"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!" I am very excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a wonderful Jewelry maker, Jenni from; http://www.dutchtouchbeads.etsy.com/

She has kindly answered some questions for us :)

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


I fell in love with beads during childhood. I was introduced to elegant seed-beaders and artisan jewelry designers through an interesting choice of recreation on my parent’s part (if you dig in my blog, you'll find the story about that). I was mesmerized by the color and texture of beads. I would save up my allowance and purchase a few beads at gem shows to make necklaces for myself. As I grew older and life revolved around boys, work, college, work then more work. For a long time I did not bead. Then, after my children were born, I began to feel a creative surge and began to bead again. I gave jewelry away for gifts as many in my extended family cherished handmade gifts. Then, after I was laid off from the school district where I was employed this past winter, I had too much time on my hands and found a way to combine my love for creating jewelry with a need to have a purpose, to 'own' something, as I searched for employment and tended my little ones. And so began my journey on Etsy.


Tell us a little about your creative process.

I find inspiration primarily in our natural surroundings. A beautiful sunrise, dragonflies resting on a leaf, or a tree changing color as fall approaches. But, I also try to capture moods. A thoughtful walk on an empty beach, or the feeling of pride when you walk out of an interview knowing you nailed it. These are the images and feelings I take with me into my studio. I then search for just the right elements to capture it.


What do you love about creating?


The escape from all the 'noise' of our modern lives. The ability to drill down and focus on that image or mood and hold it long enough for an expression of art to appear.


Byzantine Bazaar Necklace Set.

Silver Leaf with Amethyst Crystal Earrings.

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

My necklace & earring set called 'Harvest Moon'

I adore early fall and the transition from the brightness and bold energy of summer, to the softer, yet electric feelings of fall. The full moons of August and September often put on a spectacular show of color, especially early in the moon-rise. I do enjoy a colorful full moon. I used pearls as the spacers because to me, pearls and the moon are uniquely connected.

Why Etsy?

I choose Etsy because it was the largest, most robust market place for handmade goods that I could find on the web. I felt their fee's were fair, I liked the way they help sellers promote and also educate their members about the handmade lifestyle.

What do you love about Etsy?

Undoubtedly the community of Sellers.

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? What is that? JK. Etsy is my spare time. I do work nearly full time and I have 2 children under the age of four, so home life is very busy. I work in my shop in the evenings and weekends when the little ones are all tucked in.

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

1). I am an avid soccer enthusiast. (player, coach, spectator)

2). I consider myself to be a naturalist and a humanist.

3). I am considered a bit geeky by some (that love of sci-fi just throws people off)

4). My husband tells me that I have an 'A' type personality; I just can't imagine what he means ;)

If you could, what would be your dream life?

I think I am living parts of it now. I never dreamed I would have children and they are by far my greatest joy. Of course I would love for more financial freedom to enable me to solely pursue my passions, but I suppose the flip side of having exactly what you want is that you lose appreciation for the sweeter things in life, the things that require time and sacrifice. So, all in all, I will just take the life I have now and maybe just one trip to Australia ;)

Cheers ~ Jenni

Here are the fun places you can find Jenni;

Etsy Shop ♥ http://www.DutchTouchBeads.etsy.com/

Blog ♥ http://dutchtouchbeads.blogspot.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/dutchtouchbeads

Twitter http://twitter.com/dutchtouchbeads

I hope you enjoyed meeting Jenni! I certainly did. Go check out her shop on Etsy or maybe leave a comment on her blog. :)

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.