It's time for this month's Meet the Artist feature, and it also includes a giveaway! Introducing Theresa of Faerie Moon Creations:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Central Connecticut with my husband (who actually is a co-creator for Faerie Moon Creations) and our two Keeshonds, Willow and Neo. My passions are music, art, film, theater, literature, creating jewelry, photography, reading, nature walks, animals and wildlife, museums, cooking & baking, knitting, painting, drawing and writing. My creations are inspired by a great love of faerie tales, folklore and fantasy. We strive to make items that are whimsical, fun, romantic, original, and also affordable. I try to design jewelry and knit items that I would personally like to wear. It truly makes my day when someone writes to say that she loves what we created. Each sale is like the first one for me - I am overwhelmed with joy that people connect and really want to wear our creations!
What is the first craft that you remember doing?
Wow - that's a tough question to answer. When I was little, I got my hands into everything! I was always drawing and painting. I would spend hours sitting alone creating my own "comic books." In middle school I created the coolest Archie Comics bulletin boards for the changing seasons. I'd draw them out, color them in, and cut them. Wish I had photos of those bulletin boards. I also remember drawing a picture of a horse in third grade, which I remember actually came out well. I ended up giving it to my teacher. I basically tried anything and everything - from cross stitch to sculpting to latch hook. In high school and beyond, my focus was drawing.
How long have you been making jewelry? How did you learn?
I've only been creating jewelry since last August! At first, I only created small 1" glass pendants with digital images. But I wanted to do much more than that! So, my husband and I picked up a few books and just went for it! He primarily focuses on the metal and wire work. I layout most of the conceptual designs and create the domino and glass tile pendants with digital images and lace. We love working together as a team. We didn't take any classes - we just sort of played it by ear. Our designs have come along way in just a few short months!
What other crafts do you enjoy?
I've actually been spreading my wings lately and signed up to take a series of classes through http://artistclass.typepad.com/artist-class/. A lot of it involves papercraft, which I haven't too much experience in. I'm enjoying it SO much! I am almost done with this vintage style paper and fabric flower garland. And I'll be making some Tussie Mussies - which I am THRILLED about! I love them so much, and now I get to learn how to make them for myself! I also hope to be taking some painting classes with Suzi Blu. I have become obsessed with mixed-media painting, and I want to learn how to do it myself. I have the base created for one painting, but I'm not quite sure that I've laid it out correctly! Painting and drawing were my first loves, so I will be overjoyed to get back into that. Several years ago I also took decorative painting classes, which I very much enjoyed. I liked that all the pieces were functional art, and I still have quite a few pieces that I didn't give away as gifts in my home. I also knit for pleasure. My favorite thing to knit are socks...everyone needs them! They look terrifying to make; but once you get the hang of it, it's really a lot of fun. I am so fascinated with garment construction.
How long has Faerie Moon Creations been open? What made you decide to open an Etsy shop?
Faerie Moon Creations opened in August 2009. I have long been a fan of Etsy and shop there often. Deep down in my heart, I wanted to create so badly. I had begun to grow tired of working in "corporate" business and wanted to live the creative life that I had somehow veered away from. I was afraid at first because I thought no one would be interested in my work. I've had friends and family urging me for years to sell my creations, but I never did. I think primarily for fear of failure. I sat down, created a "business plan" of sorts, thought long and hard about what I wanted to offer and then set about creating my initial products before opening shop. I named my shop Faerie Moon because of my great love of faeries. My husband designs all my graphics for me. When I had my first sale, I was amazed. And when I received glowing feedback for the item, I was so grateful. It's my goal to make everyone happy with the items they purchase from Faerie Moon. Sometimes, I even toss in free gifts with items. If I can make just one person smile, then I am satisfied.
Any plans to quit your day job soon?
Well, I am actually only working two days a week now at my "day job." I would love to dedicate myself full time to Faerie Moon. As it is, most of my time is comprised of dreaming up new designs, creating new product, photographing the new items, promoting the new items in whatever way I can to help get the word out. I probably put in 60 hours a week or more, in addition to working about 15 hours a week at my other place of employment. I am pouring my heart and soul into Faerie Moon. To be honest, I love being at home. I have my two pups laying next to me as I work, and then I get to cook dinner for my husband and relax with him during the evenings. It's quite nice.
Where else can we find you online?
In addition to my Etsy shop I write a blog at http://www.faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com where I chat about Faerie Moon, my life, and my personal passions. I also maintain a Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/faeriemooncreations. I'm also frequently on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/faerymoongodess. And I am a proud member of The Crafters' Crew on My Craft Corner at http://www.mycraftcorner.com/profile/faeriemooncreations. Faerie Moon Creations also has a newsletter which gives subscribers special coupons and advance news of sales. You can sign up for the newsletter on my blog!
Theresa is offering a lovely necklace that features gold wire spiral detailing, gold spacer beads, pink glass crackle beads, white glass pearl beads, and other glass beads affixed to a vintage domino tile with an image of Marie Antoinette to one lucky Serendipity Handmade reader:
To enter, simply visit her Etsy shop and leave a comment here about your favorite item. This giveaway is open worldwide; one comment per person, please. This giveaway ends on May 31st at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. The winner will be drawn by random number at Random.org and the winner will be announced on June 1st! Be sure to leave your email address, website link, or profile link as part of your comment so I can easily contact you. Best of luck everyone!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Meet the Artist: Faerie Moon Creations
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Woo hoo Theresa! Love this interview (I was obsessed with Archie comics when I was young! lol) So nice to read more about you!
ReplyDeleteI love everything in her shop but one of my current faves is the "In the Parlour" cameo necklace! *love*
I just adore Theresa! Her shop is just awesome! Thank you for sharing her awesome talents on your lovely blog! One of my favorites items in her shop are her Flowers for Emily earrings!
ReplyDeleteWow, it's really difficult to choose just one item, but if I had to I'd go with this amazing pendant: http://www.etsy.com/listing/43960538/in-the-parlour-ooak-beaded-cameo-pendant
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (Miss Cristal)
I love so many items from Theresa's shop that it is sooo hard to choose just one! She is amazing and it shows in her work! But if I have to pick one, it would be the twisted heart hammered copper necklace! http://www.etsy.com/listing/39484209/my-twisted-heart-ooak-hammered-copper
ReplyDeleteI LOVE faerie moon creations!! I own several of her earrings, and they are even more beautiful in person! It is so hard to pick a favorite item, but if I must, I choose the Gypsy spirit earrings!
ReplyDeleteLori Clark
wadesmom42409@hotmail.com
Great interview! Theresa is an amazing artist! I enjoyed learning more about her talented journey. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful feature! I love all of her creations. Her Alice in Wonderland pieces are my favorite! :)
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed learning more about my friend and she knows how much I LOVE her jewelry! I have fallen in love with her line of Alice and Wonderland jewelry but just now when I went to the shop...I spotted the Gypsy Spirit earrings and they are my new favorite! Thanks for a chance to win a beautiful necklace! ♥
ReplyDeleteTheresa makes gorgeous jewelry, it's hard to decide what my favorite is. I love the "Do You Believe in Faeries" pendant necklace series (especially the blue one) as well as the Sweet Little Flower Faerie earrings, pictured above. Lovely work!
ReplyDeletems(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(d0t)com
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/46577983/angel-mine-ooak-gold-beaded-angel-wing
I love these wings!
My favorite is the Queen's Court Dangle Earings.
ReplyDeletehrfarley at gmail dot com
I like the hidden garden charm bracelet .
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/40025883/hidden-garden-ooak-beaded-charm-bracelet
tumblemumbo at gmail dot com
I love the goddess Athena earrings. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering me!
Lovely shop! The Sparrow Song necklace is gorgeous, but the Just Nuts About You - OOAK Beaded Squirrel Love Earrings have won my heart.
ReplyDeleteheidig@gmail.com
I love the Just Nuts About You - OOAK Beaded Squirrel Love Earrings!
ReplyDeletesamyrocks92 at msn dot com
My favorite item is the Timeless Beauty - OOAK Calla Lily Beaded Choker-Style Necklace and Earring Set
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
All of the jewelry is lovely but I adore the just nuts about you squirrel earrings. Thanks fingers crossed.Marian
ReplyDeletemtzeenla@yahoo.com
ooo, so many goodies to choose from. at the moment i'm taken with the unicorn earrings.
ReplyDeletevvb32 at yahoo.com
Enter me please! My favorite item is: Marie Antoinette - OOAK Beaded Glass Pendant Necklace
ReplyDeleteAna Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail.com
Spain
I think my daughter would like the Queen's Court dangle earrings...a bold metal with beads for color. It would suit her I think.
ReplyDeletefreeindeed at myfairpoint dot net
I like the leaves of grass beaded bracelet
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
For me, I adore her White Rabbit beaded Alice in Wonderland Earrings. Of the ones offered my favorite are these:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/40590390/white-rabbit-ooak-beaded-alice-in
But the decision was difficult as her work is beautiful!!!
briarrosefarm(at)hotmail[dot]com
I love the Forest Sprite bracelet. Fairies are one of my favourite things so I like all her work. But also I write about 18th/19th century so the Marie Antoinette necklace would be a wonderful thing to win! Thanks for the contest!
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely items! ^^ I had to look through the pages several times because I was having a hard time choosing. I really do love them all, but since my favorite accessories are earrings, two of the ones that caught my eye are the Midnight Moon Owl Beaded Silver Owl Earrings and the Queen's Court Beaded Dangle Earrings Marie Antoinette. c:
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this giveaway!
vesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com
the spring time bunnies earings are so adorable!
ReplyDeletekshuttle@uoguelph.ca
Such cute items in the shop! I love the Just Nuts About You Beaded Squirrel Love Earrings, nutty and fun! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteyumihamano@gmail.com
I like the
ReplyDeleteEarths Renewal - OOAK Gold Beaded Spiral Bracelet.
jswandrn at gmail
Hi. = )
ReplyDeleteCount me in please.
What a difficult task, but I like the
In the Parlour - OOAK Beaded Cameo Pendant Necklace. = )
onossobazaar@gmail.com
Andreia. xoxo
ty
My favourite is Alice in Wonderland - OOAK Beaded Pendant Necklace.
ReplyDeletetupzunaator(at)gmail.com
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI-d like to participate, too! I really love this one
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40599269/alice-in-wonderland-ooak-beaded-pendant
mail> cailinn at gmail.com
Participating, too! count me in, please..
ReplyDeleteMy favourite item is the Hidden Garden - OOAK Beaded Charm Bracelet
Here is my mail
nilaahn@gmail.com
My favourite items are those of her wonderland art, togheter wih the fairytale one..
ReplyDeleteA lot of people are re discovering alice so this might be great for her..
Count me in too for this beautiful giveaway please!
hi, i am in lovey with Springtime Faeries - OOAK Beaded Charm Earrings
ReplyDeletei cant afford fairies :) :)
email me :)
liz_crowny@yahoo.com
pintaliztiirene.blogspot.com
thankies for helding this giveaway
nah ! i love her shop ! she is creative :)
ReplyDeletei love the Who Gives a Hoot - OOAK Beaded Owl Pendant Necklace.
kinda cute ♥
puding_coklat@hotmail.com
I like the Queen Guinevere - Romantic OOAK Beaded Flower Bracelet
ReplyDeletelusizova (at) gmail.com
I like the Live for Loving You Necklace the most.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi there!!
ReplyDeletei love the In The Parlour Ooak Beaded Cameo Pendant...it is so so elegant!: http://www.etsy.com/listing/43960538/in-the-parlour-ooak-beaded-cameo-pendant
all of her jewellery is just beautiful.. :)
email: sk8ergurl(dot)s92(@)gmail(dot)com
I love the Harlequin - OOAK Beaded Faerie Land Bracelet and Earring Set
ReplyDeletequeen-of-pain(AT)yandex(DOT)com
Its so hard to choose - everything is gorgeous. I especially like the Alice in Wonderland earrings - http://www.etsy.com/listing/41238012/white-rabbit-ooak-alice-in-wonderland.
ReplyDeletedhesh at webmail dot co dot za
Wow! this piece caught my heart
ReplyDeleteIn the Parlour - OOAK Beaded Cameo Pendant Necklace
sh.11175@yahoo.com
My favorite item is this one:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/38985732/put-a-little-love-in-your-heart-ooak
Thanks a lot! :)
bugs(dot)bittle23{AT}gmail(dot)com