"Friday Features"

Here is the start of a new feature on my blog; "Friday Features" will highlight some of the amazing people who we come across everyday on Etsy thru their creativity now we can get to know them on a more personal basis! Enjoy! :)

Here is Laura from http://www.mabjewelry.etsy.com/ She kindly answered some questions for us! :)

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I started making jewelry about six years ago, with my mom. We made stuff for ourselves, and then stuff for our friends. And then more stuff. Eventually, we figured out that we should sell some of it! My early pieces are a little scary to look at now, but, the more you make, the better you get, I think. I started using different materials and different styles and designs as I got more comfortable making different pieces. Now, I'll work with anything that's small enough to turn into a piece of jewelry, and that's so much fun.

Tell us a little about your creative process.

I sit down almost every night with a movie and my pile of supplies. Sometimes, I have an idea about what I might make. Sometimes, I just start poking in my beads and see what happens. Once in awhile, I'll get an idea and sketch something, but I usually just wing it! I tend to be a very structured person who has to have some kind of plan, and this is the one place where I rarely work like that. I usually don't know what I'm going to end up with when I start, and that's so wonderful.

What do you love about creating?

Making jewelry is the calmest, most peaceful activity for me. The combination of all the tiny, shiny, pretty supplies and the creating something new from them, there's nothing better. And then when a stranger loves something I have made, that's the best feeling ever.

What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?


Probably the Mina necklace. The tulips are gorgeous, and I've thought about keeping it.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28798603 (Above)

Why Etsy?


It's fairly easy and cheap to set up shop. It's a simple way to begin having an online presence. It's also a great place to buy. I'm buying most of my supplies on etsy now, and plan on doing a major part of my Christmas shopping there.

What do you love about Etsy?


The community. I've met some wonderful people, and, whenever I've had a question, there has always been someone to help me out. I've learned so much about running a business, plus an online business, and most of that has come from other etsians.

What do you do in your spare time?


I'm a movie freak. I have two very demanding cats who need constant attention. I have less demanding friends who I love to spend time with. And I love that Fishdom game!

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.


I love to clean.
I'm generous, almost to a fault.
I have a very sarcastic sense of humor, and it sometimes gets me in trouble.
I have an M.A. in Creative Writing and English Lit, and my home is packed full of books.

If you could, what would be your dream life?


For all of us who create, I think the dream life is to earn enough money selling your creations so you don't have to do anything else. But, then, to also have creating remain something that you love to do and not turn into "work." I think that's a tricky balance, but I would certainly love the opportunity to give it a go!

Hope you enjoyed this new segment to my blog and meeting Laura! I certainly did. Go check out her Shop on Etsy! http://www.mabjewelry.etsy.com/

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T