Summer Solstice Fest is a Comin'!

After many years of procrastination, I will at last be selling at the Burnt Creative Market within the Blacksburg Summer Solstice Festival on June 21st. As will all festivals, I am frantically bustling around in an attempt to NOT forget important things like my tables or my stock. Seriously, it's happened before. I tend to get goofy when in a rush.

My trusty BFF Biscuit will (I think) be coming with me to help things run smoothly. Alas, she cannot control the weather, which will hopefully be pleasant enough for people to come by and actually shop. It's quite difficult to browse when it's either in the 90s and you're sweating to death or it's blowing sheets of rain into your face. We're totally hoping to avoid both of those scenarios on the 21st.

As per usual, I have been making things up to the very last minute (like I didn't have enough stock or something)and have come up with some rather funky pieces, if I do say so myself. Lots of odd things involving cleavers and swords and the like. But also involving cute things like roses and pretty gems. Oooooo!!!

I've gotten a lot of rainbow pieces added to the collection, which makes me smile. I haven't had a lot on hand lately but I got my mitts on some nice supplies and had at it and voila! Rainbow goodness!

We're looking forward to a good day and with any luck we will have one. Even after doing these things for 10 years, I really never know what to expect. The weather and crowds can be so fickle!

Creation A Day Challenge: Day 10

Day 10 brings this cool turquoise and steel full Persian bracelet. It's one of my favorite weaves and I had some leftover turquoise anodized aluminum rings, so I just went with it. I then decided to name it after my bf's Night Elf Rogue, Maldion. *is a huge effing nerd*

Hopefully, I'll be able to keep with the challenge. So far so good! Still busy prepping for the festival. It's fast approaching, I tell you! I already feel like I'm behind!

YART Sale at Lunachick Designs

Yep, I'm participating in the Etsy Yart Sale again this year. In my Yart Sale section, you can save up to 50% Off!

Yart Sale

I've also been listing several new pieces. I've been working my hands to the bone! I've had five custom orders to work on recently, plus several other projects going on, so I've been keeping busy, which has helped being unemployed and single.

I'm still applying for jobs and hopefully, I'll hear something back from one of them soon.

I'm trying to go to the Farmer's Market every two weeks, but it's a lot of work to set up and tear down by yourself! I didn't do so well the last time I went, but I'm planning on going this weekend.

Until then, I'll be working on some more pieces and ordering new supplies (my favorite!).

Radford VA Farmer's Market Kickoff April 18th

Sooo, it's that time of year again: time for the Radford Farmer's Market! *dances*

I think I've got everything ready for tomorrow, though I'm sure I'll forget something, as I always do. Let's hope it's nothing important this time!

For a change, I'll be taking my chainmaille and gemstone pieces, as well as my cutesy goodness from my other shop, Kawaii Cupcake. This means that everything will be under the same tent...two COMPLETELY different themes in one place. Wonder if people will be super confused and think I'm odd?

However, this also means more pricepoints and more variety, which (hopefully) draw more attention to my booth. I'll have items priced from $4-$80, so there will be something for everyone there.

I made some business cards today...nothing fancy, just something to give people if anyone asks for contact information. I'm going to get some shiny new ones when I can, but these will do for now. My car's filled to the brim with stuff for tomorrow, including my 800 lb. tent. But, it's much easier to set up than the lightweight one that I had to put together. That was a major pain to say the least.

To all of you in the area, please come out to the market and say hello! There are lots of friendly vendors waiting to have a chat with you. I'll be the one with the chainmaille headband and the aqua zebra print shirt. I rock like that.

Annnd Seven Months Later...

Well, who's been neglecting their bloggy? THAT would be me! Ooops.

I'm a bad pumpkin, as my dear ol' boyfriend would say.

Let's see...the holidays were good to me, in regards to Etsy and otherwise. I had a decent number of sales and got a much needed vacation from my "real world" job.

I'm currently getting ready to dive head first into some metal working, which has me really excited, as I've been poised to do this for about four years now. I've been collecting supplies and tools for a long, long time and I think I'm almost ready. I think I can remember some of the things we did in Studio Art in high school. ;P

Looks like I'll be using my dad's workshop. Even though it smells of sawdust, I'll still be able to use it...if he lets me, that is. I'm known to be a touch messy.

I also signed up for Spring classes. I'll only be taking three, but one is Web Design so that will most likely keep me busy enough. And with working 40 hours a week and trying to handle two Etsy shops on top of that, I should be good to go.

No shows until probably May. As much as I've enjoyed traveling to Winchester for the past two years for the festival there, I won't be making the 400 total mile journey this year.

It's just too far a drive. After I factored in gas and food last year, I ended up making a laughable amount. The atmosphere is great, the people are groovy cool, but it's just too far away.

I will, however, be at the Radford Farmer's Market again starting in May (if Becky will have me. I'm such a slacker). I think this year I'll alternate with my chainmaille and gemstone jewelry one week and my cutesy jewelry the next. That way, I'll catch as much attention from as many different people as possible.

In Etsy news, I've marked down a few pieces, so check out the clearance prices here: Clearance Jewelry

In addition, I've added a $10 or Less section. It's a great place to find some groovy jewelry at a great price!

That's about that for now. I'll be updating with show dates and other Lunachick Designs news more often than I did last year. Take care!

Another Weekend Come and Gone

At least it was a fun one! Though hot and incredibly sticky, Saturday turned out to be another decent day to attend the farmer's market.

The crowd was definitely smaller than it has been, but there was still interest in my jewelry, which is always nice.

I'm working on two custom orders and recently sold two foot flowers to someone in Japan, which is really quite exciting!

My next great task will be ordering supplies. I'm nearly out of everything, so it's going to be quite the job at quite the price, too.

I'm going to be using some new metals, like titanuim, niobium and copper, which will be fun. I'm looking forward to using new things and trying out some new designs, too.

Snakes and Spiders. Eww!

Ok, so not so much "eww" on the snakes, but those OTHER things...bleh!! Gross!

The excitement of the day at work was the appearance of a giant black snake in the parking lot. It was only there for a few minutes before it slithered back into the cow field.

So, disaster was avoided. No one tried to run it over or anything, thank god.

The spider, on the other hand, must perish. It's apparently camping out in the men's room, which is WAY too close for comfort.

And of course, being men, they won't squish it or move it. They just leave it there so it can make its way to the front and get on me. Great. *dies*

Now I'll have to be checking under my desk every five minutes for the rest of the day.

On another note, the Foo Fighters are wicked awesome. "Let it Die" is a really good song, even though it reminds me of my ex boyfriend.

That's about all the news I have for today. I've got another Farmer's Market coming up Saturday, so we'll see how that goes. I'll be making new pieces for it tonight and tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll avoid any further finger smashing.

Yart Sale!

I'm participating in the First Annual Etsy Yart Sale! It's, you know, an "art yard sale". So, that' means that if you stop by my shop, you'll find some WICKED deals and steals in my Yart Sale section. Check it out! http://www.lunachick.etsy.com/

On to other things! I smashed my thumb while hammering an earring last night. THAT rocked. Not.

But the earrings turned out nicely, so it wasn't a totally bad experience. Which is always good.

I'm in search of a new work bench, as I don't really have one besides the floor right now. Isn't that sad? To have all these great tools and supplies at your disposal but to not be able to use them?

In other assorted, very random news: the "subtle tan" lotion isn't working, my cat enjoys peeing outside the litter box, I've been living on turkey sandwiches for days and I think I'll dye two front strips of hair a coppery color.

Another farmer's market is coming up again this Saturday. Hope it doesn't rain or blow hurricane force winds like the first time. That would blow. Heh. Blow. Get it?!!! @_@

You Don't Mess with the Zohan=Ack!

WARNING: SPOILERS!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~

UGH. That pretty much sums it up. What a waste of Adam Sandler!

This movie was so hyped up, then offered nothing but gross out moments and a cheezy plot...or lack of a plot altogether.

There's lots of Zohan banging old women and having a massively exaggerated package, stupid dancing and so much hummus that I never want to eat it again.

I was majorly let down. At least I didn't have to pay for it.

Moving on, I was also let down by my metalsmithing loot. I get there and chick hands me a small box.

"Where's the rest?" I wonder to myself. I came to find that was it. Me=irritated, to say the least.

I dropped $125 on some wire, a few pieces of copper sheet, 8" of solder, a hammer, some dinky pliers (that I already have), some sandpaper, a firing block (I've got two), three leather circles, a cloth mask, a saw (I have two) and two hammering blocks. All used, too. WTH??!!!

I felt majorly ripped off and I almost left without the stuff. That was a lot of money tor fork over for such a small amount of supplies.

I know how much this stuff costs and I could've bought it all new for much less.

This is a "live and learn" situation. When someone says "make an offer", don't make it the highest you'll go. Stupid me!

*Sigh* I'm just a sucker, really. ;P

Monday Again

Soooo, how's Monday been for ya'? Mine's been woefully uneventful, hot, sticky and all around "eh".

The highlight of my evening will include three wicked cool things:

1. After work tonight, I'm going to pick up my best friend. We'll then proceed to a stranger's home to pick up what has ended up being $125 worth of metal working tools and supplies (hey, she said make an offer...)

2. After picking up said metal working tools and supplies, we're going to go to Domino's and get a FREE pizza and wings, courtesy of my job. This is perk #1.

3. We're THEN going to go to a FREE movie, again, courtesy of my job. Can't wait to see You Don't Mess with the Zohan! Perk #2.

Suh-weeeet. I hate my job, but I love free stuff, so in a strange sort of way it balances out, I suppose.

However, I WAS asked to take on two additional tasks today, in addition to the 147 I already handle. Did I mention that my raise after being here over a year was .21?

But anyhoo, in other news, after I get these tools and other assorted goods tonight, I'll be that much closer to beginning working with metal further, which really excites me!

I'm wondering where I'll be doing this, though. My apartment is hardly the place to be playing with acid and fire, so I may have to end up setting up shop in my parent's basement...after they spray for spiders, that is. (Ack!)

All I need is something hairy dropping down on me while I'm trying to work, right?

That's about that for now. I'll report back later and let you know what I score tonight. Ta ta!

Festivals and Shows

So, with the festival and show season gearing up, I think I'll share a bit of my glorious wisdom with you.

I've done many, many shows, all of which turned out a bit differently. Some were great, some ok and some just plain SUCKED.

I've learned that you need to scope these things out before you commit to attending them, as you may find out some very helpful and interesting things about the event that you wouldn't have otherwise.

For example, if you go and see nothing but cheap resale junk or notice that there's next to no one there, chances are you should probably pass on trying to sell there next year.

Also take note of how much advertising you notice for the event. If the only way you found out about it was by your mom mentioning it to you, you may want to skip it. If a venue spends no money on advertising, how the heck are the masses supposed to find out about it and go?!!

Anyhoo, on to the checklist. I'm quite sure it will be incomplete, but it's the best I can come up with, after forgetting just about everything one can forget when selling at a festival.

Basics Needed:

*Tent (you know, unless it's inside or you want to bake outside)
*Tables
*Table Cloths/Table Skirt
*Chair(s) with a tush paid
*Cash box/bag/etc. with plenty of change
*Displays for your wares
*Bottled water/etc. to drink, unless prohibited. Some of these places are whack.
*A snacky, unless also prohibited. Again, some places have a cob up the wazoo.
*Someone to assist, unless you feel like being overwhelmed and stressed the f*@! out.
*Your wares. Don't laugh, I've DONE IT before. I've totally left the house without them. :
*Tape. Tape is your friend. You'll need it, trust me.
*Signage and business cards. Vereh' important. You wanna' get your name out there, right?
*Promo items, if you've got em'. People dig free stuff.
*A mirror if there will be trying on of items. People like to look at themselves, I've noted.
*Knuckle buster (Credit card imprinter) if you're taking cards
*Cell phone with which to call card transactions in on.
*Business card holder(s). We like to look like professionals, now don't we?
*Pen/fine tipped Sharpie. You'll NEED it.
*Calculator, unless you're good at adding in your head. Then screw it!
*Extra tags, in case you've forgotten to tag/need to re-tag something
*Some supplies to work with. People seem to enjoy watching you make things in front of them. It also helps them understand that you did, in fact, make the items you're selling.

That about does it for my checklist. I'm sure I've forgotten things, but that's pretty much what I take with me every time I go to a show and the list hasn't failed me yet.

Don't stress out, have fun and be friendly! Say hello to everyone that stops by your booth. You don't need to ask abouth their life story or anything...just say hi and converse with them if they want. Talk about the weather or something neutral.

If people ask stupid questions, try not to let it get to you. They're just silly and don't know better than to ask "Is any of this REAL?" or "Did you make any of this?"

Even though you may want to bitch slap them, refrain. They'll go away soon, I promise.

Thus concludes Lunachick's Festival Survivor Guide. Maybe I'll add more later, but I'm at work, it's 5:27 on Friday and I'm getting the hell out of here.

Cheers!

End of May Newness

Well, not much has been shakin' around Lunachick land lately, but I HAVE managed to get a few pieces made.

I've decided to work the Radford farmer's market every couple of weeks or so. I went once a couple of weeks ago and it went pretty well, save for the wind that kept blowing all my displays over. That part=not so good.

I'm in the process of looking for a new place to live, as my current digs are WAY too expensive and offer no room for me to work.

I have no work space to speak of and I'm tired of hauling everything to my parent's house just to get anything done.

The hardest part is to find a place that allows pets. 9 out of 10 that I've found don't, which doesn't work for me. My two cats gotta' have a place to live, too.

That's that for now. We'll see how much I can get done for the rest of the day.

My Feature

A local magazine, the New River Valley Magazine, contacted me through Etsy, informing me that they wanted to do a piece on my jewelry.

I'm super excited! I've never been featured in something like this before, and I hope that there will be some nice exposure because of it.

My interview with the writer is Wednesday. She's going to give me a list of questions to look over beforehand so I'm not taken totally off guard during the interview. I'm glad I'll have a bit of time to think over my answers. I'd hate to sound silly or something. ;P

I'll be sure to mention Etsy and how awesome it is and all the great stuff you can find there, too.

In other news, I've spent this gloomy Saturday making a few pieces, none of which have been photographed due to said gloominess.

There's a show coming up at the end of the month. It's not a large one and I didn't sell much there last year, but the atmosphere is awesome and there are some really cool people there, so I'm going again anyway, despite the three hour drive each way.

I've also decided to spring for an E-Z up tent this year. I'm sick of having a great booth display and a sheezy little open tent that nearly blows away with the least little breeze. Part of my tax refund should assist nicely.

For the remainder of the day, I'll be working on more pieces. Wonder if I'll get anything done?

I'm BACK!

Whew. It's been a long four months, lemme' tell ya'! We won't get into all the personal issues I've been facing. Let's just say there has been a whole slew of them in rapid succession, but I'm doing better these days.

Moving on! On the jewelry front, I don't have any shows coming up until the end of next month, when I'll be attending the Northern Shenadoah Valley Pagan Alliance Gypsy Faire in Stephens City, VA.

I didn't sell much last year, but it was such a fun environment that I really want to go again this year, so I'm doin' it.

I've been on a buying frenzy on Etsy, snatching up groovy cool supplies and turning them into even groovier pieces of wearable art.

Also becoming apparent as of late: life is EXPENSIVE. Thus, I applied to be the jewelry teacher at the local Michael's (again). I taught there for over a year before I went full time and they made me stop. :(

Hopefully, my old boss will hire me back and that will give me a little extra money. I'm thinking of teaching private classes, too.

I finished up several new pieces lately, including the Mage, the latest in my RPG series (Sold so far are The Dancer, The Warrior and The Thief), and a really beautiful necklace, Desert Fire (see above...)

I'm looking forward to creating more new pieces for the Gypsy Faire. I wonder if I have enough displays these days? I may just have to investigate that further.

Be sure to swing by my Etsy shop at www.lunachick.etsy.com to check out all the new additions!

That's all for now. More updates to follow soon!

Today's Featured Artist: plasticpumpkin

Ren Adams (plasticpumpkin) creates beautiful and inspiring fine art work that reflects her love for and dedication to each piece.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

plasticpumpkin: It was never a conscious decision. I've just always done it. I ruined my baby book, too.



Lunachick: When did you start?

plasticpumpkin: Probably before I could walk. Both of my parents are artists and I was always surrounded by art supplies.


Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling your work?

plasticpumpkin: Choosing the wrong venues and getting told that a 2-year old could do better. Hauling tables, canopies, and all of the other trappings to in-person art fairs, only to have a bomb of a day. Staying positive is important. Supporting your fellow artists is important. Remembering that some days are good and others are bad is important. Sometimes it's a little difficult to keep oneself centered, so I'd say that's the biggest challenge. Moving forward, even when you question the path you're on. It's hard... but it's not impossible.


Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

plasticpumpkin: I am not proud of anything that I do. Chinese brush painting is about capturing the chi of your subject. It's about focus, serenity, tranquility, and modesty. To be humble is the most beautiful thing. When I look at each piece, I can see that I could have done better. Each piece is one step farther along the path of improvement. It's a lifelong path.

Lunachick: What is your favorite medium?

plasticpumpkin: Chinese brush painting. I also really love oil pastels, mixed media (especially acrylics and pen), and beeswax.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

plasticpumpkin: I believe each individual painting has someone for whom it was meant. There's nothing more exciting than helping that someone get that special something. Uniting them with a piece of art that speaks to them and that they will enjoy for a lifetime.


Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

plasticpumpkin: Hang in there. Do what you do because you want to. Because it needs to come out. Don't worry about the rest of it. It can be discouraging, but it will all fall into place in the end.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

plasticpumpkin: I am short, have red hair, and I am currently obsessing over traditional Chinese clothing (hanfu).

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

plasticpumpkin: Thank you for taking the time to ask such interesting questions!

Today's Featured Artist: SilverDragon

Meet SilverDragon, who creates absolutely gorgeous works of wearable art using quality materials in a wide array of colors.

She blends style with the utmost in craftsmanship, her work standing out in a crowd with no problems whatsoever.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating? When did you start?

SilverDragon: If there was a conscious decision to begin creating, I certainly don't recall it. As far back as I can remember I have always had the desire, the urge to create.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

SilverDragon: The most difficult aspect of selling is coming up against a mindset that looks with disdain at an artform not well comprehended. The market has been inundated with poorly made objects (generally made by poorly paid artisans) unsing low quality amterials that mimic the art I and other beadweavers create. Most people have no first hand experience
comparing and understanding the difference. This is a great obstacle and I am a shy (however opinionated) person.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

SilverDragon: Glass and stone beads are my favorite materials. I love the smooth surfaces, the sparkling faceted surfaces, the many and varied hues and finishes. It's like solid paint and makes for wonderful experimentation of color and texture combinations.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

SilverDragon: Possibly the most satisfying thing is to have others "oohing" and "ahhing" and actually paying me (and thereby honorong me) for my work.
Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

SilverDragon: Don't undersell your talent, your time, nor your work. Artists deserve to earn pay that does not insult us and indeed makes it possible for us to live by our handiwork.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

SilverDragon: My favorite color is RED!

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

SilverDragon: Thank you for being a part of this project and for asking such excellent questions!

Lesson 4,893 Learned + Prospects

I'm WAY too out of practice to ride a bike more than 2 seconds. I rode a measly 1.7 miles (that's NOTHING on a bike!) yesterday, and my butt is killing me!

I also nearly crashed about a dozen times. I haven't been on a bike since middle school so I'd gotten the hang of it by the time we were done.

Ugh...I need a wider, cushy seat if I'm going to do this. My poor hindparts can't take it. Oh, and it's a kid's mountain bike I'm riding, too. Not super smart on my part!

In other news, I have a show that's done well by me in the past coming up next Saturday. The theme fits well with my pieces, so I'm rather looking forward to attending again.

I've also been given several opportunities to display my work on consignment in local shops and galleries.

The only problem is this: I'm worried I won't be able to keep up with everything. I also don't want to essentially have my best pieces on hold while still trying to do shows and sell on Etsy.

I suppose this means I should get to work making new things, possibly even have a sale to clear out some of my older, more basic pieces.

I just don't know. It seemed like a great opportunity, but I'm just worried I'm getting in over my head. I suppose we'll see.

Now, I'd better get to work!

Today's Featured Artist: arosebyname

Today's featured artist, arosebyname, creates amazingly intricate works using many different beadwork techniques. Her designs are both colorful and detailed, making them fun and right at home in anyone's jewelry collection.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

arosebyname: I've been creating in one way or another since I was a child. Drawing, painting, knitting (didn't work), crocheting (even worse), embroidery, writing, poetry, cross-stitch and beading. And yet, there are still things out there I would love to try!

Lunachick: When did you start?

arosebyname: I started beading over 10 years ago with my daughters. It was when the bead critters were popular. As the years have progressed, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate.
Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

arosebyname: It's been difficult self-promoting. I know I do the best that I possibly can with each and every piece, yet there is something about talking it up that is very difficult for me. It probably has a lot to do with being raised with the "one must be humble and not boastful" mindset.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

arosebyname: Right now my favorite piece is "Linked to the Sea". It was a labor of love and I really like how it turned out.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

arosebyname: Delica beads and Nymo thread.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?
arosebyname: I love it when I have an idea in my head and I can make it become reality. It may take five or six attempts, but when it happens, it is wonderful!

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

arosebyname: All I can tell someone is to stick with it. I have been very frustrated with the lack of sales, but I know that if I push myself to promote, I can pull the buyers in.
Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

arosebyname: I have been happily married for 21 years.

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

arosebyname: Keep creating, we're making the world a more beautiful place!

Today's Featured Artist: StudioMarcy

Today, I'd like you to meet StudioMarcy. Her lampwork beads are whimsical little wonders that are bright, detailed and full of life.


Lunachick:What made you decide to start creating?

StudioMarcy: I worked in watercolors and wanted another medium that involved the layering of transparent colors. Glass seemed like the answer at the time.

Lunachick: When did you start?

StucioMarcy: 7 years ago.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

StudioMarcy: Marketing myself and putting myself out there. Generally, most of my business is repeat business, so once customers who enjoy whimsical glass art find me, they remain customers.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

StudioMarcy: It's not for sale, but I did an Inuit inspired glass piece of a face inside of an eagle mask and acid etched it. It's all in neutral colors and very different than my usual style. The face turned out beautifully. It will be in an ad in Ornament Magazine's October issue with my other AJC Street Team co-members.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

StudioMarcy: Soft glass. Most people don't know there's a difference, but there is. Mine is the type that often comes from Murano, Italy in many colors and is used in a lot of beadmaking. It's called soft glass because the melting point is lower and it isn't quite as durable as "hard glass" which is borosilicate, or many people know that as Pyrex. That type of glass works differently and doesn't have the same color spectrum.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

StudioMarcy: Making customers happy. I do a lot of custom orders and their delight of designing just what they want and then me transforming it into glass makes me happy too.

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

StudioMarcy: Provide the best customer service and communication that you can. It will make you stand out. And make your work the best you can too.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

StudioMarcy: I've lived in Wyoming. Not many people can claim that. (I'm in Atlanta, GA now.)

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

StudioMarcy: Visit my shop... http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com I have whimsically fun lampwork glass beads and mini sculptures and love to do custom orders. I make a lot of pendants of people's pets, which is fun and a great way to show your love for them.

Today's Featured Artist: Giftbearer

Giftbearer creates imaginative, intricate and one-of-a-kind works of wearable art in such a wide array of mediums that it boggles the mind.

She blends excellent craftswomanship with undeniable aesthetic qualities, her designs never failing to amaze.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

Giftbearer: Since I was a child I've always loved making things and the idea of innovation is exciting to me. I enjoy doing what hasn't been done before and experimenting with materials. Jewelry is something I absolutely fell in love with once I started. If the right man came along he'd have to love it as much as I do, or I'm afraid he'd have to go, LOL. Jewelry is my life, and although I don't wear it often, I really feel as though each piece has a soul, and so I treat each as an entity with a life of its own.

Lunachick: When did you start?

Giftbearer: It came about first as a part-time thing after my son was born. He is now 23 years old and I'm still growing and expanding upon my skills in the field.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

Giftbearer: I guess the most difficult part about selling are those times when you're absolutely knocking yourself out and still you're not selling. A few days of that is one thing, but a dry spell that stretches out for weeks or months can be hard on an artist, not only financially, but hard on morale. Keeping hope alive is vital during those periods in order to stay creative and continue to come up with things that are exciting.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

Giftbearer: Really there are two:
Hint at Something Deeper

Fine Silver Early Budding Vine Bracelet With Chrysoprase Cabs


Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

Giftbearer: I love Copper, Fine and Sterling Silver, and Gold. I also really love wood, gemstones such as Chrysoprase, Opal, Tourmaline, Spinel, Ocean Jasper, Larimar, Labradorite, Emerald, many types of Garnet other than the plain standard red, Variscite, Rainbow Moonstone, and natural fancy colored Diamond and Sapphire.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

Giftbearer: I love creating something new and innovative, and getting paid for it is the best compliment in the world. When I sell something I've made with my own two hands it is satisfying in a way no 9-5 traditional job could ever be. I enjoy things that I've bought more with the money I earn than if I were waiting for a payheck from someone else's company.

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

Giftbearer: Spread your work around and really look to see where it fits and will get the best response. Continue to monitor what the market is doing. I think it is possible to stay true to yourself and still be responsive to what your customers want.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

Giftbearer: I have a lot of Iroquoise Indian in my lineage.

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

Giftbearer: I welcome custom orders, inquiries from brick and mortar stores, and I'm selling my work at the following places;
http://Giftbearer.etsy.com
http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/1882
http://www.mintd.com/stores/show/148-Giftbearer
and a brick and mortar store called VIX Emporium, located at 5009 Baltimore Ave, in West Philadelphia will soon be carrying my work; http://vixemporium.wordpress.com/