Featured Artisan: Yasmin Lux

Hello everyone,

This post should have been scheduled for last Friday but due to scheduling conflicts, I could not post it sooner. My apologies for the delay.  Please welcome this weeks featured Artisan Yasmin Lux.


First off, tell us a little about yourself!
My name is Yasmin Lux, i now live in the north of Israel in a small village by a forest. for the last 6 years I've been traveling the world, spent time in Europe , Morocco, California and India. During my first stay in India in 2005 I encountered jewelry made with macrame and gem stones and immediately fell in love. 

How did you start creating your jewelry, and how long have you been doing it?
I have been making jewelry since I was a small girl, but  the discovery of macrame changed my whole style and I knew I will be doing this forever, or at least for as long as my eyes would hold up.  I bought a necklace from an artisan that day and he agreed to teach me the basics; from that day on I traveled everywhere with my supplies, learned  a little bit here, a little bit there  from fellow travelers , adding more and more tools to my "box" and the inspiration kept on coming. 


Where do you get your inspiration from?
I can't really say where my inspiration comes from, it just does, like an endless waterfall from the sky to my imagination!!! I am so blessed! of course the materials themselves bring inspiration as well, the chords, the colors, the textures. I get a lot of inspiration from the gem stones themselves, each one asking me to present it to the world in its full glory. The time I spent in India was endlessly inspiring as well, the women there are  walking jewels, their spirit equally beautiful. 

My style is deeply inspired by  old tribal jewelry as well,  I was especially moved by an exhibition in San Francisco where the contents of an Afghani tomb where displayed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillya_Tepe *. the tomb contained the remains of a prince and two high priestesses who were all adorned in gold- from head to toe. Standing in that room, all surrounded by the glow of gold made me realize we should all be adorned like this. Our bodies being creations of the divine, deserve to be decorated with the most regal ….. I think I might have been a jeweler for a queen at some previous life time, now I make adornments for the modern queens - the beautiful and inspiring women that are all around me.   Macrame has been my refuge ever since I found it , I am so great full to creation for bringing it into my life through it I have learned so much about life , it has been my meditation-  with an added bonus- I give birth to something beautiful at the end of it!

Only in the last 2 years I have been selling my jewels in markets and festivals, this had added a whole new dimension to my experience - sharing my moments of inspiration and magic with my sisters is a blessing I have never imagined !  

Outside of crafting, what else do you enjoy doing?

When I am not creating I love to be in nature , preferably near water ( a rare thing here in Israel) I see nature as the greatest artist  and my role model. I love beauty , wherever and however it appears in each moment in every thing, and see my creation as an attempt to amplify it in the world. thank you so much for this opportunity to share it with more people.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

" beauty is a manifestation of a secret natural law, which otherwise would have been hidden from us forever"

http://www.facebook.com/yasminstreasures?ref=hl ( my FB page)

my etsy shop is still under construction - http://www.etsy.com/shop/whiterythmicwind?ref=search_shop_redirect

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: LoveKhloeStudio

        First off, tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Catherine, I’m a 28 year old report analyst by day, happy homemaker by night, and a wife and mother to a gorgeous but wild 20 month old around the clock. I live just outside of Los Angeles and love everything about Southern California life. 

Source

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

I made my very first piece of jewelry in elementary school when my oldest brother introduced me to wood, seed beads, and fishing line. I used to think I was the coolest thing walking around in my very own necklace. At that point was when I first stepped foot into the wonderful world of Michaels Arts and Crafts store (I’m pretty sure my mother didn’t like it as much as I did). I learned there were all kinds of things besides seed beads. I’ve tried my hand at many things over the years—beading on a loom, lanyards, crocheting (that never worked out), little figurines and beads of polymer clay, decoden, does webdesign and blogging count? The list goes on and on and spans almost 20 years! I then discovered Downtown L.A. and the aisles and aisles of beads, I can honestly say I was in bead heaven. When I got pregnant I lost my willingness to trek through the crowds and smells of sewage and bacon wrapped hot dogs, all that is DTLA. I started sewing and began making clothes and accessories but as my daughter grew I lost my desire to make baby things. I went back to my first true love of jewelry making about a year ago. I started with friendship-style bracelets with embroidery thread, rhinestones, and chain. When I found my bead case amongst the things still stored at my parents’ home, I began beading again and I haven’t looked back. I opened my online shop after endless prodding from my loved ones, first on Etsy and now on Storenvy.

Source

Outside of crafting, what else do you enjoy doing?

I was going to say chasing after my toddler but then I saw the keyword “enjoy”- picking up rice and watching Mickey’s Clubhouse all day isn’t so enjoyable. I am also a Polynesian dancer though I haven’t performed in a couple years. I began when I was 7 years old, even before I picked up my first bead. Polynesian dancing is not only a great workout but you also learn about the cultures and I made a second family with my group. The food is pretty amazing, too. I also love to be able to pick up a book and read when I can or grab a sketchbook and pencil and scribble away. I have one tattoo of a single plumeria with basketweave waves which I designed.

Source

Where do you get your inspiration from?

When you live in Southern California, there’s inspiration all around you! The beach is one of my main inspirations, the sand between your toes, the shells strewn all over, the ocean, and the gorgeous sunsets that you get the perfect view of. The colorful costumes from my days in dancing play a role, too. I use a lot of shell, wood, and stones in my beading, things that bring you back to nature. I can see my jewelry on the beach or outdoors at a park. But sometimes you just can’t resist the shine and bling of glass and rhinestones! You can never have too many rhinestones nowadays. Take the jewelry shopping or for a night out on the town.

Source

Is there anything else you would like to share?

The thing I love about handmade jewelry is that everything has their own special touch and you know the person put a lot of care and thought into each piece.  My shop is named after my daughter, Khloe, and I won't tie her name into something I wasn't proud of. I never send anything that I don’t love myself to anyone else so when I know that someone else loves my creations I know I’m doing something right! I learn different techniques and discover gorgeous new beads everyday and I look forward to growing my line of accessories.

Source

Extras:
Shop: http://lovekhloestudio.storenvy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoveKhloeStudio

Instragram: @lovekhloestudio or http://instagr.am/lovekhloestudio

Blog: http://withlovecatherine.wordpress.com

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: Cinlynnboutique

First off, tell us a little about yourself!

 My name is Cindy and I live in Michigan, in a Lake Michigan coastal town, with my husband and 2 cats.  I raised 2 sons and have 2 wonderful daughters-in-law and 2 beautiful grandchildren.  I've always been somewhat artistic, but not with jewelry.  My artistic was in the form of sketching and painting.  As a child, my Dad and Grandfather owned jewelry stores and were both watchmakers.  I had no interest in jewelry until I became a teenager.  But then I only wanted to buy it, not make it.

Source

 

How did you start creating your jewelry, and how long have you been doing it? My interest in making jewelry came when my daughter-in-law decided I would enjoy it and bought me the tools as a gift.  So, I decided to try my hand at it and fell in love!  I found my artistic niche!  That was about 5 years ago and I haven't stopped.  Actually I can't stop!  I'm so addicted to it!  LOL

Source

Outside of crafting, what else do you enjoy doing? 

That's not all I'm interested in.  I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses and spend my day hours preaching and conducting Bible studies.  That is actually my first love! 

Source

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from a lot of different places.  Sometimes it's color combinations that I see.  Sometimes it's other creations that trigger an idea (not that I copy other people's work.  They just give me ideas that's all).  I look at a lot of beading magazines and books for ideas too.

Source

If you want to see some of my creations, stop in my shop and take a look.  Here's the link:
www.cinlynnboutique.etsy.com

You can also follow me:
https://www.facebook.com/cindy.newell1
https://twitter.com/Beadlynn7
https://pinterest.com/cinlynnboutique/

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: Catarionna

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Catherine Somerlot, and I am a jewelry designer, photographer, digital artist and web & graphic designer from Cleveland, Ohio.

Source

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

I taught myself how to make tatted lace about 3 years ago, at a very chaotic time in my life when I needed to find a bit of calm (and a reason to occasionally get away from my design work in front of the computer!). When I was a little girl I would make friendship bracelets out of embroidery floss, so tatting naturally became very appealing to me. Learning wasn't easy...but I practiced and practiced the double stitch for a week, and by the second week I was flying! Since then I've been designing my own elegant, intricate pieces that I incorporate into my jewelry.

Source

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am inspired by myth, folklore and literature, specifically Celtic and Greek myths. At the time I'm writing this, I'm in Northern Ireland exploring the arts and crafts industry which is quite vibrant here. Ireland has a rich history with lace making, and I've enjoyed learning a bit about how certain types of Irish lace are made. I also love the "vintage" aesthetic of the Victorian-era, which is when tatting became a popular craft.

Source

Is there anything else you would like to share?

This year I started an arts collective with my partner in Northern Ireland called Autumn Arts & Crafts. At the moment it's just the two of us combining our various skills to collaborate on new work and products to sell at craft fairs, but we hope in the future to let it grow into a craft shop, studio space and organization that takes other artists in. We strongly believe in handmade craft and supporting independent creative businesses, so hopefully we'll be able to make this dream become a reality. I am writing about our journey on our blog, http://autumnartsandcrafts.blogspot.com

Source

Extras:

Facebook: http://www.catarionna.com

Storenvy: http://catarionna.storenvy.com

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: Stine

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

I started making bracelets a while back now, maybe since November 2011. I think it is actually quite funny how I started, I was really bored of studying for my exams and felt like creating something(anything to not study) and I looked up on youtube "how to make bracelets". I had a huge choice of what to choose, and I found a link where you could learn how to make macrame bracelets. I thought it was so much fun and there was not much more studying for exams that day!

Source

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from my own style, but I also get inspiration from other jewelry pictures, for example from Instagram and other jewelry artists. However, mostly is my own ideas and inspirations.

Source

Is there anything else you would like to share?

If anyone is interested, the bracelets are only $4.00 at my store with free shipping. - It is possible to get them costume made if contacting me on my store or blog.

Source

Links:

http://www.shellum.storenvy.com

http://stinesbracelets.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/StinesBracelets

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: BijouBox Jewelry

First off, tell us a little about yourself!

I'm Shannon.  I'm a 23, soon-to-be 24 year old as I like to say, "student of life".  I'm a free-spirit, creative, outdoorsy, open-minded individual.  I currently reside 20 easy minutes outside of Manhattan in New Jersey and love it! The location satisfies every need and want I could ever have! However, I like traveling, music/concerts, discovering other cultures, and meeting new people. A few years ago, all my interests seemed to come together in this jewelry venture I started!

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

3 years ago, in December of 2008 I took a trip to the art store and purchased a bunch of polymer clay blocks.  I went home and created my first line of charm necklaces and bracelets. This was a random act derived from pure boredom, mind you. My main pieces were cupcake charms.  I didn't think anything of it really, until I wore them to class and to work and all my pieces were sold in a day. Light bulb moment. I love accessories and I love that they can "make" an outfit. So I started CUPCAKIN' and built my own website.  I did very well with it for a year and a half, and even sold my pieces in boutiques in the Hamptons out in Long Island, NY.

 
Eventually, I found myself in a rut and looked for new inspiration and way to further develop my craft. In 2010, I started my first beaded bracelets. I've always loved a "full wrist" of bracelets of different sizes and "bling"; rocks were always an affinity with me and I also looked into precious stones and minerals.  Which all landed me where I am today, with Bijou Box (Bijou is French for jewel or jewelry) creating beaded bracelets and necklaces with an array of natural stones and minerals, different woods, metals, and charms. There's use of jasper, jade, sodalite, onyx, labradorite, quartz, sandalwood, dyed wood, ceramic, alloy metals, etc. All stones and beads I find to be truly exquisite and powerful to the eye.  I also use a great deal of Swarovski element pave beads and crystals.   

I've come a long way from clay!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I'm a nature-lover.  I love being outdoors and I especially love the beach and the ocean.  I grew up camping on the beaches of Long Island and was always on the water, whether a lake, or on my fathers boat in the Atlantic.  I believe all those experiences and treasured locations, show in my work.  Stones like labradorite that are grey and translucent, but in direct light show amazing bright colors like blue, green, yellow, and purple; Sodalite reminds me of waves; jade reminds me the dunes and sometimes in it's variations, of lemonade or candy; sandalwood has a great smell of fire and looks so natural.

I also have an affinity with skulls, which has become the Bijou Box logo. Skulls usually symbolize death and mortality however, the logo is adorned with a wreath of flowers which I like to believe symbolizes, for Bijou Box, the "beauty in rebirth".  Rebirth in the sense that, these accessories can bring to life any outfit you wear, or simply uplift your mood. This logo also resembles the flower-crowned skull of St. Valentine; which I like because a lot of love & hard work goes into my pieces.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just that I love what I do and I couldn't be any more happier in what I've let my life manifest for me. Being able to be creative all the time is not only therapeutic but so rewarding! Comments, ideas, and feedback from on-lookers and customers is SO appreciated.  I love to connect with people and I love to supply the work I do to those that truly like what I create. I'm constantly trying to develop the line and always willing to hear peoples thoughts and ideas.  I plan to go back to school as well, to get into metal-working and other stone work. So hopefully, this venture keeps diversifying and growing. I am so grateful for all that is it now, but I am so ready to keep working at making it so much more!

Main Site: BijouBoxJewelry
Shop: Bijou Box Storenvy
Twitter: TheBijouBox
Facebook: Bijou Box Jewelry
Tumblr: Bijou Box Tumblr

P.S. Want to be featured? Go here

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: Love Locks Accessories

Source

First off, tell us a little about yourself!

Am a graphic designer, so naturally i love to design and create different forms of "art". I chose to stay home with my two little boys and filled up my time with making jewelry. I started with an idea of putting beads on everything. I chose to start with jewelry because all i needed to make it was beads. Right now i am planning to create themed collections as well as adding more items like flip flops, cup cozies, cushions and other accessories to each collection. I appreciate things handmade and crafts.
I still love doing my graphic work, so recently started a design company with my husband in Toronto, Canada.

Source

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

I bought a jewelry set and thought i could create something like this! So i went out, bought some beads and created my first pieces back in 2005 but in very small quantities and i didn't sell so much. It was also on and off until 2012 when i was re-inspired and motivated to make more pieces and sell.

Source

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I find inspiration in color and pattern. Sometimes its the materials am using in my jewelry, sometimes its the piece itself. My latest items were inspired by a "tassel" which led to a whole Moroccan themed collection.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Each piece i make leaves a memory with me. I am happy to learn that people love the jewelry i make and it only inspires me and makes me want to create more pieces.


Facebook: www.facebook.com/lovelocksaccessories
twitter: @lovelocksacc

Continue reading

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 :)

Source

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!
 

Source

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! 

Source

 

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 :)

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: Creative Atelier

Source

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.

Source

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.
 

Source

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/ 

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: MoonRae Jewelry

First off, tell us a little about yourself! 
Hi my name is Samantha Martin and I currently work in the Fashion Industry as a Production Coordinator. Growing up I wanted to become a lawyer until the 11th grade in high school. I was involved in the law club, I was in the law dept. in school, and went to and studied court cases. Then literally over night, I decided to pursue a career as a Fashion Designer; now I had always made clothes for my baby and barbie dolls and so forth, but never thought about working in the fashion field. Since that day onward my love of fashion had grown and blossom into a full time passion. Now I am more eager to go very far to achieve my goals...hoping in the future to have my own denim line. SOOO SIKED!!!



How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it? 
I started last year in making my own jewelry for the the simple fact I was so bored and tired of seeing the same old jewelry in the stores over and over. So this is what provoked me to venture out and researched many different stones, gems, medals, materials and taught myself the art of jewelry making and eventually started my own jewelry line called MoonRae. I have been in business for 5 months now and I love it.

Where do you get your inspiration from?My inspiration comes in many different things such as a boutique of flowers, shades of colors, artworks, and walking the streets of NYC. What attracts me the most are those little things that you don't notice in a painting, printed pattern on a dress, or a small detail fancy stitch on a jacket.



Is there anything else you would like to share? 
Yes I have something else to add...I like to thank God for blessing me with the wonderful gift of creating, building,molding, and sculpting beautiful things. I hope my work will inspire someone to venture out and find their passion.

 

Here are my links below.

Online shops:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonRaeJewelry

http://moonraejewelry.storenvy.com/

http://moonraejewelry.blogspot.com
 
Custom made orders contact me @ moonraejewelry@gmail.com

Continue reading

Want to be Featured?

Anna Kay Creations is calling on handmade crafters and artisans from around the world that would like to be featured at Anna Kay Creations Blog, absolutely free!  This will be a weekly feature and interview that will also be shared on Anna Kay Creations Twitter and Facebook Page.

   241 Blog Followers

1,248 Facebook Fans

1,563 Twitter Followers

Please email me expressing interest at annakaycreationsATyahoo.com. I will then email you the questions that will be included with your feature. The following below will also be required:

Submissions:

• A brief description.
• Include your name and URL of your shop, Blog or website, if you have one.
• Submit via email 4-5 images of your collection that you would like me to include in your feature or you may email me links from your shop.
• Images must be at least 600pixels wide. Clear and Crisp pictures are a PLUS for consideration.

See previously featured crafters here.

You will be notified with the date your feature/interview will be posted.  Thanks in advance. I am looking forward to getting to know you and sharing your creativity with my readers. xoxo

Updated 4/18/2012 

Spots available: May, June, July 20th and 27th, Aug

Continue reading

Featured Artisan: Bellissimore Jewelry

Hello, please welcome today's Featured Artisan, Janice of Bellissimore Jewelry

First off, tell us a little about yourself!  

I am from Houston, Texas and I am an interior designer that also loves to create beautiful jewelry.  I have 2 boys and a wonderful husband.   My oldest son just left for college and the other is a Sophomore in High School. Both are very active in sports.  I love the outdoors including gardening and fishing. 

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

A Friend got me into jewelry design about 10 years ago as something fun to do.  I have been doing it ever since. 

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

I get some of my inspiration from Fashion magazines, but for the most part, my inspiration is pretty much free-flowing.  I sit down in my studio with my supplies in front of me and the ideas just come to me.  

Outside of crafting what else do you enjoy doing?

All things home design, gardening, running, and fishing.

Links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bellissimojewelry   

Blog:  http://www.artisancrafted.blogspot.com/  

Twitter:  @bellissimojewel

 Thanks for the lovely interview, Janice.

 

Continue reading