Featured Artisan: LIT by LIT Accessories

First off, tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Sara and I'm from Portugal. I live in a small town near Lisboa and I love it here! I'm a graphic designer and I'm interested in arts and crafts since I can remember - I've always felt the need to explore my creative side and give free rein to my imagination. And that's what I'm always trying to do :)

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How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?

I've been making artwork for many years - first just for myself, then for family and friends. But one day I realized that I wanted to raise my target a little bit more; so I've launched a new line of handmade accessories - Lit by Lit accessories. It's a new brand but is here to stay!
 

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Where do you get your inspiration from?

I think inspiration comes from everywhere: what I see on the streets, stores, books, magazines, internet, tv... But especially in color and fantastic materials that grab my attention - like paper, tulle, felt and much more. Everything can be inspiring and inspiration comes anytime - even when I'm sleeping! 

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Is there anything else you would like to share?

Yes :) Here's my lovely new store: http://litbylit.storenvy.com

I'm also in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litbylit

And in Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/saralit/

You can like, follow, buy.. Or just stop by :)

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Featured Artisan: Tumblestone Handmakery

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First off, tell us a little about yourself!

I've been happily married for 4 years and I'm a mother to a 21 year old sassy cat! Unable to have children of my own, my kitty is my bebe. I'm quite the goofy character, a sense of humour is important! I love to read, up until I started Tumblestone Handmakery, I would always have a book with me, I'm a non-fiction buff and addicted to learning about anything and everything. I especially enjoy Geography and Anthropology. Put a blank globe in front of me and I could point out any country and tell you all about it! I'm a total nerd at heart - and I love it!

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How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?
I have been creating jewelry on and off my entire life. I hadn't been artsy at all for a couple of years until I came across Fallen Angel Brass.
I immediately fell in love with their components and knew I needed to make myself some jewelry using their findings. When I posted my creations on line, I got so many compliments and requests that I decided to start Tumblestone. It's been going strong ever since and I have a sewing and mosaic section as well that is doing just as well. It's quite funny because I hadn't touched a sewing machine since failing horribly at it in high school until December '11. (All sewing projects are on my Facebook page shown at the bottom of this interview)

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Where do you get your inspiration from?
I'm not quite sure to be honest... I never know what I'm going to create before I create it, I don't draw out designs and I cant envision something before it is made. When I make a piece of jewelry I think of it as a puzzle.
I like to have all of my beads, stones and components all there in front of me and I play and piece things together until I get the "That's it!" epiphany.
I don't put pieces together and hope people like it, I make pieces that I fall in love with and would love to own myself. There is love in every piece.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
If there is something that you want to do but you dont know how, ask around and just do it! You never know what will come of it. Even just 6 months ago I never would have expected any of this. I had never touched a sewing machine or could even tell you what a blog was!


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You may include links to your Facebook, Blog, Twitter, etc

Facebook fan page: http://facebook.com/tumblestone.handmakery
Online shop: http://tumblestone.storenvy.com
Blog: http://tumblestonehandmakery.blogspot.ca
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tumblestones

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Featured Artisan: Creative Atelier

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First off, tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Iveth Caruso, and Creative Atelier reflects my attraction for simple and minimal jewelry in which the structures I use are relatively simple but they form elegant designs. I always aim for simplicity. I like strong lines, intense colors and quality materials. I make my jewelry with a lot of dedication and attention to detail from my home studio in sunny Georgia.

How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?

Since I was a child I saw my mother make all sorts of crafts. My mom is the most creative and resourceful person I know. I specially remember a set of paper mâché puppets she made for us. They were such a lovely artistic creation. I have been interested in art and design for a long time, but I didn't start making jewelry until about ten years ago, part of it is because I refuse to buy mass produce jewelry.

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Where do you get your inspiration from?

Before or after Pinterest? I used to cut out interesting ideas from magazines and organize them in binders. Artwork pictures, color schemes, plants, and many more. In my opinion Mother Nature, like many artist has tried all styles but she invented "minimalist". My mind is always at work, I have a sketch book that I carry with me at all times. Sometimes I write ideas and some other times I paint little sketches of future pieces.
 

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Is there anything else you would like to share?

Yes of course!

Please visit and follow my blog here: http://www.creativeatelier.net/

If you rather follow me on Pinterest here: http://pinterest.com/creativeatelier
 
And please favorite my Storenvy shop here: http://creativeatelier.storenvy.com/ 

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Featured Artisan: Tamsy Trends

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First off, tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Maite and I am a work-at-home mom. I grew up in the Philippines, but now live in Central Virginia with my husband and our two daughters. I am a self-taught jewelry artist, and an avid reader who loves to travel and see the world.

How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?

About 5 years ago, my youngest child started elementary school and I finally found myself having a little extra time on my hands. I spent most of my new free time crafting. I already knew how to sew so I started sewing stuff for my house – curtains, table cloths and napkins etc.  Then, on a trip to a craft store, I picked up a jewelry making book and starter kit and decided to try to learn how to make necklaces and bracelets.  My thinking then was I would make a couple of pieces for myself and my kids and probably a couple to give to family and friends as Christmas gifts.  Well, needless to say, I got completely hooked and I did not stop making jewelry since then.

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Where do you get your inspiration from?

Through the years, I've noticed that I draw a lot of inspiration from the colors I see everyday, whether it be from a nice painting I saw or a certain window display, a garden of flowers, or from the colors of buildings I pass by everyday.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I really love what I do. I always hope that other people will, likewise, enjoy my creations. Every piece is handmade with care in my smoke free home. I also love working with others to design and create one-of-a-kind pieces they may need for a very special occasion, a special someone or just because :)

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Shop on Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TamsyTrends
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TamsyTrends
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tamsytrends
Tumblr: http://tamsytrends.tumblr.com

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