EAOC Spotlight: Janeen St. Louis

Ok. I admit. I have a woman-crush! Not only is this week's artist gorgeous, but very talented and insightful. I met Janeen of Janeen St. Louis in the EAOC ning forums. I had just posted my latest on my first spotlight, and I was seeking new artists to spotlight. Janeen was the first to reply, and it was love at first sight, LOL.....Seriously, I really dig a true independent artist who doesn't conform to gain acceptance. Enough blabbering, get to know Janeen St. Louis!





You’re a very beautiful woman. What’s your ethnic background? Is your real name Janeen St. Louis (lol)?



Thank you for the compliment! but I can't take the credit for that, I got to give that to my parents. My Father is Haitian, my Mother is Cape Verdian & Native American. Yes Janeen St. Louis is my real name ..lol, Neenee is my family name. My Grandmother named me Janeen after her French best friend who she knew as a little girl.



I read a bit of your bio on artbreak. What was it like growing up in an area where you were one of a few minorities? Was that what fueled your creativity and interest in jewelry making?



Thanks for reading. It was very difficult growing up in a neighborhood that had little to no minorities. There was racism, I was considered the "ugly duckling", wasn't taught how to read until I got into the 4th grade and ended up getting bullied A LOT. As you read in my bio, I wouldn't change a thing in my past. I was raised by my Grandparents with a strong up bringing and my family (especially my grandmother) instilled in my sister and me to always be proud of where we came from and to never be ashamed of who we are. I carry that with me everyday all day. My Grandmother was the rock of the family and she always encouraged creativity. My creativity in jewelry making didn't come to me until much much later in life. The passing of my Grandmother is what fueled that. Beading helped me to open up and to get over the loss of her. I really went through a tuff time. But, When I'm in my moments of solitude, day dreaming, being creative, I feel her energy all around me and I know she would be proud.



Did you have any formal training?



Nope. I didn't get any training at all. It just felt natural to do. Through time and patients, it developed to what it is today.



What are your favorite materials to work with?



My favorite materials to work with are natural materials. I love the textures, colors, shapes and their imperfections. BUT, my most absolute favorite materials to work with are my Trade beads. If you read the descriptions of most of my work, you will see the words "African Trade Beads" almost everywhere. I love them!



How do you come up with the pieces you create?



It's a feeling I get. I sit at my work space, feeling and organizing my beads. I do this for about 10-20 minutes and then it seems from there, I know exactly what and how I want that piece to look.



Do you do custom work?



I love to do custom work! I consider everything about the person. I think about their personality, their spirit, the way they dress, everything. I take the "idea" of that person to create their presence, into a piece of wearable jewelry made especially for them!



What brought you to Etsy and to EAOC?



Etsy, for obvious reasons, is a great way to get your name out there as someone in the "craft" community. There really isn't a place where crafters are taken seriously like they are on Etsy, at least not to my knowledge. And for a lot of us who craft, it is a means to stability whether it be for the joy of it, money or therapy for that matter. I became a part of EAOC because I wanted to connect with people who are like myself, that want to be taken seriously as an artist. People who want the same recognition as any other artist and to allow are own artistic voice to be seen and heard in our communities and abroad as African American Artist.



Do you ever peep at other jewelry shops to scope the competition?



"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". My theory is, if you think it looks good, then it looks good. I do peep at other jewelry artist work but, I don't see it as competition. I make what I feel and what I want. We each have are own vision to create what we see that is beautiful to us. For me, I'm not doing it to get rich quick nor am I catering to the "popular opinions". I will take 3 out of 50 customers who appreciate my work and feel what it is I'm doing. I'll take that any day. I believe that as an artist, you set the tone for yourself as to how you want the public to perceive you.


Where else do you sell besides Etsy?



Any social networks or blog?As you know, I sell my work on artbreak.com. I'm also on craftlister.com. I do most of my networking on facebook and myspace. I do have some of my work in two boutiques in Martha's Vineyard (the Green Eyed Daisy boutiques) and at the Museum of African American History, here in Boston.



Can you envision your life without making jewelry? What would you do if you weren’t making jewelry? I only ask because I always view my life as BS and AS-before soap and after soap….

Yes I can. Life takes it's own course. Whatever God sees fit for me to do, then that's just what I'm going to do. Just when you have laid your plans all out in front of you, here come the elements of life to change everything. That's just the way it is. My other passion was to go to school for nursing, go to Africa and start my own non-profit organization. I have a name for it and everything..lol. But since I already have invested soo much into my business of making jewelry, I continued on that path. Instead, I am combining the love I have for my craft and putting it into a program that has to do with human services. This is something I been working on, to help the craving I have to want to help people.



Are there any other talents you have or if you could do anything else artistically, what would it be?

I wish I could sing, sing my life away. Instead, ..I will hurt your ears. God didn't deal me those cards. So, I fantasize about singing at my work station, in silence by myself or I sing to REALLY LOUD music while I'm beading, that way no one can hear me





Ahhh, how refreshing! Thank you Neenee for your time and for gracing us with your talent. I wish you much success with wherever your life's path leads you!

EAOC Spotlight: Runako Designs

I don't talk about it much on my blog, but I am a member of a couple of Etsy teams, namely CREST (Capital Region Etsy Street Team) and EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color.) I'm trying to be a more proactive Etsian, and what better way to start by giving some love to another Etsian. I stopped doing these spotlights about a month or so ago because I wanted these Q&As to be intimate so you can really get to know the person behind the artistry. I've been studying the shops and the artist profiles then basing my questions on that. So without further ado, I present Runako Designs!


Tell us how you got started in jewelry-making and where do you draw your creative inspiration?

I met a very nice lady in the mall about 5 years ago who was making jewelry for her shop. I asked her if she taught classes, and it wast there and then that it began. She taught me to make a bracelet and the rest has been self-taught through additional classes, videos and books.

I draw my inspiration from nature and other ethnic art. I keep photos and artwork near my workspace for inspiration. As for color, I don’t need to look any further than nature; it’s a natural color pallet that has inspired many of my designs.

Is jewelry-making your full-time gig or do you have a “real job?”

Jewelry making is my part time gig that I have to keep in check every now and again. As for my full time job, I’m a HR Manager for two Manufacturing and distribution facilities, and running next to that is my full time job as a single parent to a “tween” going on 30.

How do you balance motherhood and being a single parent with your artistry and all the other things you have going on?

WOW! It is definitely a balancing act, but I do my best to put my son first. I don’t get busy with jewelry until he goes to bed most nights. He’s been with me to two shows recently. For me, it’s together time for life’s lessons and I also hope that I’m inspiring him to look beyond working for someone else when he gets older and thinking about doing his own thing. He’s been asking lots of questions about business, so I think it’s working. In addition to the above, I typically schedule activities and shows around his schedule. Sometimes on weekends when he say’s “mom, you’re making too much jewelry”, that’s my cue to get in check with my top priority…family.

What are some of your favorite materials to work with?

I absolutely love working with metals, gemstones and pearls. I can’t say that I have a particular favorite though, as I try to keep my options open when creating.

What brought you to Etsy?

Finding the need to diversify my presence online is what brought me to Etsy. I met wonderful graphic artists at KMT Graphic Designs, who had just opened her shop and through networking with Tara and asking a lot of questions about the Etsy community, and her encouragement, I figured I’d give it a shot. I really like the professional look of the site and the ease of opening a shop. I’m still working on uploading photos to my shop, but I’m hoping to have it completed by the end of the month.

How do you stay fresh and unique among that vast sea of jewelry makers?

Honestly, I can’t really say that I try to keep up with what everyone else is doing; it’s too costly. I design by what inspires me. As long as nature and art continues to evolve and change, so will my designs. I purchase materials that I think will enhance my jewelry style. There will always be a ton of jewelry available for consumers to purchase and lucky for all of us, we do have different styles. I learned a long time ago, that I can’t be everything to every consumer, and I can’t keep up with the Jones’, holidays or seasons. I think I’ve found my niche and those are the people that I’m catering to. They inspire and drive me every day.

Do you sell anywhere else besides Etsy?

Yes, currently, I sell through local shows, home parties and word of mouth. I also have an online store at http://www.runakojewelry.com/ .

What’s the most rewarding and the most frustrating thing about making and selling jewelry?

I’d have to say the most rewarding thing about making jewelry is the end result and the happy customers. My customers fuel me with energy, and because of that, I try to provide the best customer service and quality products I can find.

The most frustrating thing about making jewelry is when I hit dry spells with my creativity. There is nothing worse than sitting and looking at 6 trays of unfinished pieces because I can’t see beyond the beads and components.

What are your short-term and long-term goals with your shop?

My short term goals with my shop is to first get it loaded with lots of eye candy. My long term goals is to really dig in and find out how Etsy works, then find a niche there that I can tap into, that may be different from my online store. For instance, just earrings or just necklaces or targeting the bride, etc. I would love to have it all figured out before Christmas.

If you could do anything else besides make jewelry, what would it be?

I know it would have to be to teach. To this day, my mom still says to me “you should have been a teacher”, when she hears me talk about my frustration with the school system some days. As a child I used to play teacher and classroom around my bed, with my dolls and lots of paper. I went to private school, so I also played Nun Dee. As I got older, life’s priorities steered me away from the profession, but for the past four years, I’ve been doing more leadership training, volunteering with Junior Achievement and teaching jewelry classes… I think the Nun in me is itching to come out.

Thanks Dee for taking the time to chat with me. I wish you nothing but success and ever-flowing creativity!

My 15 Minutes of Fame Are Here!!!!

Okay, it's more like 72 hours. I am the featured seller on Art Fire til May 8th. Peep me here!

Art Fire Artisan Spotlight: Cherrybones

It's Friday, so ya know what that means....It's time for the artisan spotlight of the week, and guess what? It's not a jeweler! No offense to all my jewelry artisans-I love ya'll. I found this week's artisan, Cherrybones from the front page of Art Fire. She had me at cherry and bones! When I clicked on her shop, I fell in love. Read her interview, then check out her shop!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Seattle with my husband and a small handful of silly animals. We recently bought our first house and it is teeny tiny but we love it and its pretty easy to keep clean. I love to paint and draw but I also do some other crafts like Jewelry and making things like bookmarks. I also really love to find random things to paint on like little figurines from the thrift store or trinket boxes.

2. How did you discover your artistry?
Well my dad is an artist and so I have been into art my whole life, its just something I grew up with.

3. Do you craft full time or do you have another full time profession?
Right now I am doing my art full time but I may have to get a job again in the near future depending on how things go you know. Who knows a month from now I could be washing dishes part time while doing my art. Lets see my most recent jobs I have had to take have been dishwasher at a restaurant, truck team at a local department store, grocery clerk, fiberglass boat detailer and background check verification person for people applying for jobs in the airline industry.

4. What brought you to Artfire?
My friend Carrie Hawks / Tigerpixie opened up a shop and recommended it to me.

5. What are some of your favorite materials or supplies to use?
Acrylic paint is my very favorite and I love to paint on smooth cradled gessobord panels but they are kind of pricey so I don't use them very often.

6. If you could learn to do any other craft or artistry, what would it be?
Sewing, I never really learned how. I do a little hand sewing and have an antique singer that I use sometimes but I am just not a sew-er. My best friend is an excellent seamstress and I'm jealous cause shes always making herself cool clothes.

7. Do you have a blog, website or other craft venue that you sell on?
Oh yes, here are a few:
Cherrybones.com
Etsy
Zazzle
Ebay
Livejournal
Facebook

8. What’s your overall impression of Artfire and would you recommend it to fellow artisans?
Well I have only been on Artfire for about a week but so far it looks pretty cool. It seems like they are really trying to help artisans out. I am looking forward to seeing how it goes there as the community grows. So far so good, I would recommend it for sure!

9. Now, for the fun!!!
a. Coffee or tea?
 Coffee, I drink lots of tea though to.
b. Cat or dog?
 Well I have both and a bird but I guess I would have to say Dog because she likes to go hang out with me and go for walks and stuff unlike those ungrateful cats of mine...
c. NY or LA?
 Probably LA since it would be warmer, Ive never been to either though.
d. Paper or plastic?
 I dislike this question...mainly because it always reminds me that I forgot my reusable bags at home.
e. Fame or fortune?
 Fortune, you cant keep the house warm with fame.

( P.S. I love that pic of you that you use in your bitch posts, it cracks me up =D)

Wow!!! I love this gal! You can't keep a house warm with fame! And she likes the pic I use in my bitch posts! I'm lovin' it! Thank you Alex for such an entertaining read. I appreciate your candor. It's so refreshing!

ArtFire Artisan Spotlight: Heathers Paints and Prettys

If it's Friday, then it's time for the ArtFire artisan spotlight! This week's feature is from Heather's Paints and Prettys. Heather and I found one another on Twitter, so here we are! Check out her interview!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a jewelry designer, hot glass artist, metal clay artist, polymer clay artist, and oil painter. I am also a licensed Aesthetician. This means that not only can I give you a facial, waxing, and makeup lesson to make you look fabulous, I can also sell you the accessories for your new look as well:-D

2. How did you discover your artistry?

I started out making jewelry for my own use because I have a nickel allergy and can’t wear a lot of the jewelry available in the department stores. People started to ask me to make them pieces, and then started telling me I should make them to sell to the general public and it just blossomed from there. I started making my own lampwork in 2005 and that transitioned into metal clay and then oil painting. Now I am starting to make tiny paintings into focal pieces for jewelery.

3. Do you craft full time or do you have another full time profession?

My art is a full time job for me but I also work outside the home as an Aesthetician. If I didn’t have the outside job I think I would forget how to talk to people face to face.

4. What brought you to Artfire?

I stumbled upon ArtFire by accident. I was blog hopping and a bunch of different blogs had links to ArtFire on them. After seeing the name 4 or 5 times I got nosey and decided to check it out. I liked what I saw so I registered and eventually got a verified membership.

5. What are some of your favorite materials or supplies to use?

I will use just about anything I can get my hands on. I love lampwork, polymer clay, and metal clay of course. I also love seed beads, gemstone beads, and pressed Czech glass. However I don’t limit myself to traditional materials either. I have made a necklace out of broken windshield glass at a clients request, and I look forward to the opportunity to make special pieces for people out of their cherished momentos.

6. If you could learn to do any other craft or artistry, what would it be?

I would like to learn how to do stained glass. I don’t know how to solder and I think that would be an awesome technique to know how to do. I even have a draft drawn up of a necklace I would like to make when I know how to do stained glass with a nice little stained glass piece as the focal.

7. Do you have a blog, website or other craft venue that you sell on? Yes, Yes, and yes J
http://www.squareonebeads.com/ is my personal site
http://www.heatherdesigns.1000markets.com/ is my 1000 Markets shop
http://www.squareonebeads.blogspot.com/ is my personal blog
http://www.skincarebyheather.blogspot.com/ is a blog where I offer advice on skin care.

8. What’s your overall impression of Artfire and would you recommend it to fellow artisans? So far, I really like ArtFire. I haven’t had any sales yet but of all the venues I have tried they are by far the most responsive to customer needs. I had a problem once and they actually called me on the phone to walk me thru it. I have never had any other web site do that. As such, I would highly recommend ArtFire to anyone looking to buy or sell quality handmade goods or supplies.

9. Now, for the fun!!!
a. Coffee or tea? Do I have to choose? I drink coffee in the morning and herbal tea most of the rest of the day.
b. Cat or dog? Two dogs, one 10yo German Shedder, one 10mo Boxer/Lab puppy
c. NY or LA? NY, never been to LA but Manhattan is tons of fun
d. Paper or plastic? How about reusable canvas instead?
e. Fame or fortune? Fortune, money can’t buy happiness but its more fun than being poor.

I already posted a question on Heather's skincare blog. Can you believe I'm almost 38, and I still break out like a teenager??!! Yuck!

Art Fire Artisan Spotlight: Jewelry by Desiree

Happy Friday (and I mean this literally)!!!

I'm back with the Art Fire artisan spotlight, and this week's feature is all about Desiree. She's a true Art Fire innovator. Check out her badges. Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Well first, I’m an architect. That’s where I spend my working days (sometimes nights and weekends). I have been living in Georgia for almost 4 years now with my husband. We relocated down here from New Jersey. I went to college in Newark, NJ which was just a short Path ride to NYC. I miss Manhattan and the family and friends that are still there.

2. How did you discover your artistry?

By accident I think. I was at a local annual craft fair and bought a pair of handmade earrings from one of the vendors there. A few weeks later I find myself making a bracelet for myself and then a set for my cousin, earrings for a Chinese auction (tricky tray) for my sorority then BAM I was hooked.

3. Do you craft full time or do you have another full time profession?

Crafting is a part-time endeavor for me. I’m an architect with a multi-national firm.

4. What brought you to Artfire?

Google to be honest. I knew about Etsy but was not sure that I wanted to pony up all the fees.

5. What are some of your favorite materials or supplies to use?

My favorites are gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and my new addiction seed beads.

6. If you could learn to do any other craft or artistry, what would it be?

I want to learn how to knit. I want to be able to make scarves and hats and stuff like that.

7. Do you have a blog, website or other craft venue that you sell on?

Yes I do. My blog http://jewelrybydesiree.blogspot.com/ and My Shop Handmade store http://jewelrybydesiree.shophandmade.com/

8. What’s your overall impression of Artfire and would you recommend it to fellow artisans?

I really love Artfire. It is such a great community. There’s always someone around to help you out. The admin are great as well.

9. Now, for the fun!!!

a. Coffee or tea? Tea (coffee is disgusting)
b. Cat or dog? Both, I had a cat and a dog growing up.
c. NY or LA? NY (I SO miss Manhattan!)
d. Paper or plastic? Paper
e. Fame or fortune? Fame, fortune always seems to change people

Thank you Desiree! I never read the Q&A until I'm about to publish it. I like to be surprised by the responses, and I love you already-"Coffee is disgusting!" I love it! All you java freaks stop hating! Starbucks has you brainwashed:-D

Art Fire Artisan Spotlight: These Loving Hands

It's Friday-the 13th!!!! You know what that means. It's time for another artisan spotlight from the wonderful community of Art Fire. Before I get to the interview, I want to just tell you how I found this shop. One of the coolest features of Art Fire is each time you list a new item or product, it makes the front page! There are no treasuries to fight over or admin favoritism (okay, that was a cheap shot), but the point is, you get your 5 minutes of fame. This particular artist caught my eye because of this item. How freakin' cute is that??? Enough of my blabbering. Here is the interview:



1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jenni and I’m a yarnaholic. I live with my very supportive husband and 2 wonderful boys just outside Hamilton, Ontario Canada. My boys are my inspiration for many of my creatures.


2. How did you discover your artistry?

My mom taught my 3 sisters and me crafting from a young age. I have tried many things, mostly needle crafts. I taught myself to crochet with a Reader’s Digest Needlework Encyclopedia. My youngest sister wanted to learn to crochet so she could make an amigurumi snail. I thought the little creatures in the pattern book were so cute, I started designing some of my own. I got requests for patterns for my creatures, so I started writing patterns too.

3. Do you craft full time or do you have another full time profession?



I would love to craft full time… maybe some day soon. Besides my hooking, I am a full time domestic goddess and part time school bus driver.


4. What brought you to Artfire?

I started off selling on Etsy. I belong to the Etsyhookers Team and we were talking about the different online venues available. A fellow hooker (valeriesgallery) recommended I check out Artfire. I liked what I saw and here I am.

5. What are some of your favorite materials or supplies to use?

I love acrylic yarns. The color possibilities are endless, they are washable, easy to work with, lots of textures available, and affordable. I have recently started working with some wool and natural fiber blends (bamboo, soy, Seacell), mostly because one of my sisters spins and dyes and always gives me samples to experiment with.


6. If you could learn to do any other craft or artistry, what would it be?

I think pottery would be neat to try (with a wheel).

7. Do you have a blog, website or other craft venue that you sell on?



I also have a store on Etsy under theselovinghands.etsy.com

8. What’s your overall impression of Artfire and would you recommend it to fellow artisans?

I love it. Very easy one page listing process, the low monthly fee with no commissions. My fellow artists are great. I’ve found quite a few familiar faces. Artfire staff seems quick to respond to questions/problems. I like the admin announcements on the My Artfire page, it’s an easy way to keep up with changes. I can’t wait to see what comes next.


9. Now, for the fun!!!

a. Coffee or tea? Coffee….double-double please
b. Cat or dog? I like both, own neither. Dog has a few more votes, but it has to be a big one.
c. NY or LA? Not sure…either would be a vacation for me.
d. Paper or plastic? - paper
e. Fame or fortune? Fortune….Enough to give my family whatever they need

Art Fire Artisan Spotlight: Bijoux Designs For You

It's Friday, so it's Art Fire artisan spotlight time!!!! This week's feature is all about Bijoux Designs For You. Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is April and together with my mom we make up Bijoux Designs For You. I am mommy to a wonderful 6 month old baby boy, I drink too much coffee and am addicted to beads!

2. How did you discover your artistry?
My mother has been creating my entire life and I inherited the “fever” from her. Her original love was sewing and quilting and she taught me how to sew when I was still just a wee thing. I never had much patience for quilting though! About four years ago we went to a jewelry making class for her birthday and were immediately addicted! The rest, as they say, is history!

3. Do you craft full time or do you have another full time profession?
Other than being a full time mommy this is my full time job, as well as my mother’s. I do waitress two nights a week as well.

4. What brought you to Artfire?
We have had a shop on Etsy since May of 2008. I had heard some buzz on twitter and in the forums about Artfire and decided to check it out. We figured that it was worth a try and have found an extremely supportive community there.

5. What are some of your favorite materials or supplies to use?
I am addicted to shells and mother of pearl. I also love to find cute charms!

6. If you could learn to do any other craft or artistry, what would it be?
I am totally envious of the polymer clay artists! If I ever have some free time (yeah right) I’d love to take a class, even if just to make some things for myself!

7. Do you have a blog, website or other craft venue that you sell on?
I have two blogs, http://bijouxdesignsforyou.blogspot.com/ and http://rougeriverbeads.blogspot.com/. We also have a store on Etsy http://www.bijouxdesignsforyou.etsy.com/ and supply shops on both Etsy and Artfire http://www.rougeriverbeads.artfire.com/ and http://www.rougeriverbeads.etsy.com/.

8. What’s your overall impression of Artfire and would you recommend it to fellow artisans?
I have had a fantastic experience at Artfire thus far. I have found the admin and the fellow artisans to be extremely supportive. Some bugs, but that is to be expected with such a new site. I’m so excited to see where this journey takes us!

9. Now, for the fun!!!
a. Coffee or tea? COFFEE!!!!!
b. Cat or dog? Both. Currently we only have a dog though, a beautiful black lab named Lily.
c. NY or LA? Depends on the time of year…right now LA!
d. Paper or plastic? Paper
e. Fame or fortune? Tough one. I don’t really need fortune but enough not to ever worry again would be nice!

Thanks for a wonderful read April! Your bead addiction certainly mimics my soap making one! Check out her wonderful shops and blogs today!

Art Fire Artisan Spotlight: catinalife

As promised, I am shining the light on one of my fellow Art Fire artisans, and this week's feature is all about catinalife. Joy, the owner, is a true joy. She really had me at cat-in-a-life which should be the title of my story. Check out her q & a, then head over to Art Fire to pick up one of her unique and heartfelt creations!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

This is the hard one right off. I am a BA/RFH.. Beadaholic, rock, fossil hound. I know it, I admit it, I’m OK with it. (Worse addictions.) I am a very young at heart (love video games/alternative music, and more) just over 50, mother to 3 and grandmother to 11. I work at home doing on-line med transcription when I am not making and selling the jewelry I love to create. Other than that I live a quite a boring life compared to most now. I grew up in NE Illinois not to far from Chicago and have had to resettle in Iowa. Much much slower pace of life here. I miss the Lake the most. I have been in Iowa since 1994 after a 19 year marriage that was physically/mentally abusive, I basically grabbed my kids then 11, 13, 15 and got away with my life and theirs, God bless the shelters out there. I took my life back. I am now 15 years free, safe, and still living.

2. How did you discover your artistry?

I started making jewelry around the age of 8, my mother gave me a Creepy Crawler set (ouch) for Christmas, I went back to school selling plastic butterfly pins to my classmates. I love all the sparklies, making my own jewelry was a way to have unique and affordable jewelry without the cost. No comparison to Mother Nature’s own beauty in the stones (diamonds included).

3. Do you craft full time or do you have another full time profession?

I am working towards crafting full time, as I work at home I can be available to my customers every day on-line. I am determined to make it full-time.

4. What brought you to Artfire?

A few things, on eBay my work is lost in the mix, as well as Etsy, which has been lets say, slow. At Artfire I feel my work will be seen and that is all I can ask, it is ultimately up to the buyer.

5. What are some of your favorite materials to use?

Gemstones, crystals, Czech glass, glass…oh heck….all of the jewelry making materials I can find, standard and unusual.

6. If you could learn to do any other craft or artistry, what would it be?

I have always been envious of those that can draw, paint, sculpt. I do good with stick figures and turkey hands that is about it. I do cross stitch, embroidery, Macrame, right now I am honing my Chain Maille skills in hopes to combine with gemstones at some point in the future.

7. Do you have a blog, website or other craft venue that you sell on? http://www.gemstonejewelrybyjoy.etsy.com/ Now on eBay(at present glass/stone supplies). http://www.gemstone-jewelrybyjoy.com/ is my own site also though it has some bugs right now. http://www.catinalife.blogspot.com/ I always try to add a little smile for the day joke…some are pretty funny…need a smile take a look. Smiles are free.

8. What’s your overall impression of Art Fire and would you recommend it to fellow artisans?

I am loving it so far. The talent I am seeing there just blows me away. The AF community is coming together and there are daily changes, they are listening to the sellers to help make it a great site. I recommend it as a great venue to be able to sell your crafted wares. Differing from eBay in that your buyers are looking for you, you will be seen, as well as low fees where I can pass on the savings to my customers.

9. Now, for the fun!!!

a. Coffee or tea? Coffee, lots of coffee.

b. Cat or dog? Catinalife……my shoppe on AF…definitely cat

c. NY or LA? Neither. Chicago/Milwaukee.

d. Paper or plastic? Paper biodegradable.

e. Fame or fortune? I have it, I am famous with my family and fortunate to have survived to this age after a heart attack and stroke in 2000. If you do what you love in life and live it like it is your last day, (and I do) you have all the fame and fortune you will ever need.

Wow!!! I purposely did not open the answer to Joy's questions until the day of this post because I wanted to be surprised (yes, I did say surprised) at her answers. Joy, you rock (pun intended)!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all my nosy questions, and you're a survivor! God bless you and your family, and much success to you!