I guess the perks of being part of Etsy is meeting new friends who has similar interest. I happen to meet Chiska from EtsyMom who also makes jewelry. She took beautiful photography so I asked her few tips.
She's very kind to share the tips... even more... she even told me the basic photography... Wow, you are talking about exceeding expectation.
And of course, I would like to learn more about her pieces.
So, here's a bit on our e-nterview.
Bigib: Tell me more about your background.
NaturesCouture: Growing up, I would often go to my dad's workshop and watch him quietly as he worked on his silver work. I remember asking lots of questions and he would very patiently answer each one. Sometimes we would talk about jewelry, stones, and so forth. Other times we would talk about the world, nature, the universe. From this time with him, I learned a lot. I learned the art of making traditional Native American jewelry- an art handed down from his father and grandfather. I also learned an appreciation for nature, as well as respect for it. He taught me to see beauty in all things. I soon began experimenting with my own designs, taking apart old jewelry and making new out of it. As I grew older, I learned by using natural elements the beauty of the piece would be timeless- the way nature intended.
My love for the outdoors and nature has expanded into a love of photography. As I am in love with life and living, I always want to capture the moment, or remember the view as I was sensing it. I know it will never be exactly the same, but if I can create just a piece of it to take home with me, then I will be a happy girl. Over the years, I have learned some things about photography that help bring me closer to my goal. The beauty of photography is there is always something to learn.
Bigib: Why do you use the material you're using to express your creativity?
NaturesCouture: I love nature. I love natural things. I use natural elements in my jewelry because they do not fade. If I am creating a piece, I do not want the beauty to fail later, thus being a waste of my time and the buyers money. Beauty should last.
Bigib: What's a new project you are working on, or anything coming up?
NaturesCouture:I love to make soap! I love the feel of the natural oils on my skin. I can't imagine that I ever used the "soap" from the store on my body. The things in nature are meant to thrive off of each other. We are meant to use the natural elements around us. Our bodies love is for it. I am going to be adding a Nature's Couture Soap line to my Etsy site. I am stocking up the inventory!
Bigib: How is your design process?
NaturesCouture: As an artist, I cannot sit down and say, "I am going to design something." It is more an inspiration. Sometimes it hits me on a hike in the mountains. Sometimes it hits me while taking a shower. Mostly it hits me while I am doing house work. When ever it comes, I have to be ready with a pen or pencil and paper so that I can sketch my thoughts. Because as fast as they flow, they can be quickly forgotten.
Bigib: Do you innovate?
NaturesCouture: Everything that I have done this far has been original. I love to make things that are one of a kind. Lately, however, I have been thinking of making a line of duplicable items. These are basics that everyone loves that are not as challenging to recreate. Something that I have been thinking about, but the artist in me has been fighting...
Bigib:What is your favorite item and a brief description about it
NaturesCouture:
This was difficult as there are a few pieces that I feel unusually attached to.
The Michigan Sunrise Necklace
The focal I used for this piece is one of my favorites. The petoskey stone is a fossilized coral. It is commonly found along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, mostly commonly between Charlevoix and Petoskey, Michigan. What sets it apart from other fossilized coral is the beautiful dark round "eyes" or centers. This reminds me of the sun bursting with light as it inches over the horizon turning night into day. I found this particular stone on a beach of Lake Michigan near my in-laws home in Charlevoix, MI. I brought it home and cut it. It is always fun to see the design unfolding as you cut and polish the piece. The coral was cut at a slight angle with more defined "eyes" formed in the bottom right-hand side of the oval. It seems to be bursting toward the top left-hand side of the piece. After I cut and polished the cabochon, i enclosed it with a sterling silver bezel and attached 4mm rolo chain. I added some extra chain on the left side so that the necklace can be adjustable.
Feeling Green Necklace
This is a fun one as the pendant is an actual leaf! I wanted to preserve the natural feel of the pendant and what better to do this with than wood beads? As I am a nature lover, this is a favorite of mine.
Shades of Brown Bracelet
This bracelet has sort of a "beach" feel with the shell and the wood as well as the brown tones. It is a chunky bracelet, which I am a fan of. I love the beach (Hawaii to be more exact) and I love brown. This one is a huge temptation not to sell!
Just recently I was given the opportunity to stay at home with my 3 year old daughter. Up until this point I had been working outside of the home full time and missing out on so many precious moments. I had always dreamed of being with my girl as well being able to make and sell my creations from home. So I set up my shop in hopes of helping my sweet husband bear our financial burdens.
This time is allowing me to spend time with my little girl, to teach her about nature and life, and pass those traditions that were handed down to me, on to her.
To learn more about Chiska's store, please visit http://NaturesCouture.etsy.com
No comments:
Post a Comment