What is your first memory of making jewelry?

A long time ago I used to frequent the Berea gem show. There was an artist there who sold gemstones and would wire wrap them for you into a pendant or a ring. I was in awe of his skill and the beauty of the stones. I wondered if I could ever learn to be as gifted as he was with stones.

A few years ago, I was traveling with friends to Galax, Virginia, for a fiddlers convention. We stopped at one of those roadside nursery, gift shop, hardware, you-name-it-we-have-it-stores. I found some ocean jasper stones in all sorts of shapes. They were so beautiful to me that I couldn’t leave them on the shelf. I was sure I could create something wonderful from them (I used to make macramé jewelry). A few months later I was back in Virgina, around the DC area, and found a magical bead shop. About $200  later, armed with beads, wire, and tools, I put those wonderful jaspers together and just kept on creating with all my other finds. (Now I know why they call them findings!)

What is it that draws you to jewelry design?

Textures, colors, carved stones, or stones with pictures in them… the stones start to tell me a story… it is as if they are telling me what to create with them… and I am moved by the effort and artistry it took to create a stone or a finding. Soon my work area is full of awesome pieces to work with (or to wear). Some of my friends say, “Why aren’t you wearing one of your own creations?” And I do wear them sometimes. To me being creative comes out of higher principles of energy such as love and appreciation… both of your creations and of works by other artists. I experience creativity as being open and receptive to ideas, thoughts, and inspirations and to my artistic community.

How would you describe the style of your work, your inspirations, and how they are expressed in your work? Does it reflect your personal style?

I have had the privilege of having wonderful teachers, both traditional and spiritual, throughout my life who have inspired me, lifted me, and shown me through example how to inspire others. My goal is that each of my designs will inspire its wearer as I have been inspired. My jewelry design style is more about the energy of a piece — again, the story it tells. I have been an energy worker for more than 25 years now, a certified clearance technologist, and more recently certified as a Reiki master. So when I create a piece, I am directing a quality of consciousness, such as harmony, into the creative process and materials in addition to ensuring quality and aesthetic appeal. This requires concentration to not allow other thoughts or distractions to interrupt my intent. I also include a blessing with each design sold that is reflective of the energy I directed into the creative process. I find it hard to adopt “a” style. I am eager to try new techniques… I feel compelled to keep learning and stretching both artistically and spiritually.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?

Not an all-time, but one of my favorites is my Etsy avatar – a combination of copper plated maple leaf, wire lace, Czech glass flowers, and seed beads. I am very partial to fall colors, and it was fun to create the flowers with the stamens, etc. Also the Victorian filigree earring drops — very romantic — and hammered metal charms.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?

One of my lifetime dreams was to have my own boutique. I’ve had other creative businesses, but none with a storefront. A few years ago I was approached about running a bookstore for our metaphysical center, where I could also sell my jewelry designs. That and becoming part of the Etsy community was the start of more-than-a-hobby adventure.

Describe your workspace.

With a store, a full-time job, and an Etsy shop I am on the move a lot. So I have a mobile workspace. The store in Richmond Heights is designed to be meditative, reflective, and peaceful. I hope visitors who come to the store walk away happy with their purchase but also feeling healed, happier, energized, and so on. There is a wonderful table there that I usually work at and an incredible view of the “laughing creek” and its waterfall out the back. My home workspace is split between an upstairs worktable with a view of my garden and the torching/flex shaft workplace in the basement. My kitty is usually somewhere nearby looking for loose beads and wire scraps.

What is your favorite task related to your work?

Right now (and I do go through phases) hammering and torching. Watching metals change under fire and pressure is so fascinating to me.

Your least favorite?

My least favorite is the accounting/administrative work. I prefer to be creating. I have to remind myself that keeping good records and staying organized helps me keep the energy clear and clean for the creative process.

What is your favorite tool? Why?

I recently purchased gem setting pliers. I’ve started collecting gemstones and just set a first stone into a ring. Second to this would be textured hammers. It is so much fun to add textures to metals.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?

Yes, I also make porcelain dolls and ceramics, sew, and garden. I used to have a business making slipcovers, too. I have put aside the doll making because the first fire is an 8–12 hour process, and I am seldom home long enough to fire up the kiln. Someday I will get back to it (I miss creating and costuming the little ones!).

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.

I play the fiddle and bowed psaltry. When I first started music lessons, I jumped in with my typical enthusiasm and was taking guitar, hammered dulcimer, and banjo lessons in addition to the fiddle. It was a little overwhelming!

Where can we find your work?

My Etsy shop is Les Trois Fleurs.

The Les Trois Fleurs Artistic Muse blog can be found at lestroisfleurs.wordpress.com.

The Les Trois Fleurs bookstore/gift shop is located at 250 Richmond Road, Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143. Hours and other information can be found on the shop’s Facebook page.

What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
My mother was a very talented elementary school art teacher, so I just absorbed it from her but I was also really influenced by nature. I remember making little paper birds with wings, owls out of acorns and pinecones.

What is it that draws you to your craft material?
I find I am drawn to textiles and paper, making objects that are useful and beautiful.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I like detail, and I like bold graphic shapes too, lots of bright colors and natural shapes.

What are your inspirations?
Nature and history.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
Usually the newest is my favorite, I have to say I’m loving the printed fabric items right now.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I’ve been self-employed for a long time, so it’s just an extension of that.

Describe your workspace.
Upstairs in the dormer of my bungalow. I installed skylights in 1999; they face east, so there’s no direct light all day — just perfect. It’s too messy to photograph right now.

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
Exploring new ways of printing and illustrating is probably my favorite.
Anything having to do with billing or taxes is my least favorite.

What is your favorite tool? Why?
Right now it is my speedball linoleum cutter, because I can get an idea about a fabric design, cut it out, and see it printed within an afternoon.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I love gardening, especially fruit gardens. I’ve got a fig, strawberries, apple trees, blackberries, and raspberries in my backyard.

Where can we find your work?
Etsy (username: giardino)
Cafepress (username: inhausdesign)
I have cards and framed art at Heights Art in Cleveland Heights, and framed original art and cards at Artefino Gallery downtown, and framed original art and cards as well as fabric goods at Custom Framing in Lakewood on Madison.

What is your first memory of making cards? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
The feeling of satisfaction when I sold my first card to a non–family member. I felt like a true business that someone searched the Internet and found one of my cards and fell in love with it enough to buy it.

I am self-taught. I first began by using my scrapbooking supplies. I’ve never actually taken an art class, but that doesn’t stop me from experimenting and trying new things.

What is it that draws you to the materials you use to make your cards?
I love to add dimension to my cards. Some of my favorite materials to use in accomplishing this are buttons. I also use embossing (whether it be heat embossing, which raises the stamp to make it shiny, or dry embossing, which makes dents and indentations on a cardstock). I also love sewing on my cards to add another texture on the paper and to the eye.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?

I love clean and simple lines. It does reflect my personal decorating style when it comes to my home — not necessarily my style of clothes though. Let me just say I was well known for a metallic shirt I wore in high school! LOL

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
I would have to say my environment inspires me, whether it is what’s outside my studio window or my supplies and papers around me. Other fellow artists also inspire me. If I’m ever having writer’s block, I just look around all the talented people on Etsy and ideas start coming.

I think they are expressed in my work by what colors I tend to use that day. If it’s a dreary day out, I’ll probably lean more toward the grays and whites. Right now I’m really into using maroons, greens, whites, and blue.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I realized this was more than a hobby when I got a tax ID number. I felt so official!

Describe your workspace.
I convinced my hubby to move me from the spare bedroom in our finished basement to our family room. I now have a window and I get to be apart of the family when I create. I wrote about it in my blog if you want to read more about it.

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
My favorite task is placing the last item on my card. I love seeing my vision come to fruition.

My least favorite task is the whole posting bit (taking the hundreds of pictures, Photoshopping them, uploading them, doing the descriptions) and the marketing (Blogging, Twittering, Facebooking…). I guess basically anything that takes time away from the actual creative process. If I were ever to become rich, I would hire someone to do all that tedious stuff!

What is your favorite tool? Why?
My favorite tool is pretty boring. It’s my Fiskars cutting board. I use it on every project and it makes my life so much easier.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
I would have to say a tin card box that I made a couple years ago. What makes it my favorite is that it’s functional art. I’m sure that most of my cards end up in the garbage (gasp, it kills me to think about it!), but this box it could not only hold my cards, it could sit in someone’s house as part of their decor and serve a purpose.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I was once the number one flutist in the nation (when I was in school). I was supposed to travel around Europe and tour, but the Persian Gulf conflict made it unsafe to travel. I’m also pretty good at drawing, doodling, painting, etc.…

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
That my stuff is in a Singapore boutique! Someone through Etsy who was opening a card shop in Singapore contacted me and she wanted her store to carry some of my cards!

Where can we find your work?
On Etsy at www.HappyElephantDesigns.etsy.com
On 1000 Markets at www.HappyElephantDesigns.1000markets.com
At Artefino Gallery in downtown Cleveland
At Local Girl Gallery in Lakewood

What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
Although there were many people who influenced my love of working with my hands, I have to credit my mom with introducing me to sewing. My mom loved to invest in Bernina sewing machines to the point that you’d think she had stock in the company!  When Mom bought her first Bernina, she sent my sister and me to Stretch and Sew to learn how to use the machine.  I think I was about ten years old at that point. Eight or so lessons later, I was hooked. From there, I basically learned on my own. Mom would answer any questions I might have and helped me learn to read patterns. I felt ALIVE being able to create and sewing eventually became a passion. I started with clothing for myself and for those of my sisters who didn’t mind the handmade look. I continued sewing through college and beyond, making most of my daughter’s clothing, while they were young. I moved on to quilting ten years ago, when I took a job at a local quilt shop and have made 23 quilts to date! I now work for an interior design company, making custom window treatments for local designers and their clients. Sewing is still a passion and I now own four Berninas of my own!  Apparently Mom’s influence is still at work on me!

What is it that draws you to your craft material?
Color, texture, pattern and the possible ways in which they can be combined and made into something wonderful! I love to combine and stack fabrics and trims together and let them mesh for a few days before returning to see if the combos are still desirable. If so, they are sewn into dolls or totes or pillows or whatever else pops into my head at the moment.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I would describe my style as folk art — quirky and unusual, even odd at times, and usually very colorful. This is totally opposite my own personal style, where I tend to dress in dark colors and simple, plain clothing, hoping NOT to stand out in a crowd. 

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
My inspiration comes from music, art, friends and family, color, and other talented artists. They all work together to help mold my creations.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
My all time favorite creation has got to be the photo transfer quilt made up of pictures of all of our animals, both past and present, in varying stages of their lives. Once my pictures were transferred to fabric I cropped them down, grouped them together, added colored borders and arranged them in a pleasing display. The end result was an unusual, one of a kind quilt. It was a surprise gift for my husband, who absolutely LOVES all of our animals, and it meant the world to him. I had so much fun making that quilt, just knowing how surprised he would be!

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I realized sewing was more than a hobby when it became a passion, sometime after college.

Describe your workspace.
My workspace is an atrocious mess most of the time. Stacks and bins of fabric and trims and batting and stuffing everywhere. Containers of thread and embroidery floss and buttons and bells and whistles! Books and binders and scraps of paper with doodled ideas. My workroom is the place that I keep some of my favorite things — quilts and wallhangings, my daughter’s artwork, favorite gifts, etc.  It may be a mess, but it’s a mess that I absolutely LOVE!!

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
My favorite task is spreading out and fondling all my fabrics. My least favorite is cleaning up my workroom.

What is your favorite tool? Why?
So many to choose from, but I’ll have to say a sewing needle and thread, either attached to my machine or held in my hand. It is with a needle and thread that all of my work begins.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I suppose I have a bit of talent in other areas. I can sing and play piano, can draw resonably well, and have a knack for color in an interior design type of way. I also have great fun in the kitchen, cooking and baking, and, if tennis can be considered an artistic talent, I have some skill there, too!

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I once tried out for a rock and roll band and had aspirations of becoming a rock star. Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac were my idols.

Where can we find your work?
You can find my designs at daydreamdesigns77.etsy.com and at whimsyfolk.etsy.com.
You can also find my handbags and totes at BAYarts in Bay Village at Huntington Beach.
Vist my blog at daydreamdesigns77.blogspot.com

What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
I swear I was born with a box of crayons (albeit not mine) and a pair of scissors in my hand… To this day my first grade photo is on a wall of the “most wanted by a Catholic nun” list in the Cincy area for stealing a classmate’s box of brand new crayons and God forgive me for even coveting them, until I got caught of course! From then on I swear I learned my lesson and knew I had to figure out how to create and sell my wares to buy my own supplies!

I was always creating something for my beloved dolls (clothing), my own custom paper dolls, doll house furniture and decor, small paintings, etc. I actually began selling things door to door like an Avon lady when I was in grade school. The shocker is I actually sold things, yea more crayon money!!!

I started taking any kind of art class I could at an early age and continued on through high school and some silversmithing classes at the University of Iowa. My goal of going to Kendall School of Art and Design was siderailed by life!

I spent the next 35 years trying out many avenues of design including painting in oils, acrylics, watercolors, sewing, mosaics, welding metal, silversmith, woodworking, clay, and currently jewelry making, primarily with stones and beads and a bit of wire wrapping thrown in!

What is it that draws you to your craft material?
I wish I could say that I was drawn to just one material as it might make my creative life and my finances easier to manage… But at this point I have the supplies and yearning for just about everything I have ever tried (see above)! I am happier in a good hardware store or a craft supply than just about anywhere else and could probably open my own store based on my stored items — but don’t tell my husband. I am the go-to person when friends need an unusual item for a school project. I am currently trying to stay focused on driftwood, recycled findings, natural stone beads and metals for making jewelry and driftwood crosses. I have been collecting small items for most of my life and love old costume jewelry, so I’m anxious to incorporate them in my designs and give them a new life. Because I have been wearing jewelry since I was old enough to ask, it seems like a good marriage of my passions.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
Wow I wish I could say this or that is my personal style, it would free my “widdle” brain to create with much more ease… But I just seem to be all over the map with what catches my eye at the time. So from that angle maybe it does reflect my style of being here, there, and everywhere, thought-wise and interest-wise! Hmmm… some would call that a scatterbrain so maybe that is my personal style, although it doesn’t sound very professional so I may have to work on that! I have always heard you should create with what you love and not what you think people will want, that if you design from your passions and interest then success will follow, so I do try and keep that in mind when I am tempted to produce for the masses!

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
I prefer adding just a touch of glitz and shine to whatever I do! However, my inspiration has always been beautiful stones, things that shine and reflect what God has created for us, and anything that is old and wonderful! I spent my summers from the age of 10 on in New Mexico at my grandfather’s vast ranch, so I was greatly influenced by the beauty and romance of the west and their styles and colors. I bought my first pair of turquoise earrings when I was 9 or 10, and they were over an inch long so I was a stand-out in them. I also spent my days there always looking at the ground with the anticipation of finding a treasure or two, which I did — stones, arrowheads, old Indian pottery, etc. I would bring my rocks and treasures back in my duct-taped suitcase (before weight limits) and mail back my clothes (clothes can be replaced, but not buried treasures). Now I have to mail back my rocks!!! All that brought me to my interest in buying stone beads.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
I wish I could say I have just one favorite, but right now my interests are leaning toward the lampwork beads that I found by a guy named James out of the Appalachian mountains and also my new driftwood crosses with beach findings combined with stone beads. Every time I venture to the beach I become more intriqued with the shape of the wood and the bits and pieces of worn treasures in the sand. I do also really love the look of lampwork beads, all the colors and swirls seem magical to me! Now if I could find a way to incorporate my vintage rhinestones into my designs I think I would have that favorite piece!

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
My dream has always been to make money with my wares. Since it seemed to work as a kid, how hard could it be as an adult? I sold my woodworking through several stores in the 1980s but had to give it up when my son was born — he was not the cooperative type! Jewelry is a tough business to get established in since there are many, many talented people (Cleveland Handmade is loaded), and it is difficult to not get discouraged by the very gifted and more highly educated than I. I was downsized 2 1/2 years ago and couldn’t find another job so decided 9 months ago to make the decision and invest in trying to make a go of it! My daughter was getting married, which meant maybe I could convince her to take all of her bedroom “must keep” items and free up a room to call my own for creating.

Describe your workspace.
Which brings me to my favorite workspace! I did convince my daughter to take at least enough to make a room, the closet is still top to bottom full of her boxes (she also is an art major by degree and a collector by gene pool)! As you can see I have the most wonderful 2 ton solid oak old librarian’s desk that I love as my centerpiece and work station. I collected the white drop desk from a garage sale and redid it. I painted the walls a fun, cheerful kiwi green and recycled all the gerbera daisy decor from daughters wedding festivities. I cherish all my time spent in this room and just wish I had more… it even makes the dreaded paperwork more fun! My desk faces framed artwork that my son painted for me, which further inspires me to continue in my pursuits! My husband continues to point out that there is only one chair in there — mine — and that keeps others from hanging out in there… Hmmm… could this be intentional?

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
This is easy, least favorite keeping track of paperwork, supply spending (how depressing), and cleaning up my workspace!
Favorite also easy, touching the stones and purchasing them, staring at them and hopefully turning them into something that I love and hope others will also!

What is your favorite tool? Why?
My favorite tools are time, energy, and imagination! Both seem in short supply most days, something about menopause I suspect!

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I would say I am talented in the area of sewing most anything, a million costumes through the years for my kids and things my kids volunteered me for. I even made my own wedding dress! How 70s is that? My daughter wanted me to make hers, but I knew that could send me over the mother-of-the-bride edge! I like to think I can create in most mediums, but the truth is there is so much to learn in most areas in order to be an expert that I would say I only dabble!

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
This was absolutely the hardest question, not wanting to shock the community and tarnish the reputation I am building but I finally came up with one…

My lifelong dream was to marry a cowboy, live on a ranch out west, have babies and dabble in the arts in my very own adobe studio behind my ranch house that would always be flooded with sunlight! So how the heck did I end up in Cloudy Cleveland, with an engineer from Iowa and not an adobe brick in sight??? But I did get the babies and I do dabble in the arts and still have time to get the studio in the west. No chance my husband will end up a cowboy though! For now I settle for trips to the west, taking in all the sights, sounds, culture, people, shops, galleries, and bead shops I can find  while basking in the sunlight hunting for rocks under clear blue skies!

Where can we find your work?
Currently I only have my etsy site at http://daisymadedesigns.etsy.com. I hope that writing this article will encourage me to get a blog and to put something on my thread… All this computer stuff takes eats up my creating time, and I’d rather be creating! Blog Flog-Twit Tweet — what is it all about???

What is your first memory of photography? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
In 1978, I participated in a summer study program in England, and many of the students had 35mm cameras. When I came home, I bought one and started to take photos and studied on my own a bit. I put it away for many years, but when I moved to Prague in 2002, I took it with me. One of my things on my to-do list while I was there was to take a photography class, which I did. After the class was over, I decided to purchase a digital SLR (Nikon D70) and am currently using that camera. So, I am pretty much self-taught, and I’m not very technical at all when it comes to photography. I think I have a pretty good eye for things though!

What is it that draws you to photography?
I have no idea, but I just seem to see things that other people do not. I especially love light and shadows and try to take shots at interesting angles rather than what most people might take. I think that many people could take exceptional photos with a good camera.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I tend to gravitate toward details rather than the whole. Architectural details are a favorite and I love sunny days because of the shadows created. I think it does reflect my style a bit as I like the mix of old and contemporary, color and black and white.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
I am not sure I have any inspirations other than the world around me. When I am out to lunch or dinner with friends, I think they think I am not paying attention to them because I am always looking around for interesting details!

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
Hmmm, I have about 9,000 photos on my computer desktop, so it’s hard to choose. For some reason, I like the one of the downspout. It was taken with my old Canon and this photo is a digitized negative.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
While I was in Prague, my photography teacher asked us to enter a photographic competition at the Leica Gallery. The theme for the contest was Magic Hands, and I traipsed all over the city taking photos of hands. I ended up placing second in the contest, which was very exciting for me! I really had the opportunity of a lifetime living there for almost three years. I could go out almost everyday and easily shoot 100–200 photos, and it really took hold of me when I would go home and download everything.

Describe your workspace.
Well, I guess it could be anywhere I can take a photo! Other than that, I just hook the camera up to the computer and away we go…

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
My favorite task is grabbing my camera and actually taking the time to take pictures all day long. I guess my least favorite would be matting and framing photos if I am going to try to sell them.

What is your favorite tool?
Nikon D70 and abundant sunshine.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I can barely draw a stick figure, so in that realm, no. However, I think I have a pretty good eye when it comes to interior design and like to mix styles up a bit.

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
Well, I’m a currently a Realtor, although that is not all that surprising since I LOVE to look at houses! Maybe it’s the architectural detail part of me coming out again.

Where can we find your work?
In addition to my Numeric Design website and my two Etsy shops (numericdesign and photohale), I have a few things at BayArts in Bay Village and at PunchJordan in Avon Lake.

What is your first memory of making jewelry? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
My grandmother had a pearl stringing and jewelry repair business in New York City. When she’d come for visits she’d bring lots of pearl necklaces and other goodies all wrapped in bits of toilet paper. My grandmother showed my sisters and me how to string pearls, but we never really pursued it. Then when she went into an assisted living facility, we uncovered tons of pearls and vintage clasps — it was game on! I took a wire wrapping class in the summer of 2007, just to learn something new, and haven’t looked back!

What is it that draws you to silver?
I love to see the transformation – from dull silver to a high sheen, or bright silver to a cool gray patina. I also love soldering — to see the solder flow still amazes me.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
My style is simple, not too fussy. I’m quite happy with one color or, if I’m feeling crazy, maybe two. Could my style be considered a tiny bit modern? I’m not entirely sure.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
Inspiration comes from my surroundings — what i see out my window, what I’m reading about, or something I hear that’s funny to me.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
Other than my two girls — who are my absolute favorite — I like the way my resin pieces are turning out. Resin can be a bit tricky, so I’m happy that some of my pieces are ending up the way I envision.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
When I had to come clean and tell my husband that the Rio Grande charges that kept showing up on the credit card statement were not a new Mexican restaurant. Explaining to him why I needed all these tools and silver helped me realize myself that this is more than a hobby.

Describe your workspace.
Disaster area. When we were looking for a new house, a studio was an important item on our ‘must have’ list. Our house has the perfect space, I just haven’t done anything to it, so it’s a dark, creepy mess.

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
I love everything to do with making jewelry except cleaning up and putting things away. I’m quite happy just to set things down when I’m finished and walk away. I’m a terrible role model.

What is your favorite tool? Why?
My favorite tool WILL be my Foredom Flexshaft. I just ordered it for my birthday, so I haven’t actually used it yet.  But it’ll be my favorite, I’m sure.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
Not really. I can paint squares on walls, but that has more to do with a good level and some painter’s tape.

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I’ve had a warrant out for my arrest. But that was long ago; I’m a changed person. That’s all I’ll say;)

Where can we find your work?
Nowhere — it’s the best kept secret. I only have my work on my etsy shop: silvermadestudio.etsy.com

What is your first memory of making jewelry? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
I attended an eight-week continuing education class (in metals) at CIA about six years ago. I knew by the end of the first class that I was going to make jewelry every day for the rest of my life! It was kind of crazy — that moment changed my life. Since then, I pretty much have been making jewelry everyday and I have taught myself most of what I now know.

What is it that draws you to silver?
Honestly, I think I am so drawn to fabricating silver because of the challenge of manipulating it without being able to touch it. Unlike clay or even PMC, usually the raw material I am working with is too hot, too small, or too rigid to form with the hand. One is required to forge, cut,bend, solder, etc., using a series of tools. I like that challenge, I suppose.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I think the style of my work reflects my personal style in the variation of styles. I appreciate so many different cultures and incorporate the aesthetics of many of them into my life — even my wardrobe — so I think that is what comes across when looking beyond a single collection of my work. When you step back and see the entire body of work, you see a great deal of variety.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
I am inspired by the reclaiming of nature. It sounds odd to say, but I don’t really appreciate the value of (let’s say) a field out in the middle of the woods as much as I value the weeds pushing cracks up through the concrete in an abandoned parking lot.

It is beautiful to me to see an old bridge or other manmade structure taken over by nature, whether rust or ivy or birds nesting. I think that we often over value our own influence or importance as humans, and to see nature reclaim its rightful place is a reminder of just how little we matter in the greater scheme. It helps me to put everything else in my life in perspective when I think that way.

Knowing that, I think that if you look at my work, you can see the man vs. environment struggle in that my pieces tend to be both industrial and organic at the same time.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
I do not have an all-time favorite creation. I don’t think it is possible for me to ever feel that way about my work. I am grateful for that. If it were possible for me to create a piece that I felt was the perfect piece, I would lay down my torch and never touch it again.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
The first day I was exposed to it. I told myself “I am going to practice this every day and I am going to learn how to do this well enough to be able to continue doing this for the rest of my life”

It actually took me another three years to be ready to quit my day job. But I knew I would do that from day one.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
Sewing and painting are hobbies for me. I actually have a degree in technical theatre from California Institute of the Arts. There, I studied scenic design as a major and costume design as a minor.

I make many of my own clothes, but I don’t sell them or anything. I just really enjoy i — again the challenge: taking something flat (like muslin) and trying to make it fit over a surface (the human body) that has not one flat surface on it anywhere! LOL! It’s hard! I love that.

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I am not sure that anyone who knows me would be surprised to hear anything about me! LOL! I don’t know . . . I worked for a circus once! But really . . . are you surprised? HA!

What does other45minutes mean?
I am asked this question ALL the time. It is really just a play on Andy Warhol’s famous quote about everyone having their 15 minutes of fame. To me, I figure if 15 minutes of a life is fame, then the other 45 minutes would be the real life — the lasting impact of meaningful action.

I leave it up to you to interpret what the other45minutes means to you . . .

Where can we find your work?
My website is www.other45minutes.com
I have a blog at www.other45minutes.blogspot.com
I have an etsy shop at www.other45minutes.etsy.com

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 school. 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.

What is your first memory of sea glass? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
My first memory of sea glass is when our family would vacation at the Lake and at the Atlantic. I was ALWAYS walking with my head down, picking up bits of this and that, including shells, stones, glass, and even things that I probably should have! It wasn’t until I was dating my husband that I discovered I could actually do something with all the finds that I collect! He was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, and we would often spend weekends up at the lake. We would picnic on the sand and walk the beaches together picking up pieces of this and that just as I did when I was a child. I saw another beachcomber wearing a beautiful necklace made with sea glass and thought to myself, “why haven’t I done anything with the glass and materials that I’ve found?” So, I began creating art and jewelry that reflects my own artistic style. Many techniques I’ve discovered myself through long tedious trials of error, while other skills I was taught by previous profs in my college arts classes and by other skilled metalsmiths and artists.

What is it that draws you to sea glass?
There is a very special beauty and sense of mystery that each piece of sea glass holds. Sea glass is historic in itself in that it may have originally been an apothecary jar, depression glass, a whiskey or bitters bottle, or something else. It is amazing that over a 20-year period of time our lakes and oceans can tumble it and smooth its sharp edges into rounded little gems with a unique frosted coating that cannot be duplicated by any other means. I am drawn to the initial beauty of the glass and the idea and mystery that each piece leaves to be discovered.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I am somewhat of an eclectic person so yes, I think my work reflects my personality. My friends have dubbed me “the moody beader” because they say I can create something so very romantic-looking, with swirls and softness, while another piece can look very dark, old, and gothic.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
I am often inspired by many different things. I enjoy sitting on the beach looking over the water and seeing the sunset close the day and I will be inspired. I love watching my little girls play and sculpt pictures in the sand and I will be inspired. I can walk in front of  a storefront and see a magnificant display of color and be inspired. Inspiration is all around us; allowing our minds to see it is the opportunity we must take.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
My favorite pieces happen to by rings. My most favorite piece is King Tritan’s Treasure. This piece uses a multicolored piece of sea glass that a friend sent me from Nova Scotia. It is my very first metalsmithed ring with a prong setting and I am so proud of how it turned out. It took me a while to let it go.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I knew this was more than a hobby from the get go. Anyone can take a piece of sea glass and put it on a string, but to make it creative, you have to put a little of yourself into it, too! Selling something that has  personal meaning to you becomes art.

Describe your workspace.
Good Lord! I have several workspaces. My main studio is set up in the basement of our home. This is where I store all of my supplies and traveling items. I have moved my workbench and metalsmithing tools to the dining room/studio upstairs. I have to be able to work and watch my children at the same time. Besides, I work better in a room with natural light, not just for seeing small details but because the natural light makes me happy! I have also been known to take some of my work into the bedroom and even outside.

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
My favorite task involved with my work is two-fold. I LOVE beachcombing and finding little surprises all over the beach. I also LOVE handling torches and firing metal. Metal looks very beautiful under fire!

My least favorite task is sorting the glass. It is time consuming and I have to admit I try to leave that job for my husband and son to do! ;0)

What is your favorite tool? Why?
My favorite tools are my first pair of flat nose and bent nose pliers! Yes! Little pliers! Why? Because they are my first set, they are old and cheap, and they still work wonders!

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I’ve always had an artistic mind. I have been playing piano since I was 4 years old and would often be asked to play various instruements in our tiny little high school when one was needed. I went to college to study music instead of art, but art is where my heart is! I would always carry a sketchbook to school and often found myself doodling, drawing, or making friendship bracelets instead of listening to the instructor. I make ACEOs (2.5 x 3.5 inch art cards editions and originals) with beach-found materials and am currently working on a watercolor project.

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I was elected Spencerville, Ohio’s Fire Queen during my high schools years! “You light ’em, we fight ’em” was the department’s motto.

Where can we find your work?
I currently sell my work in several galleries including Pure Art Gallery in the Cayman Islands, Kada Art Gallery in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Glass Grower’s Gallery in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Of course, I also sell online through Etsy under the name lakeeriebeachglass. My blog is at lakeeriebeachglass.blogspot.com.