Featured Artist Spotlight....BizzieLizzie!!!

Bizzie Lizzie Bags - Not Just a Bag - Your Bag!



I just adore Charlotte and am so happy I found her shop, BizzieLizzie, on Etsy over a year ago. Her creations are artfully crafted and the workmanship is impeccable. From messenger bags to travel tissue covers and everything in between, Charlotte really has a knack for choosing the finest fabrics and making exquisite and useful creations.

Okay...here is more information about Charlotte in her own words. I asked, she answered!



MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Charlotte: I've been creating for as long as I can remember. Making doll clothes was my first successful attempt - without a machine! I've always loved to "stitch" and I cannot pinpoint an exact time frame, but this I remember. My first outfit I had to whip up for Home Economics in School won 1st place in an Arts contest and I was certainly hooked after that!!

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Charlotte: My inspiration to create comes from deep within. The fabric choices I see is what brings that out. Knowing I can create something from a piece of fabric thrills me to pieces. Working with scraps gets me the most excited. I love re-purposing! I have always been a motivator, doesn't take much to get me motivated on most accounts. I'm one of them gals with lots of energy and drive! Maybe surviving being the middle child of 8 kids got me started!! LOL What drives me to continue is the response I get from my customers. There is nothing sweeter to me than getting a call, an e-mail or a referral - while money is a great driver - the fact that I get to become part of anothers life story - keeps me trucking forward. When someone chooses something that I make as a gift for their loved ones - that just catapults me to keep moving forward!!

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Charlotte: I LOVE a great book, but don't find as much time as I'd like to read. I'm not a TV watcher, but I do enjoy good movies - no commercials! Most of the time when I'm not crafting - I'm spending time with my family.

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Charlotte: Yes, I do. I belong to Richmond, VA Street Team, C.A.S.T. and The Etsy Trade-A-Holics. I don't get much time to get over to the groups and chat, but knowing their support is there if I need it.

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Charlotte: I just started blogging. I've put this off for years and well, finally - I've done it!! AND, just opened a FaceBook account and Twitter - all within the last couple of weeks. New products are definitely on the horizon. I love perfecting my craft and coming up with different products to see what works and what does not. I've given up my part time day job - to stay home and sew for others! Whilst I am a bit nervous - I am ULTRA excited and look forward to the peace that comes from being home in my comfort zone while still helping the family along!! =0) Check out Charlotte's blog!

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Charlotte: 10 years ago most people that I know would have NEVER imagined me settling down, being married with a child. I was SUCH the ULTRA career gal. Made big money. Spent 8 years in the military (USN). Traveled 4 out of 5 days a week for Caterpillar Inc. and would have never thought I'd ever trade that life. My sewing was on hold. I've known my DH since 3rd grade - I would have never dreamed that he would be the one to change all that for me! =0) I couldn't be happier now, but boy was it a huge adjustment!! Lizzie is our Blessing and we get rewarded with her gifts daily!!

Here are some photos that Charlotte has shared, each with a wonderful little story!


The retro/vintage sundress was re-purposed from an adult's dress - it was my first big sale on Etsy and it went to Australia!


This is my patchwork messenger that took me forever to make and it took me a year to list it! That was my heart and it sold immediately!!


I love turning vintage lines into little girl's clothing such as this pillowcase top. I collect tulips avidly - so anything I see with 'em on it - I just have to buy!! =0)

My 3 largest sellers have been anything made with the metro blue fabric, the gorgeous Full Moon Forest fabric and the aqua and brown spa dot. I never tire of creating something with those fabrics, either!! =0)

Check out Charlotte's Etsy Shop.... BizzieLizzie.

Merkaba Jewelry Now on DaWanda!

Merkaba Jewelry has now expanded its online marketplace venues. Now you will find jewelry and scarves available on DaWanda, a place for unique and individual handmade products. Appealing to an international market, Merkaba Jewelry ships all around the globe!



Happy Shopping!

Featured Artist Spotlight....NewEnglandQuilter!!!

I've really been enjoying learning about my fellow Fabulous Artistic Moms. This week's feature is Amy a.k.a. NewEnglandQuilter. She and her little boy are gorgeous, aren't they?!!! Her shop on Etsy is fantastic too. I've really loved seeing all the new products available. The fabric blocks, crib rails, the memory matching games, baskets, etc. Amy is enthusiastic about her crafts and it really shows in her product line. She is also really loving motherhood...have you ever seen a happier child?

Okay...here is more information about Amy in her own words. I asked, she answered!


MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Amy: I have seen crafting since I was a little girl. After school, I would go to my grandmother’s house. She is the one who taught me how to crochet. My cousin lived across the street from my grandmother and would visit us after school. When we weren’t playing dress up or having adventures she taught me how to knit. I didn’t learn to use a sewing machine until I was in college. I wanted to make some holiday skirts for my sisters and scrunchies for myself. My mother taught me how to sew. I can thank the women in my family for teaching me the basics of crocheting, knitting, and sewing.

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Amy: There are many things that inspire me. My son is one of my main sources of inspiration. He loved his inflatable beach ball so much that I decided to make him a fabric one. He is also my inspiration for the quilted crib rail guards in my shop – he likes to chew on those crib rails! When he started throwing everything in site, I decided that it was time to make some fabric blocks. They do not hurt as much when I get hit in the head.



Another thing that inspires me is looking at fabric. I bought some fabric to make some blocks and as I was pairing up the fabric squares, I thought that they would make a great memory matching game.



I am motivated to create something new to me. I love a challenge. Two of my biggest challenges this year were sewing curved crib rail guards and designing a pattern for pajamas and an outfit that would fit Webkinz Cats and Dogs.



MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Amy: I love playing with my one-year-old son and spending time with my husband. This fall I will be going back to teaching high school mathematics. I also love to cook and go for long walks.



MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Amy: I belong to Fabulous Artistic Moms and Etsy Moms.

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Amy: I just came out with a new product this past week – the No Sew Fabric Crib Rail Guard Tutorial. In the near future, I will be listing all inclusive kits to go with the tutorial. I am also going to be making my son some fabric slippers and leather shoes. I may add these items to my shop – we’ll see! I have never worked with leather before and am excited about trying out a new textile. I am also working on my first rag rug for my Etsy shop as a custom order. Here is a photo of a mini rag rug I made for fun! I will be blogging about the process of making the rag rug if anyone is interested in that craft. NewEnglandQuilter Blog



MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Amy: I have never been to a quilt show. My mother-in-law and I are going to attend one next month and I am very excited to go!



Check out Amy's Etsy Shop.... NewEnglandQuilter.

To see additional photos of Amy's work, please visit her on Flickr.

Front Page Etsy Treasury!

I seem to be on a roll lately with the Front Page! This treasury, Funky Cold Patina, was inspired by the Tone-Loc tune, Funky Cold Medina, which I recently heard at the supermarket. It came on just after New Kids on the Block's, The Right Stuff. Luckily, I remembered all of those words too. Looking back on my junior high school crush on Joey McIntyre, the song suddenly made me feel old. Ah, the truth comes out :)

Anyhoo, congrats to the artists featured...JSurine, wirestormcreations, amieking, JMNPOTTERY, yellafish, photolena, CharmdImSur, sproutonline, ShannonAmidon, PatinaQueen, museglass, and jperegrine.

Featured Artist Spotlight...ValeriesGallery!!!

I had a hard time choosing some favorites from Val's shop to highlight. Everything in her shop is incredible. Is there anything she can't do? Bowls, vases, bracelets, booties, clutches, hair accessories, pins, oh my! I have had the pleasure of getting to know Valerie through Etsy's Street Team, Fabulous Artistic Moms. It's always great spending part of my day with this fine group of women...fabulous moms and fabulous artists...especially when they are as wonderful as Valerie!

Okay...here is more information about Valerie in her own words. I asked, she answered!



MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Valerie: Although I am a yearling in selling my work, I have always been creative. I started knitting and crocheting as a teen, ummm, sometime in the 70's. Then when I started having children, I tried to make everything that I could for them, ranging from clothes, sweaters, hats and mittens to quilts and toys. I love working on a project that is being made for a particular individual as I am thinking of that person the entire time that I am making it.

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Valerie: My inspiration usually comes from nature. I love colors and textures that remind me of the great outdoors and living in Central NY provides a perfect backdrop! My motivation to succeed does not rest soley with monetary gain, but the fact that someone will actually buy something that I made thrills me to no end.

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Valerie: I have been working at a major insurance company for the past 19 years, most recently as a Business Consultant. So you can imagine after a very dull, dry day of insurance work, crafting provides a great creative outlet. I also love gardening and fixing up our old farm house with my husband.

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Valerie: I belong to FAM (Fabulous Artistic Moms), Etsy Hookers (a crochet group), Etsy For Charity, Working With Felt, and Indiepublic


MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Valerie: I have just started branching out to include knit and crocheted non-felted items. My Icraft Site will be dedicated to childrens accessories and toys and my Silkfair Site will feature adult knit and crocheted accessories.

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Valerie: Well, I also like to refinish furniture and wood items. My dad always had a little wood shop in the basement when I was growing up, so I feel that I learned from a master. I love going to auctions and buying a table for a dollar and turning it into a beautiful and useful home accessory.







Check out Valerie's Etsy Shop.... ValeriesGallery.

To see additional photos of Valerie's work, please visit her on Flickr.

Front Page Etsy Treasury!

Another Gold for AquaMan was created as a tribute to Michael Phelps.

This treasury made Etsy's front page on 8/16/08! One gold medal for me and these wonderful artists; 8 gold medals for Phelps!

Featured Artist Spotlight....BamDesigns!!!

I met Tiffany through the Etsy group, Fabulous Artistic Moms. I am a huge fan of her designs and have enjoyed getting things in the mail for my own son and also for my friend's children. As you can see, she designs adorable clothing and accessories for both boys and girls. With three children of her own, she definitely knows what kids want! It has been an absolute joy getting to know the woman behind BamDesigns and an even bigger pleasure introducing her to my blog readers. For even more information, check out Tiffany's profile.

Okay...now here is more information about Tiffany. I asked, she answered!



MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Tiffany: I have been creating for over 20 years now. It kind of all started when I took a wood shop class in 9th grade. I had a lot of fun in the class and ever since then I have been designing.

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Tiffany: Brenden, Adam, and Megan are my inspiration which is how I came up with the name BAM Designs. I like creating clothing and accessories that I know they will like to wear or play in. It gives me a sense of pride and the drive to create more when I see how excited they get over a new design or the finished product. Adam hates going to the post office because he knows it means that we are mailing out more of his favorites.

They are also my motivation to succeed. I love having the opportunity to be home with them so that I can help them grow. That is part of the reason I want to succeed so much. I want more days like this with them. The other part is the feeling I get when I see some of the happy feedback from people.

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Tiffany: Chasing three kids! I don't get much time to read and I watch very little TV. There is not much down time for me. I am almost always thinking of new designs or ways to do a design different. We do like to camp and take the kids on mini trips during the summer time.

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Tiffany: I belong to EtsyKids, EtsyMoms, Military Brats, Fabulous Artistic Moms (FAM TEAM), and CCCOE- a group of Etsy sellers from California.

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Tiffany: I am working on a few new products still for boys and girls as far as clothing and accessories that will be added slowly over the next few months. The store is going to go through a complete overhaul next month with a bunch of new product but still keeping some of the old favs around too. You will be seeing a lot more applique work - I am having lots of fun with that right now.

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Tiffany: I get claustrophobic in stores - I hate shopping the day after Thanksgiving because the crowds give me panic attacks.







Check out Tiffany's Etsy Shop.... BamDesigns.

To see additional photos of Tiffany's work, please visit her on Flickr.

Etsy Front Page!

I am so totally psyched! Fellow Fabulous Artistic Mom, Winklepots, put together this lovely treasury on Etsy featuring red and aqua. This awesome treasury made Etsy's front page this afternoon. Notice that my earrings are in it! That means my earrings were on Etsy's front page for an hour this afternoon.



Congratulations Winklepots for pulling together this wonderful list and getting it to the much-coveted front page. And congratulations to all the sellers featured: JaneyWaney, TheArdentSparrow, fancygirlsbows, sycamorestreetpress, merkabajewelry, kikuhandmade, MichelleBrusegaard, sweettweets, whileshenaps, valeriesgallery, dahliahousestudios, ericalyndesigns.

Featured Artist Spotlight....Wysiwigs!!!

I met Jen through the Etsy group, Fabulous Artistic Moms (FAM) and have been a big fan of her and her shop since. Her store, WYSIWIGS, stands for What You See Is What I've Got (Smile o:) and offers an assortment of crafty goodies. From amazing prints of her pencil sketches and original origami art to notecards/ACEOs and awesome woodburned earrings. Her talent is endless and her sense of humor leaves me in stitches. It's always fun *hanging out* with her in the Etsy forums. For even more information, check out Jen's profile.

Okay...now here is more information about Jen. I asked, she answered!

MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Jen: I've been drawing since I was big enough to hold a pencil. I started kindergarten at age four; about the time I started asking my parents for a horse. All the other little kids were drawing stick people and I was drawing horses with ridiculously long manes and tails :o) I guess my sketching evolved from there. On the crafty side, my grandmother had a bunch of friends over every week to make something specific as a group, like a beaded Christmas ornament for example, and she always let me do one too (I loved it). The origami started just last year while I was recovering from reconstructive surgery - I've been addicted ever since.

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Jen: I don't think I can classify inspiration any other way than Divine. Something will just catch my attention and I "just gotta" draw it or make it. How else can you classify creative things that just pop into your head from nowhere? I don't know that I have a motivation to succeed precisely; more like a space problem and financial issues (I HAVE to sell some of this stuff so I can go make something else and buy more supplies, you know? :o)

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Jen: I am a full-time interpreter for a deaf student in high school as well as running a private operating foundation (a pending 501c3) with nine horses and a 4-H leader (we stay kinda busy around here...)

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Jen: I belong to the FAM (Fabulous Artistic Moms) Street Team - which is the most amazing group of women you'll ever meet; and also to EFA (Etsy for Animals) via my other shop EPICFARMS.

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Jen: I don't know what tomorrow will bring, I've learned to take things one day at a time (cancer causes a definite attitude adjustment). I am just now getting back to the life I left behind a couple of years ago - well, actually maybe its more like running to catch up to it! I was just released from treatment in May of this year (yay!)
I will be adding more photo prints, cards, and magnets (I have a friend that is an awesome photographer) to my Wysiwigs shop soon and there is a set of pastels staring at me from the dining room table...I'm still afraid of them, though. I've opened a second Etsy shop to help support the foundation - I think I mentioned it earlier. We also have a foundation website; EPICFARMS which I am learning - the hard way - to build (oy :o)


MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Jen: I hate soda, coffee, AND tea. Isn't that awful? (I am, therefore, forced to seek my caffeine in solid form...CHOCOLATE - that part probably isn't surprising though :o)








Check out Jen's Etsy Shop.... WYSIWIGS.

Featured Artist Spotlight....Luv4Sams!!!

I met Lisa through the Etsy Street Team, Fabulous Artistic Moms. Since joining we have enjoyed many funny and endearing moments on the forums with other crafty mamas. Lisa is awesome! Funny, witty, talented, adventurous, etc. Her Etsy shop has an eclectic mix of fun, funky, whimsical, geeky, and kitschy. I adore all her creations but am especially fond of her typewriter key and dictionary pieces. I love how she re-uses found materials and makes wonderfully unique things with them. From pocket mirrors and cuff links to earrings and magnets, Luv4Sams has it all :) For even more information, check out Lisa's profile.

Okay...now here is more information about Lisa. I asked, she answered!

MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Lisa: It all started in 2005 when my daughter announced she was getting married and it was a Medieval wedding - what, huh, I don't know anything about planning a medieval wedding - and so the story goes.

Both of my daughters are creative - one in illustration and one in photography. With the wedding, I dove in head first and started researching the history and before you know it I was creativing scroll wedding invitations with a wax seal, custom wedding programs, pressing leaves, creating custom place cards, etc.

Well, when she got married in 2006 I had all of this free time and starting playing around with making glass atlas map magnets to give as gifts and before you know it, I was selling all sorts of items on Etsy!


MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Lisa: I love to recycle and use items that people normally wouldn't think of. Usually I have to look and stare at an object - walk away from it - then come back again before I figure out what I can make out of it.

So I take items most people would throw out, like old atlas' or old dictionaries, and reuse them!

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Lisa: I'm thinking of working on a craft - ha ha! You can find me in my garden, playing with my pooch, snuggling with my granddaughter or boating!

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Lisa: Of course, Fabulous Artistic Moms which is an awesome support network. I have met so many people and made so many friendships (you included Merk) - it is unbelievable!

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Lisa: I would love to have my own website and expand my line. I'd like to introduce a line of items made from cork and also brush up on my silver metal clay skills! But with working full-time, it doesn't leave you much time to create.

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Lisa: I like to ride my snowmobile at 110 mph!








Check out Lisa's Etsy Shop.... Luv4Sams.

Featured Artist Spotlight....Michon!!!

I met Leah through Etsy's Fabulous Artistic Moms Team. I adore her jewelry, especially her incredible wire skills. Her pendants, rings, and earrings are breathtaking. Leah is a new mom who joined the Moms team when she was still pregnant. It has been a real pleasure getting to know Leah and seeing her grow as an amazing mother and also a fabulous artist!

Okay...now here is more information about Leah. I asked, she answered!

MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Leah: I have always been creative. When I was a little kid I wanted to be a fiction writer and even started writing a novel, although I never finished it. (It turns out fiction writing isn't really something I'm good at.) I've been making jewelry since I was in high school when I took a beading class with some friends while on a vacation with our families. I really enjoyed it and gradually learned more and more techniques including wirework and some metalsmithing skills.


MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Leah: It's hard to define what inspires me. So many things seem to inspire me, and I think it has a lot to do with my mood on any given day. I feel better when I'm doing something creative, so I try to stay busy with creative projects as much as I can. My motivation to succeed is my son, who is 3 1/2 months old. I want him to grow up seeing me as a good example of someone who didn't give up on their dreams, so that he knows he can be both happy and successful when he grows up.

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Leah: I have a part-time job, as well as training to teach fitness classes. At the moment, I spend most of my free time with my son. I try to fit in quality time with my husband and friends too.

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Leah: Yes, I'm a member of three teams: One is Fabulous Artistic Moms (FAM), which is a great group of moms. We have a lot of fun, and there is so much diverse talent in the group. Another is JET (Jewelry on Etsy), which is all jewelry makers and a lot of really fun people. The third is SFEtsy, which is a team for San Francisco area Etsy people. I know a couple people on that team in real life, so I'm hoping to be more active with the group and get to know a lot more local artists and crafters that way.

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Leah: I'm just getting back into designing after not doing much for the last few months of my pregnancy and the first couple months of my son's life. So I think new products are definitely on the horizon - I have more new ideas than time right now, but I'm gradually getting some of them made up into jewelry designs.

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Leah: I lived in Mexico City for a summer when I was in college, and at the time I was semi-fluent in Spanish. My husband is part Mexican but doesn't speak a word of Spanish, so even though my Spanish last name comes from him, I'm the one in our family who can actually speak Spanish. I'm hoping to teach our son some Spanish, but I'm not as fluent as I used to be so it's a challenge.








Check out Leah's Etsy Shop.... Michon.

Weekly Inspiration Photo...Keep on the Sunny Side!

**********

Keep On The Sunny Side

There's a dark and a troubled side of life
There's a bright and a sunny side too
Though we meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side we also may view

Keep on the sunny side...always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life
It will help us every day it will brighten all our way
If we keep on the sunny side of life

**********

This tune has been sung by various artists over the years and is seemingly played a lot here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Afterall, it is a bluegrass classic. But no matter how many times I hear it, I never tire from hearing its message. Today, I am optimistic. How 'bout you?

Featured Artist Spotlight....SewingGranny!!!!

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I adore Mona (aka SewingGranny)! She is such a treasure and a terrific friend. Together we belong to two Etsy groups, Fabulous Artistic Moms and Etsy Angels Team. I can't imagine my day without seeing her around the forums :) Mona works as a correctional officer and is a grandmother who loves to sew! It seems she is always on the go...whether at work, sewing, crafting, or spending time with her family...she is so full of energy. I bought an apron for my mom for her birthday and she absolutely loves it. It's actually the companion full-length apron to the one you see above. Hmmm....maybe I should get the matching one for myself! Mona not only makes incredible aprons, she creates the most amazing quilts (both baby and adult sized), cute bibs and burp pad sets, potholders, placemats, pillow shams, tree skirts, and, more recently, small tie bags for soaps, jewelry, or other little trinkets! She'd be more than happy to make something custom for you! She's one heck of a lady :)

Okay...now here is more information about Mona. I asked, she answered!

MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Mona: I began designing quilts about 13 years ago. It started off as a hobby I could do on night shifts. Another co-worker was making a baby quilt for her son and I thought I would give it a try. The rest is history. I love to sew and quilting is my passion. The first ones were panels that I bought and put together then hand stitched...you will still see some of those in my shop...from there I began to do piece ones. When people started seeing me sew they would ask me to make other things and I just kept adding to my quilts. I have always liked to do things with my hands so I am not sure when it all began! I can remember sewing when I was a young teen, I crocheted for years and had other creative outlets.

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Mona: I love fabrics and when I see a new piece I just get the need to make something from it. My motivation is to make something beautiful and also have something to do when I retire. I want to own my own shop some day.

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Mona: When I am not crafting, I can usually be found with my family. I love to spend time with them. I have a 6.5-year-old grandson that is the joy in my life. I love to garden and to do home decorating. If someone is doing something to renovate their home I will usually be there. My daughter-in-law loves to redo their home but not alone.

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Mona: I am a member of Fabulous Artist Moms (FAMTEAM) and the Etsy Angels Team (EANGTEAM).

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Mona: I really want to make a name for myself and build up a business. I'm always looking to make new products. My latest, the small tie bags, was so much fun and so simple but I am also looking to broaden my horizon with new kinds of quilts. I am not sure about a website...I will have to think about that one. It is something else that takes time and I want to sew and quilt, not type!









Check out Mona's Etsy Shop.... SewingGranny and see more of her work on Flickr.

Featured Artist Spotlight...CBL and Company!!!

Lisa is amazing. I got to know Lisa through the Etsy Angels Team and have really enjoyed our friendship over the last several months. Her personality, her caring nature, and her beautiful spirit are what makes her such a fabulous person and wonderful jeweler. Her keen sense of design and the materials she uses make for some awesome jewelry. The combination of colors, beads, and textures truly makes her jewelry shine. I feel very lucky to know her and call her my friend. And, as an owner of some of her pieces, I know first hand that her jewelry rocks!

Okay...now here is more information about Lisa. I asked, she answered!

MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Lisa: I don't remember a time when I wasn't creating something. I'm not happy unless I am "making" something. I first learned I had a creative side when I was around 5 years old. I couldn't get enough of coloring, painting etc. From about 8 on, until my Grandmother passed away, she always nurtured my creative side. Art was everything to me all through school.

MJ: What is your inspiration to create?
Lisa: Whether it's designing jewelry, painting or crafting, I find inspiration from nature, the materials I am working with, my family, or my fur babies :)

MJ: What is your motivation to succeed?
Lisa: I want to be able to continue doing what I love to for my full time "job".
If I can't succeed at it I would have to give it all up and I can't see that happening, LOL!


MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Lisa: I don't get much free time but we live in a beautiful resort area with lots of water, trees and just nature at it's most beautiful so I spend as much time as I can outside in the summer months fishing, working on our property or playing with my fur kids. I also enjoy target shooting and am a pretty good shot if I do say so myself :)

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Lisa: I am proud to belong to two of the most caring and giving groups on Etsy. The Etsy Angels (EANGTEAM) and Etsy For Animals (EFA).

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Lisa: I will be expanding my current website to include handmade gift items and will be opening a new jewelry supply website soon.

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Lisa: Most people are surprised that I am so allergic to every animal I own, LOL. We have 6 cats, 3 dogs and a bunny so it's a lot of allergy meds.
People also seem surprised that I love to target shoot. I would never hunt because I couldn't kill an animal but I love target practice when I am able and always wanted to get into competition shooting.







Check out Lisa's Etsy Shop.... cblandcompany and see more of her work on Flickr.