Welcome to my little slice of Handmade!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Vixens Natural Jewelry

What got you interested in starting your Etsy shop?

"I stumbled into making jewelry. I had dabbled in making items. However I lacked the courage to really put myself out there and see what would come of it. What really got me started -I was pregnant and we did not have a lot of money. We had been borrowing from relatives to help pay all the medical bills. My husband at the time was doing contracting work. He had installed a floor for some home owners. When he was finished, he never got paid. I was devastated. I thought how can they do this to us? How are we going to pay our bills this month? I took a deep breath and then had a thought. I had a lot of polymer clay. I stayed up all night making these colorful clay circle pendants. I strung them on a cord. I took them to a church that was having a 40th anniversary party. The members there loved them and bought them for $5.00 each. At the end of that day I came up with all the money we needed. I could not believe that it worked. I was surprised at how much people enjoyed them. I thought maybe I can do other stuff? It was a seed of possibility. I opened an Etsy shop and let it sit there for a year with nothing in it. Then I soon discovered as a new Mother I need something that was just mine. I was re-creating my identity. I was a different person now that I am “Mom“. That is how my store was born. I made items. Had a friend take pictures. So far it is working!"

How and when did you start crafting?


"I was always crafty when I was little. I was really encouraged to create. I had some amazing teachers who guided me. As an artist I try to follow the positive voice in my head that says, “You can do this.” And ignore the voice that says, “Your not very good, others are better than you.” It is very important to not judge your work. Just start creating and allow yourself this gift that is free to everyone. We may not all make the same kinds of things. But the joy is shared. I feel very blessed that I can use my hands and make creations for people that are meaningful to them."

What inspires you?


"Nature. When I can just stay in the moment. If I leave the past behind me, not worry about what is in front of me. I get to see all the beauty that this day holds. That is inspiring to my soul."


What is your personal favorite item or items?


"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~Anais Nin
I am going to say my Rose ring with a barbed wire twist. Sometimes you just have to trust and grow without fear.


What are your most popular items?

"Moms and grandmothers love Your nest is blessed bird's nest pendant and the custom rings I make. I can make them out of stones, crystals, vintage buttons. If it has a hole in it I can make it into a ring! My wire wrapped bracelets are fun also. All custom made for a perfect fit."