Featured Etsy Shop - ErinBowe

Without much further ado, I present to you this week's Featured Etsy Shop! It's ErinBowe.etsy.com, a jewelry shop focused on traditional metalsmithing techniques. I sent Erin some questions and she had some pretty spiffy answers. Read on!





Here is some rambling in answer to your questions:
So, tell us about yourself. Metalsmithing is my life right now – a full-time job. And oh yeah, I have another full-time job during the day too. I don’t ever have “free time” to just relax, but I don’t really need it because sawing and soldering is what relaxes me anyway! If winter ever ends, I’ll get outside to rearrange my perennial gardens – it’s like art on a really large scale.



How long have you been running your etsy shop?I registered on Etsy last October, but I didn’t start listing items until early December. I also just set up a second shop for handmade supplies and other findings – FundamentalFragments.etsy.com.

What is it that really turned you onto metalsmithing in the first place?I actually started working with metal to give myself an outlet where I didn’t have to be perfect. Well, that didn’t quite work out as planned, but now I’ve found “my” medium.



Tell us about your studio; it sounds very interesting from the mention on your profile.
My studio….well, my house is about 120 years old, and we have a nice fieldstone basement. The original owners of the house had built a little room down there, making the walls from long planks of wood. The door was trimmed with wood detail that was also on the pie-safe that had been left in the house. A massive old workbench and tools were also in the house when we moved in. So, now this space is my studio, and I even use some of the tools that were left here.

What is it that gets you in the mood to create? Do you have anything habits or rituals to get yourself inspired to work? I’m in the mood to create 24/7! Most of my inspiration comes from every-day things, especially nature and architecture. I do get even more motivated when listening to music though. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds often keep me company.



And be sure to check out her links:

http://erinbowe.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/erinbowe
http://www.flickr.com/photos/erinbowe/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1663811690&ref=profile

Thanks, Erin!

Okay, so... this is totally adorable. Saw it on the etsy front page.

Etsy Featured Shop - Unoriginal Sinner

And here it is, the return of my Featured Etsy Shop.... Feature! This week, it's unoriginalsinner.etsy.com, a jewelry shop definitely worth checking out!



So introduce yourself to us! I'm in Louisville KY, a recently graduated art student just enjoying the school-free life at the moment. I'm into any kind of art i can get my hands on- photography, ink drawing, painting, even modeling. Jewelry making is actually my most recent artistic endeavor but something I've really jumped into. I like elegance with an edge; anything that is beautiful but also kind of creepy or dark is a go!


Skull and Crossbones Steampunk Necklace - $20

How long have you been running your etsy shop? I started on etsy last summer but didn't really do much in the way of promotion; I really got into it around this past Christmas when I discovered all the wonderful supply shops on etsy and the inspiration just took off!


Winged Yellow Rose Necklace - $12

What really turned you on to making jewelry in the first place? As a kid my aunt was a jewelry maker and general crafter and I would spend hours playing with her supplies. I inherited her collection when she passed and I still put something of hers in to almost everything I do.

Do you have a special workspace or studio where you do all your work, or are you more scattered, working all over the place? I think people's workspaces are interesting. Right now I have a little space on the corner of the couch where I flip open my supply case and spread out on the side table while the boyfriend plays video games :) I just moved into the place, so I'm hoping as things get more organized that I can claim a little table space of my own.


Steampunk Swallow Necklace - $14

A pic of the seller herself!

photo - vintage doll studios 2008


Thanks to Unoriginal Sinner! Be sure to check out her shop. Check in next week for the next featured shop!

♥ Valentine's Day Picks! ♥

So, you basically have 20 days to do your Valentine's Day shopping. And so what if it's a manufactured holiday? Chances are SOMEONE you know likes to receive a gift, no matter what the day! Boyfriend, girlfriend, BFF, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, the mailman, your local friendly barista, whoever! People like to receive. It's a fact. Gifts are fun.

So, like I had been promising, here's my Valentine's Day items... I had people convo me on Etsy, and found a few things myself, and here they are.

Ch-ch-check 'em out!




Mshalston.etsy.com
An inventive map of Boston-turned-anatomical heart! $2.50


HeartSpace.etsy.com
A dainty glass Valentine heart necklace ~ $15.00


blockpartypress.etsy.com
"What's In Your Heart" anatomical ring ~ $25.00


Enthral.etsy.com
enthral-enthral.blogspot.com/
A copper heart & vintage flower necklace! $22.00


ptitebaloue.etsy.com
A handmade cuddly teddy bear to keep you warm at night... $70.00


All of the shops are great! I encourage you to check the rest of their wares out! Thanks to those involved, and Happy Valentine's Day (early)!