and then people said that my things were so well made that I should sell them. When it came to the jewelry and crocheting, that was easy to make the decision to sell them.


Where does the name of your shop come from?

The actual name of my shop is Angelic Adornments and it came from the fact that I listen to worship music while creating -- so it was like having angels for muses. It just seemed like the logical choice.

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

I so love what I do and I feel a little piece of who I am is in each piece. I want the works to bless the wearers and brighten their day. So when they buy one of my items, I hope they will feel blessed.


What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Don't quit your day job! Ha ha. Seriously though, if you love what you do, if it gives you joy and is almost therapeutic in nature, then keep doing it. I keep telling my daughter to please herself first in her art work and if other people love it that that is icing on the cake. Don't try to please man first because you will lose all sense of who you are in your art. And its your sense of self that needs to shine through to others from the things you make.

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The work here is lovely and you must see for yourself that you are going to find that her pieces just wonderful for anyone!

Come visit Sabina at her shop!

FEATURED ARTIST

When you first take a look at this shop you are going to say, hey, this does not look like craft- but if you look closely through the listings you will see some very fine, handmade jewelery mixed in with listings for antiques and vintage collectibles. Many of our shops are eclectic and I also have added some vintage to my listings from time to time - so with that said, come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I handcraft One Of A Kind items. I love Gemstones! I create many pieces with all kinds of lovely Gemstones. I make Gemstone Jewelry, Hair Accessories, and Wall Decor.
Other Items that I handcraft are Candles, and Catnip toys.
I also Collect and Sell vintage items as well.
My Vintage collection comes from my grandmothers personal collection of over 30 years.
She decided it was time to start down sizing her collection of Fenton, Depression glass and more. She gave these items to me to keep what I desired, and to help me in starting up my shop.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I Craft all my items from home.
I work with my children sometimes when creating some of my items.
This way they can put their finishing touches to it, and be included in my work.
I also help them create their own Items to sell on my site in the Kidz Craft Section.
This gives them a sense of accomplishment when I tell them how well they have done, and that their craft they made is online for sale.

When I am working on something more complicated I like to wait till my children are off to bed, or at school when the house is quiet and I can put my full attention into a piece.

I currently work from the comforts of my living room.
I have the nice table with drawers and a large Armoire next to the recliner to keep all my supplies and finished products in. I am currently working on making a work area in my basement where I have more space to lay things out, and keep supplies in as I am starting to running out of space in my little area.

How long have you been creating craft?

I have been creating my own crafts since I was a little girl.
My mother has always been one of those Artsy, Crafty people.
When my sister and I were young we would do Ceramics, and make Porcelain dolls with our mom.
We also helped our mom with her on going projects.
We always wanted to do our part where our help was needed.
We even helped run her booths at the craft shows.

How did you get started?

I have always loved to do crafts, and create new things.
My Husbands sister is the one who introduced me to Etsy.
She convenience, and inspired me to join Etsy and open my own shop.
She told me I should share my work with others.
She still keeps my spirits high when she compliments one of my pieces.
I have been a member since June 2009 because of her, and have met a lot of wonderful people here.

I plan on continuing to follow in my mothers footsteps of creativity, by creating one of kind hand crafted items to share with others.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

My Sister in Law and I sat back and came up with all kinds of off the wall names.
Nothing fit.
She said Mandi Your first name and Middle name just sound so nice together. Plus the spelling is so different to.
It reminds you of a mom and pop vintage shop, or craft shop why not just use that.
I thought about it and said why not?
Its different, sounded like a good shop name and I couldnt seem to come up with anything better.
I think it fits to and that is what is most important.

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

I create with love. Each Item is always made with love, as I love what I do.
I spend alot of time creating my items. I focus on detail, quality, and trying to create something you wont find somewhere else.
Sometimes I will remake a piece over several times before I am satisfied with it.

Sure you may find a lot of jewelry, hair accessories, wall hangings, candles, and cat toys anywhere, but my focus is to make sure my items are not like others.

I strive to make them different, and interesting, yet lovely.

I also strive on Customer Service as it is a must! I worked in Customer Service, and Management for over 15 yrs.

My goal is to make Every customer Happy, and Satisfied with their purchase, communication and delivery.
I have been selling Antiques, and Vintage plus many other items for years on Ebay with 100% positive feedback from every customer and made it to a power seller.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Just hang in there and keep doing what you enjoy.
I know its hard, and sometimes it can get frustrating in the beginning when you are trying to get your business to grow. But if you love doing what you do just stick with it.
Advertise Locally, Word of mouth and Online and they will come.
I am still trying to get my face and products out there myself.
But I wont give up because I enjoy what I do.

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Now come and take a look at this shop!

FEATURED ARTIST

Fine silver and gemstone jewelery always sets itself apart - come and meet our featured jeweler -



Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create unique pieces of jewelry using sterling silver and 14 karat gold wire and gemstones. As of now, I use various wire wrapping techniques to achieve the look and composition of my designs and wire sculpting and hammering techniques as well.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Primarily, I use sterling silver to keep the cost as affordable as possible though some stones and designs just need the look of gold to fully bring them to life. I just love shaping and manipulating metal. What I may love more is the stones themselves! Since I was a kid, and like a lot of kids, I loved picking up cool-looking rocks and had a rock collection. My grandfather is a geologist and a lapidary and he certainly played a role in fostering my love of rocks. This interest has stayed in me and every time I see rough (or uncut) specimen or a cut and polished gem, I get a little giddy inside.

How long have you been creating jewelry?

I began seriously wire wrapping about June-July of 2009. I had played around making a piece of jewelry here and there for a long time but the art of wire wrapping beyond making loop closures was something new to me. You can really do a lot with wire, without soldering. Though I must say, in the future (hopefully near rather than far) I want to expand my skill set and start soldering, sawing, eventually grow into a real metal-smith.

How did you get started?

As I said earlier, I had made jewelry before, just for fun, probably since I was about 11 years old. I've always enjoyed crafting, whether it be jewelry, sewing/crocheting, drawing, building, I've dabbled in a lot of things and I enjoy it all. The idea to actually make jewelry as a serious endeavor (e.g. more than a hobby) was really one of those crazy things you wake up to one morning and you can't get it out of your head. I didn't begin right away but there it was: sooner or later I was going to make jewelry to sell. I started out making some beaded watch bands because they were simple and cute but then I came across some jewelry tutorials for wire wrapping and the rest is history.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I tell you, one of the hardest things in forming a business is coming up with a name for it, at least that's what was hardest for me. I was brainstorming and I asked my husband offhandedly (for probably the fifth time over the course of two weeks) what I should call my shop. He suggested, without much thought to it, "Honoria." We had been watching "Jeeves and Wooster" episodes and there's a character named Honoria Glossop in one we'd seen recently. He thought the name sounded nice. I mulled over it and shortened the name to Noria and the name "Noria Jewelry" just had a ring to it that I liked.

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

I do it all myself; the designs, the forms, the wrapping, even the findings (except for some commercially-produced chains), I make them myself. There are other fabulous wire artists out there and while I strive to one day be counted among them, I also strive to keep my aesthetic unique to my own style and artistic expression.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Keep it enjoyable. Learn new techniques, seek fresh inspirations. Don't be afraid of criticism, in fact, welcome it and then learn from it.

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Very nice - very elegant! Come see this shop - and then come back and leave a comment!

The Lucet

Many years ago on a vacation we were visiting The Jamestowne Settlement, a recreation of the Jamestown Fort on the James River in Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. The site then was not as well developed as it is now, having just past the 4ooth Anniversary of the founding of the settlement, but it had a small museum, an Indian village, reconstructions of the ships that brought the settlers to found the colony, and a recreated fort. On the schedule that day of demonstrations, it said "cord making". I interpreted this to mean rope and was excited to see how this is done. At the specified time we headed down to the area inside the fort and I looked for the large rope making apparatus that I expected to find. Nothing like that was there. Instead, sitting on the side of a path on a small bench was a woman with a basket in her lap and a small tool in her hand. I asked where the cord making demonstration would be and she smiled and said, "right here".

What she had in her hand was a lucet. She explained that is an ancient tool used for centuries to make strong, decorative cord that would be used to embellish clothing or tie things together like lace. She proceeded to move her fingers and twirl the tool around in her and as she worked - hardly looking down, a length of cord grew from the bottom of this lucet. I watched amazed. I had never seen anything like that before, and as a student of history I was fascinated. In my head I could see so many possibilities with this and this was before I had started reenacting history.

When we got home I had to find out more. At the time there was no Internet and therefore no Google to search. I went to the library and started going through historic needlework books. I looked through many until I found one that talked about the lucet or lucette. I learned more history but did not find what I wanted - a detailed photograph of an historic artifact. References led me to other sources and I found what I was looking for.

I took the photo and the described dimensions - plus knowing what the lucet that the woman had demonstrated looked like and proceeded to recreate one that was historically accurate - though there are many historic designs of lucets. My first lucet was carved from walnut. I still have and use that lucet.

Now that I had the lucet and some basic instructions on how to work it from one of the books, I got some string and tried it. It did not take long to produce cord just as the woman at Jamestown had done. Great! But what to do with that cord? I bought some floss in various colors - variegated color floss should be great as the cord would then vary in color shades. I also found a variety of metallic cords from which I could make larger, lucet cords. I started making these cords on the lucet and they looked great. The idea came to me to make earrings from the loops of cord. Setting the ends of short lengths into finding caps and then attaching ear wires, I had earrings that looked very different and attractive. I took them to work with me and they sold right away to co-workers. I took them to craft shows and they sold there too.

As I was making cord I decided to make a second lucet out of cherrywood. That one came out great too! And I still have and use that lucet. Years past and I became involved with 18th Century Living History - and saw the lucet as a way to interact with the public and talk about history. I also decided to make a few lucets and see if they would sell. While I did not figure on interest from the general public, I focused on those with an interest in history and approached one of the larger suppliers of period items to reenactors - from all periods in history. They liked the lucets very much, placed an order, and put my lucet in their catalog - as well their as bringing it to sell at living history events. They continue to order them form me and resupply their inventory.

Some time later I decided to add the lucets to my Etsy shop to see if they would sell there to the crafting and general public. I had the first lucets for sale on Etsy. They started selling and I added lucets in different American hardwoods - each designed and hand-carved as my original, historically accurate reproduction.

The lucet is easy to use and when I started offering them for sale I wrote a small booklet with photos to show exactly how to use them. Most of my lucets come with this booklet and those that do include illustrated instructions with all of the necessary steps. Anyone can learn to use the lucet within ten or fifteen minutes of following the diagrams and the text and once you know how to do it you will always be able to do it.

The cord may be used to make jewelry - like the earrings that I made or bracelets or necklaces. Multiple cords make great belts. The cord is strong and can be used to make laces for shoes or for clothing. It is truly unique.

In the past year I decided to add another style lucet to my offerings. Some lucet have handles and while I prefer the smaller lucet that just fits in the hand, some do prefer a lucet with a handle to hold and turn while working. The handle lucet that I designed is historically correct in design but is not a reproduction of an ancient lucet. It is still appropriate for living history events. It works exactly the same way, though it is held in the hand by the handle. I make this lucet of thicker wood with a larger eye to allow much larger cords to work with this lucet - while still being perfect for the thinnest fiber. I make most of my handle lucets from poplar wood. It has a remarkable grain pattern and coloring that will vary uniquely from piece to piece.

All of my lucets are for sale and may be found here at my Etsy Shop - Q Branch Ltd. It is definitely unique. No two lucets of mine are ever exactly the same - the wood alone, plus the hand-carving makes each one of a kind. Many have never seen a lucet before. The cord that one can make has a million creative possibilities. Come over to the shop and see what great ones are there now.

FEATURED ARTIST

This artist has talent in an ancient craft - very different, though what she creates is very modern and appealing. I am introducing to you -



Come meet the artist, Jess -

Briefly describe what you make?

I specialize in Chinese arts, specifically brush painting and knottings. The paintings have a very light and serene feel, and I mostly concentrate on scenes from nature – including landscapes, flora, and some animals. In terms of the knotting, I take traditional knotting techniques and apply them to functional usages, such as hair accessories, drawing from modern inspiration in the everyday world.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Chinese brush painting is done on rice paper using ink and watercolors, which are applied using special brushes made of bamboo and animal hair. For knotting, I use a specific type of cord, which is perfectly round in diameter with a very smooth finish.

How long have you been creating craft?

I’ve been painting for a good number of years, since I was in my early teens. It sort of fell by the wayside during college, but I picked it back up about a year after graduation. Knotting has been more of a hobby of mine for quite awhile, and I didn’t start experimenting more with this technique until after college as well.

How did you get started?

My parents are originally from Taiwan, and they made sure that even as I grew up in America, that I retained a bit of that traditional culture. So when I saw my mother painting when I was younger, watching the sure strokes of her brush across the paper, I decided that I wanted to learn as well and began going to lessons. I picked up knotting at our local Chinese school during special culture classes. Eventually, this appreciation for the traditional art forms merged with my own modern inspiration, giving rise to the items that I now create.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I never thought to try selling my work while I was growing up. However, a year after graduating from college, when I moved to Brooklyn and began painting and knotting with a vengeance, I realized that I couldn’t realistically keep everything I was creating. There simply wasn’t enough space in my apartment! So I began searching online, and stumbled across Etsy. Since my apartment played a large part in me selling my work online, it seemed fitting to name my shop “C Line Creations,” as my apartment is located right off of the (C) subway line in Brooklyn!

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

My work is heavily influenced by Asian culture, as evidenced by the art forms I work in, but it is also inspired by the modern world in which I live. In that way, most of my creations are a melding of east with west, in the same way that I am a Chinese woman immersed in the western world.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Try to relate to your customers. One of the best parts of selling my own work is to realize that someone else out there likes it as well, and to be able to actually communication and make a connection with that person. There’s really nothing like it, and good, personable customer service really cannot be overemphasized.

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Come now to see Jess's shop at Etsy, then come back and let Jess know what you think!

FEATURED ARTIST

This week we have a jewelry artist who does some very nice work. Come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Christina -

Briefly describe what you make?

I design and make jewelry and beaded bookmarks. Most of my earrings and necklaces are made with gemstones and semi-precious stones, as well as glass, shell, and pearl, and I mainly work with sterling silver. I use the same quality materials to embellish my silver-plated hook bookmarks.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

My favorite materials to work with are natural stones. I love the unending variety of colors and patterns in Ocean and Crazy jaspers. I love the swirls in Banded and Botswana agates. I love to take out my magnifying glass and look at each little bead I buy and admire the whirls and dots and splashes. I take photos of my jewelry with a macro lens
so buyers can see all the little fine details, and hopefully appreciate them as much as I do.

How long have you been creating craft?

I got off to a pretty slow and unsuccessful start early on. My first attempt at creativity was an 8th grade sewing class and I didn't do too well there. It was too much math/measuring for me. My freshman year in high school I tried again, taking a Home Ec. class in sewing, and I made my teacher cry. (She retired soon after so I don't think it was just me that stressed her out...) I started doing cross stitch in college and kept at it over a ten year period. And then once I had children my creative efforts went into making things that they could help me with like candles, soaps, and ornaments.

How did you get started?

A few years ago my ill father came to live with me, and I and my family cared for him until he passed away in 2007. During the year that he lived with us I spent a lot of time assessing my life, my needs, and my interests and desires. After that year of very emotionally intense care-taking, I felt a strong need to do something creative. Without any real thought I decided I wanted to try my hand at making jewelry and within a month of his passing I was in a craft store buying some beads and wire. I've been making jewelry and bookmarks now for just over two years and love everything about the creative process. I also think of my dad when I think of my jewelry business, and how happy he'd be to see me doing what makes me happy.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I had such a difficult time choosing my shop name! Etsy was the first place I considered to start my shop in so I did quite a bit of looking around to see who was selling there. I went through so many names while trying to decide if I was a cute cottage, a serious studio, a fancy aerie. I finally decided I was a down-to-earth shop and the name Leaf and Tendril soon followed. I think the name suits me because it's natural and organic, no muss and fuss.

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

I'd like people to know that I really care about the quality of materials I choose. That I take a lot of time and thought into putting each piece together. And that even though I fret daily that I'll never sell another thing again - I thoroughly enjoy what I'm doing and hope that some of the energy and fun carries into the earring or bookmark I'm making, and then onto the person who buys and uses it.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

I'm still new to the business of being an artist so I won't give business advice. The advice I will give is this: YOU CAN do this - design, create, innovate, sell - without a degree from a fine arts school. You don't need to have started when you were a teenager, or even be a 20 something. You don't need a whole lot of money and a beautiful studio to go with it, although that would be nice. You just need to set a little of your very valuable time aside, and while doing that, listen to your inner artist. She/He will tell you what to do, and then you'll figure out how to do it.

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Great interview - nice shop. Come visit it!