Tell us your name, your Etsy shop name, and what city you live in.
My name is Cindy Benson. My shop name is Simple Elements Design, and I live on a farm in Aurora, Ohio. I live with my husband, two teenage sons, two cats, a dog, and an ever-revolving band of teenage boys who appear when hungry.
What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
I come from a long line of creative people so it was normal for me to always have some creative project going as a kid. I married a creative guy, too. In fact, our house is a gallery for all our friends and family’s creativity. I love looking around the place and seeing paintings or photographs my husband or sons did, or other family members.
When I was a kid, I loved getting school supplies because that meant a new box of crayons. Oh, the possibilities! I was always a doodler in schoo
l. Fortunately, my fifth grade teacher did art and she encouraged me.
With regards to jewelry, I taught myself how to do jewelry and then worked for a number of years for a jewelry designer who showed me new techniques.
What is it that draws you to your craft?
I love the idea that it is art that you can wear. The materials in jewelry making — beads — are like that new box of crayons to me.
How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
It depends on the day and the mood. Some days, I like simple, modern-looking things. Other days, I am all about excessive dangles. I think the stones and beads dictate my mood.
What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
Nature is a huge influence to me — especially colors. I have lots of gardens so I draw color inspiration from them. I also love looking at plant tendrils and vines, which inspires some of my wirework.
Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
I have a turquoise necklace I made that I love. It looks very Ralph Lauren and whenever I wear it, people always comment on it. I have had people offer to buy it but I just can’t part with it. The piece turned out totally different than I had envisioned and that tickled me.
When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
When I worked for the designer, people commented that they liked the designs I did. My husband kept prodding me to go out on my own. It took four years to gain the courage to do it and my husband being laid off to make that leap. Now I wonder why I waited so long!
Describe your workspace.
My chief workspace is a tiny room in my 189-year-old farmhouse that was the study. I have an old dining table that I work at and a great window. When the room is too chaotic for me (due to the mess!), I will move to the kitchen island. When I am gearing up for a show, everywhere is my workspace. A friend of mine used to try to organize me, which didn’t work. I love the chaos for inspiration — how certain beads will end up besides others and I think, “I like that.” I will regularly clear the workspace (as evidenced by the picture — ha!) when I want a clean slate.
What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
What I love about what I am doing is the fact that I do it all — I think up the idea, purchase the materials, create the item, price it, market it, and, with luck, ship it. No one else’s hand touches it until the buyer’s. If something goes wrong, it is my fault. Having worked where many people touched an item, I like this better.
My least favorite is the isolation that sometimes happens since I work on my own.
What is your favorite tool? Why?
My hands. I use them so much, whether it is jewelry making, calligraphy, gardening, or cooking. And of course, I do love my little hammer. It is fun to smash silver, especially when you are having a bad day.
Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
Yes, I can draw and paint and played some musical instruments, and I spent many years doing calligraphy. I was an interior design major, so I also love doing things around the home. My gardens are also a great outlet for my creativity. I also love to cook and have been told I am quite good at it. My friends and family often call me Martha. I have to have an avenue to be creative. I would be lost without one.
Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I am a huge sports fan — especially baseball. The 6-4-3 double play is ballet to me. Opening Day is one of my favorite days. It is like that new box of crayons — oh, the possibilities! It seems fitting that it falls this year on Good Friday.
Where can we find your work?
At my shop: www.simpleelementsdesign.etsy.com. It can also be found hanging off of friends and at my home.
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 8:23 am
So great to get a little peek at you and your home, Cindy!
(Are those blue eyes for real? SO gorgeous…)
It’s wonderful to have you on the cleveland team!!
Love your work,too…
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Great interview and beautiful work! Always loved that new box of crayons:)
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I am one of the friends that this jewelry is hanging on.
I love Christmas and birthdays because I always know I
am going to end up with something made specifically for me!
Plus she feeds my teenage son often…………………….
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Not only is Cindy a wonderful artist – she is a beautiful person and I’m glad she’s a friend. Congratulations!!!!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Ha! Thats what I was thinking, Susan! That pic REALLY captures those blue eyes! Super interview! :0)
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 10:22 am
[...] Benson of Simple Elements Design is this week’s Cleveland Handmade featured artist: http://www.clevelandhandmade.com/?p=249 2 hrs [...]
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I own a few of Cindy’s pieces and they are beautiful. Much prettier I think that the home party show jewelry, especially for the money. I gave two sets of the necklaces and bracelets for Christmas this year (including a third set I purchased for myself! HA!) and both recipients LOVED them. I had others asking me where it came from and gladly passed Cindy’s name along. Each piece is prettier than the next. I am hooked.
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Cindy, Oh no, the secret’s out! I’m so glad you’re being featured in Cleveland Homemade. I love your jewelry and always receive compliments on its uniqueness. You have great colors and the special way you shape the silver grabs attention. Congratulations and I look forward to wearing many more of your future creations!!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 11:13 am
You always got the new crayons. Mom always gave me your left overs. Must be why I’m not as creative “-) Congrats!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Ahhh chaos as inspiration! I can totally relate to that!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Yep, those baby blues are real. Thanks for the nice words everybody!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I am very proud to be one of “the friends” that wears A LOT of Cindy’s designs. It is absolutely beautiful and truly one of a kind. I know that I am not alone when I say that I am so…glad that Cindy finally took the leap to do her own thing! Her talent should be applauded and shared!! Cindy has also inspired one of my daughters and has taught her a bit about jewelry making. Way to go Cindy, we are very proud of you!!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
My favorite Aunt is famous!
You’ve always been one of my favorite artists…guess this means I have to share you with the world now. They’re lucky I’m so nice. 
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Cindy, I feel like I know you and we’ve yet to meet! A terrific interview with a terrifically talented lady. …Thanks for the “new box of crayons” memory. That was aways something to look forward to . (part of it is the way they smell…love it!) In fact I aways keep a new box around……..just in case I never get another.
Keep on creating!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
ahhh yes! The smell of crayons in the morning!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I believe I am the friend who tried to organize you, and I am glad you stood your ground. The creativity justs keeps flowing!
on Jan 26th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Nice interview, Cindy! It’s great to learn more about you- your talents and interests are so diverse!!
on Jan 29th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
WOOOOOOO!!!!!! yeah Mrs. B!!!! Way to go!!!
You are awesome!!!
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Hi there!
Great to learn more about you! Great to have you on the team! It is such a blessing to have support from spouse’s, friends and family and a bravo to your hubby for nudging you forward too!
~waving with a smile,
Jane aka zJayne
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Nice to meet you! Sorry I missed this interview earlier.