Weekly Featured Artist 9/21-9/27

Q: Tell us a little about yourself...
I'm a stay at home mom with two AMAZING daughters who make me laugh every day, a supportive husband of almost 6 years, and I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder since 2002. I started making jewelry as a form of therapy about 3 years ago, after having worked in the commercial jewelry industry for a couple of years. This "therapy" has become a passion in my life, and now, even a business venture. When I'm not wrapped up in family life or making jewelry, I magically find time to teach flute lessons, which is my other passion. I hope to be an example that individuals with bipolar can in fact lead functional lives full of hope and excitement, and accomplish more than they think is possible.

Q: How long have you been doing this?
Almost 3 years.

Q: Who/What inspires you?
My outstanding husband, who supports me in everything I do, and always catches me when I fall.

Q: What's your favorite piece?

It's actually a necklace I made for myself, after having a crazy, spontaneous vision of what I'd like to create. I don't yet have pictures of it up because it's not for sale, but I will be making one like it to sell in my shop. Its centerpiece is a black onyx donut with tassels of silver chain hanging from it, all adorned with 4mm and 6mm red Swarovski Crystals. On either side of the donut, large round white jades and smaller round black onyx are alternated about four inches up, where each side ends with ONLY the round side of a silver toggle, and threaded through each side is a red satin ribbon, which ties in the back. GORGEOUS!

Q: If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be & why?
I would like to meet my grandfather. I'm told he was much like my husband in life, in the way that everyone liked him, there was nothing he couldn't build or fix, and he had the most contagious laugh. Sounded like a great guy.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
I don't think I could pick! That's a really good question! I'd like to see that duel.

Sparkly Things By Bonnie Shop

Weekly Featured Artist 9/14-9/20

Q: Tell us a little about yourself…
Oh my, what a can of worms you are opening - ha ha - let me see - I'm the nice round # 10 in a family of 13 kids. I met my husband at 15, married him at 18, had kids at 20 and 21 and have been happily married to him for 27 years. I have two grown daughters, both artistic, 25 and 24. I'm also a new grammy of a 6 week old granddaughter, Fiona, which is my pride and joy. I love animals, boating and snowmobiling!

Q: How long have you been doing this?
About two years - it all started when my daughter said "Mom I'm having a medieval wedding" and I'm like "What? I don't know anything about that!" and the story unfolds from there. After the wedding, I needed something to occupy my time. I love the thought of recycling so I started making things from old typewriters, dictionaries and here I am today!

Q: Who/What inspires you?
Actually junk inspires me - bolts, screws, old things - things that people throw away. It may take me awhile but I usually stare at something and then voila, the idea pops in my head.

Q: What's your favorite piece?
I think my favorite piece is my dictionary definition bracelet. The first one I made was actually for myself, the words all describe me as a Mom - strength, care, courage, devotion, love and family. I wore it to the store and a lady bought it right off of my wrist - that is when I thought "hey, I could do these for other people".

Q: If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be & why?
Anne Frank - I would love to hear her stories - I admire her strength and courage.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
Harry Potter - he would throw a spell on Luke and poof he'd be gone!

Luv4Sams Shop

Weekly Featured Artist 9/7-9/13

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a thirty-something single mom of one. A while ago I made the decision that I would be a stay at home mom despite the challenges being the sole breadwinner made that. It's been a bumpy ride but my professional field (web development, general computer geekery) made it possible. Everyone needs a geek.
From there it wasn't too much of a stretch to get back into the artwork I loved so much on a part-time basis and that's just what I've done!

Q: How long have you been doing this?
I've been working with clay steadily for 10 years - what got me started was jewelry making and general bead love, about 15 years ago.

Q: Who/What inspires you?
I'm an easily inspired person! Nature is probably my dominant theme. I love fairy tales and myths and sometimes I try to make little scenes from them in individual, tiny beads.
As far as people, my family are pretty much all devoted fans and that really helps.

Q: What's your favorite piece?
I have two, neither of which I kept! Shame on me. One is a small artdoll who is done as a sunflower with a little face. I haven't made more of those, though I keep intending to. The other is a bowl done in Delft blue patterns, thousands of little slices of flowers. I gave this to my grandmother.

Q: If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be & why?
I am such an anti-celebrity person that I have no idea! I'd probably say I'd like to meet some of the friends I've made working online these last years. So far the ones I've met have all been fabulous and the adventures and friendships that resulted are valued parts of my life now.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
I'll go with Luke since that's my favourite story [in the] universe. And his name is cooler sounding.

tooaquarius' Shop