Designosaurus Earrings in Rockland Magazine!

Hey, look up there, that’s a pair of Designosaurus earrings in print!

A pair of my Designosaurus earrings have been included in Rockland Magazine’s annual “In the Bag” gift guide, part of their Nov/Dec holiday issue! This 5-page guide includes gifts to fit any budget, and even better—you can purchase them all right here in Rockland!

This is the first time I’ve seen a Designosaurus piece in print, so needless to say I’m pretty excited. I feel honored to have been included, and am happy to represent ML Gifts & Accessories in this way.

Stop by ML Gifts & Accessories to pick up a pair, or check out Designosaurus on Etsy (lots of new items added!)

www.jessiekatz.etsy.com

Below is the issue’s cover and the entire “In the Bag” guide…

The holiday issue has some other great features as well, including tips for throwing a Hanukkah party and holiday-worthy restaurants. Contact The Journal News to get your copy.

Crafter Profile: Additions

This week's Crafter Profile is with Valerie William, the creative mind behind AdditionStyle on Etsy. In her collection, Additions, she creates unique and affordable pieces using hardware! The results are unique and certainly conversation starters, so enjoy learning a bit about her here and be sure to browse AdditionStyle on Etsy!

Tell us a little about yourself… Where you’re from? Art background? When you started making jewelry? Etc…

My name is Valerie, I am originally from Minneapolis. I have lived in New York City for 6 years, and now I currently live in Chicago, IL.

I have been creating most of my life, I learned to sew when I was 9 years old and I created everything from casual clothes, suits, coats, and dresses for years. I went to school for fashion merchandising and spent years in the retail industry.

I made jewelry when I was a teenager, but did not start doing it seriously until my mid thirties.

Like a lot of people, I took a jewelry class and fell in love with the design process. The day after the class I bought tools, beads and all the supplies I needed to make my own jewelry. Once I started making jewelry I could not stop. I began with beadwork; moved to wire wrapping and then sliversmithing. Many of my techniques are self-taught with a few classes in between to perfect my skills.

The important stuff — where can people purchase your items?

My jewelry is available on:

http://additionsstyle.etsy.com

http://zibbet.com/additionsstyle

http://additions.artfire.com

I also have a blog about inspiration, creativity, and business, that is updated daily

http://additionsstyle.blogspot.com

You can also visit me at

http://facebook.com/additionsstyle

http://twitter.com/additionsstyle

What made you want to start Additionstyle?

A few of years ago I was ready for a change and wanted to try something new. I wanted the opportunity to try a new medium, experiment with new techniques, and create jewelry and accessories that were young, fresh, and affordable.

What kind of jewelry were you making before you started the Additions collection, and do you continue to create jewelry in a variety of styles?

I still create sterling silver one of a kind art jewelry pieces. I sell these pieces at a few shows throughout the year and to a few galleries. I am doing less and less of this as my online business grows.

On Etsy you mention working with your daughter to start the Additions collection – how involved are both of you in continuing to design new pieces?

When I originally decided I wanted to do something different, I knew I wanted to create items that my daughter and her friends could afford.

She and I talk about designs all the time. I get her opinion on new designs, and what she thinks her friends would buy. Having her helps me keep the designs young, modern and fresh.

Why the name Additionstyle?

The name of the collection is Additions. When I started this collection I wanted it to have its own identity and when I was setting up my accounts online Additions was taken so I used my blog name at the time Additions Style.

When I was ready to name the collection my teenage daughter and I brainstormed ideas. She came up with the name Additions, which perfectly described the concept of adding accessories till you have the perfect look.

Where do you find inspiration?

The hardware is my greatest source of inspiration. I use a lot of recycled hardware in my work. When I go to the place where I get my recycled hardware it has mixed boxes of hardware, and digging through those boxes is a great source of inspiration for me. Working in my studio and going through my drawers of hardware is also a great source of inspiration. Just looking at the hardware always sparks new ideas.

Looking through your Etsy shop I noticed you occasionally incorporate materials other than recycled hardware – what are your other favorite materials to work with?

I have created a couple collections: Vibrant Hardware – which is a collection of hardware pieces with added color, Hardware in Bloom – which is a collection of hardware with silk flowers, and hardware with stones, lake stones, and gemstones.

I like to do unexpected things with the hardware and mix it with interesting things, but in the end I love working with the hardware itself. It is very inspiring for me and I love to come up with new ideas.

Out of the items for sale in your shop, do you have a favorite?

It’s really hard to pick a favorite. When I complete a piece it’s my favorite at the time, until I create the next one. If I had to choose a style, I love the pieces that have a variety of washers and chains.

What does your workspace look like?

I work in the basement of my home. For a long time it looked like a basement, bad light, junk everywhere and not a lot of space for my supplies. But at the beginning of this year my sister (she’s an organizer) came to visit for a week and re designed and organized my space.

I still work in the basement, but now I enjoy coming to my studio/office to work everyday. I know where everything is, everything I need has its own station, and I have all the things I love around me.

And finally, any advice you’d give to others who want to turn their creative passion into a business?

Create work you love. It is easy to follow trends and to design what you think people want to buy, but if you do it to make money only, it will become a job you don’t enjoy.

Keep learning. There is much to learn about creating, business, marketing, and selling. Take classes, read as much as you can, and participate in discussions on and off line.

If you love it never give up. If you have a setback, don’t give up, try it a different way, talk to new people, there is always something you can do, so believe in yourself.

It’s all hard work, and it takes time, so be patient. Always do as much as you can, never stop marketing online and off, provide outstanding customer service and the customers will come.

(interview has been edited)

Crafter Profile: Piece of Mind Design

During this week’s crafter profile we hear from Lauren Jones of Piece of Mind Design. Lauren and I went to art school together, where we both became members of Delta Zeta sorority, and we even went on an amazing study abroad winter term trip to Italy with other University of Hartford students! I had a lot of fun putting together this interview & reading her answers. Plus after looking at her photos I just had to purchase one of her collage necklaces!

First, tell us a little about yourself… Where you’re from? Your art background? Why you started Piece of Mind Design?

I am from Long Island, New York. A town called East Patchogue. I have a BFA in ceramics with a minor in Art History from the Hartford Art School. I started PoMD because I love creating things and wanted to be able to share my pieces with friends & family, and other people who enjoy handmade items. I always wanted to own my own business.

Where can people purchase your items?

http://pieceofminddesign.etsy.com

Why the name Piece of Mind Design?

It is a name that came to me a long time ago. Along the lines of 'piece of my mind.' All the items I create are a piece of me, and the things that influence me.

So I know you studied ceramics in college, and now your shop is filled with jewelry — are you still doing ceramic work? Do you have any plans to include ceramics in Piece of Mind Design on Etsy?

When I opened the shop I intended to sell ceramics. I have a lot of pieces from college and some that are more current, but it is really difficult to be a productive potter when you don't have your own studio. I would love to get back into ceramics one day, but I just don't have the time/studio space that it takes right now. I love making jewelry because I can take my supplies anywhere to create.

When did you start making jewelry?

I have always made jewelry. I got a bead box with a rainbow array of seed beads from my mom when I was 5 or 6 and would spend hours crafting. I have always been obsessed with making handmade items for myself and other people.

Tell us about your creative process?

For my necklaces I like to start with a focal object, maybe a charm that I purchased or a color palette. I work on adding and taking away elements until I am happy with the product.

What are your influences?

I love fashion magazines and people watching. Sometimes I see someone wearing a piece of jewelry that I love and so I try to replicate it with my own touch. I am also very influenced by the way my friends dress, very hip yet alternative.

Favorite materials to work with?

I love beads. I can spend hours in the craft store searching for the right color or shape.

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made since starting PoMD?

I really enjoy making the collage necklaces. They are fun to customize for people. I love when customers ask for a collage necklace personalized for their favorite color or an image that suits them. I love unique jewelry that is one of a kind and special for a specific person's sensibility.

How have your techniques & aesthetic changed since the beginning of PoMD?

I have gotten smarter about the materials I purchase. I have more intentions when I buy something so I think it makes the items look much better put together

What does your workspace look like?

I don't have an exact workspace. I sometimes work at my desk, my bed or a dining table. I keep my supplies in boxes so they are very portable. I hope one day to have a permanent work space but for now its too difficult.. I have a kitty who eats everything!

Outside of PoMD, how do you spend your time (jobs, hobbies, etc etc)?

I have been working for the last 2 1/2 years as a full time nanny, however I am starting graduate school come September for Higher Education/Student Activies. I am very curious to see if my new work environment will effect my creative process at all. As far as free time I am usually at the beach or with my friends or boyfriend. I am lucky because I have very creative people in my life who inspire and influence me everyday.

Is there a strong local art/craft scene in your area?

Yes, I believe so. A lot of people in my area really enjoy supporting the indie artists and crafters. I often attend local craft shows and galleries. I think it is important to get out and see what other people are making.

Favorite childhood craft project?

I really can't name just one… my mom was an elementary art teacher. I was her arts and crafts guinea pig as a child. I did a lot of beading, sewing, and painting.

Do you have a favorite experience since starting PoMD?

I think my favorite experiences have been getting the feedback after someone wears or receives one of my pieces. Just knowing that someone is excited to wear something I made puts a smile on my face.

How do you advertise/promote PoMD?

I promote locally with business cards and word of mouth as well as through etsy and facebook.

Finally, what advice would you give to others interested in starting their own small creative business?

I would say, keep trying. It can be really discouraging. I have been working at this for some time now and I still get discouraged sometimes when I feel like I have been working so hard to only make a few sales here and there. If you take pride in what you are creating and do your best to promote it will pay off eventually. Don't give up!

(interview has been edited)