ArtFire Studio Profile: LuvToSparkLe

Compared to heavyweight virtual art marketplace Etsy, ArtFire (www.artfire.com)may be the new kid on the block. But this up and coming arts and crafts online marketplace is full of talented artists and studios of amazing works. One such studio is LuvToSparkLe.

At LuvToSparkLe you will find a variety of unique resin jewelry. Sharon Crowe, the artisan behind LuvToSparkLe, says inspiration for her jewelry line actually struck at Disneyland. "I love Disneyland. I actually got inspired while visiting a shop in Disney looking at all the really cool jewelry. I came home did a bunch of research on the internet and found resin, and I thought, hey I could do that!" Since that simple Disneyland discovery, Sharon has been splitting her time between her day job as pharmacy technician and her newly found passion for resin, a lesser known jewelry making process.

Sometimes jewelry shops can get lost in the sea of artisan jewelers on ArtFire. LuvToSparkLe does not see that as problem though. "I think working with resin is unique in and of itself," says Sharon. After looking at her work, I have to agree. LuvToSparkLe's resin technique allows for a certain whimsy and cute kitschiness that sets her work apart.

Creating one of Sharon's imaginative pieces can actually take quite a bit of time. The process begins with mixing and pouring resin into molds. Sharon must then add embellishments while the resin is liquid. These embellishments can include a whole gamut of interesting and unusual items including candy sprinkles, stickers, charms, shells, and even small toys. Then the waiting comes. Resin takes at least 24 hours to set. Once the piece is set, Sharon is ready to remove it from its mold. But she doesn't stop there. Sharon takes pride in her work and adds an extra layer of resin on the top of her pieces to give them that extra shine. Then her jewelry findings are applied and another piece is ready to be worn.

One piece that is particularly eye-catching in LuvToSparkLe's studio is her Candy Ring. A pink heart sits atop a sea of multicolored candy sprinkles surrounded by ruby red glitter in this square resin ring. The ring is so over-the-top sugary, it just begs to be worn. I dare anyone to slip this candy covered ring onto their finger and not instantly be transported back to the carefree days of childhood.

LuvToSparkLe can be found a variety of web locations including ArtFire, Twitter (http://twitter.com/LuvToSparkLe), Plurk (http://plurk.com/LuvToSparkLe) and her blog (http://luvtosparkle.blogspot.com). Be sure to run over to one of these web addresses to check her out.

If you are a fun loving individual that enjoys showing your playful side through your jewelry, you must pay LuvToSparkLe a visit. You will not be disappointed with the fun, uniqueness or craftsmanship displayed at this resin artist's ArtFire studio. Watch out Esty, this studio is sure to get the ball moving over at ArtFire.