Interview of Lindsay Lein

I have another fabulous interview for you dear readers.  You're going to <3 her work because I know I do!  Meet Lindsay Lein ~

She says~

What is your art/craft and how long have you been doing it?
I design and make jewelry. I have been doing it for as long as I can remember, probably since I was about seven years old.

What got you started?
My ex-stepfather worked for the phone company and had a van full of wires that were every color of the rainbow. I loved to mix and match the wires, twisting and tying them into different designs. Then in grade school macrame friendship bracelets were all the rage and I sold my first pieces to classmates.

Are there any other arts and crafts that you would like to try your hand at? If so, why?
Quilting. I have always admired quilters and have thought about taking that up as a hobby but I know it gets really expensive and every quilt is a time-consuming project....I don't know if I have enough patience or money for that!

What are your favorite materials to use?
I love vintage crystal buttons and costume jewelry from the 40s and 50s that I can take apart and refashion. I also love wire, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, brass filigree, and pearls of all varieties whether real or faux.

What and/or who inspires you?
Etsy artists really inspire me as do all the creative gals I work with at a beading/jewelry craft store. I also love browsing flea markets and antique shops for interesting pieces that spark my imagination.

Etsy Shop: www.lindsaylein.etsy.com
Blog: midwesthandmade.wordpress.com (under construction)
Facebook: Lindsay Lein

I hope you enjoyed this week's interview and stay tuned for more artists and crafts people that I consider to be a cut above.

<3 Myria

Interview of Shanis Jewellery

Once again I have discovered another awesome artist.  I love her chic and simple use of lace in her jewelry!  I think you will agree that this is haute couture :-)

Shani says - Thank you for this nice opportunity.

Q.  What is your art/craft and how long have you been doing it?
A.  I create silver jewellery with semiprecious stones, sometimes combining them
with other materials like leather and lace. My designs can be romantic, mystic
or very clean and can fit people with different styles. I make custom designed
pieces from other metals as well. I love working on custom designs and involve
clients in design process. From time to time I also give jewellery making
courses in my studio in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Q.  What got you started?
A.  It's started with a lost earring. I have borrowed a pair of silver earrings from
my friend and one got lost. I couldn't find the same in any shop and decided to
make a new one by myself. Fortunately it was just a simple wire work. I went to
a local jewellery suppliers shop where I was amazed by variety of stones, silver
details, chains and interesting tools.
I made the earring and gave it back to my friend admitting that it was made by
me. She was very impressed and asked me to make a matching necklace for her.
That's how I discovered this profession.

Q.  Are there any other arts and crafts that you would like to try your hand at? If
so, why?
A.  I really would like to try some crochet and engraving. I like ornaments and I
think these two techniques can add an extra esthetic value to my designs.

Q.  What are your favorite materials to use?
A.  It really depends on the project. I usually start with an idea
and carefully choose materials that fit my concept and design. I like to
experiment with non-traditional materials. For example, I dip lace in
transparent rubber and create "Lace stones" for setting.

Q.  What and/or who inspires you?
A.  I often visit jewellery exhibitions and trade shows. There you can always meet
new designers and get updated in jewellery trends, technologies and stones. This
summer I went to very inspiring Jewellery week in London.

Q.  Do you have a Coupon Code for your Etsy Shop and/or website?
A.  Yes, I have a Coupon Code with 15% discount. This the code 519427SJ. I have also
free basic shipping.




Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/shanidesign
Website: http://www.shanisjewellery.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shani-Jewellery-Design/282435467250
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ShaniJewelry