Etsy Interview with Lisa's Urban Nostalgia

I am a self taught artist that resides in Lindenhurst, Illinois with my two children, Starla and Hunter and two cats. Art is an ever changing journey for me and I consider myself to be a multi media artist and strive to create outside the box. Some of the media's I have worked in include traditional oil painting, photography, graphic art, fractal art, altered art, and photo restoration. My favorite media is jewelry making and that's why I created my online store, Lisa's Urban Nostalgia.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

For several years now jewelry making has become my focus. I usually end up making things out of need. I am sure at one point I needed a necklace to go with an outfit and did not have the right item. So off to my studio to find something and create it. Other times people suggest things to me. They assume I can make it, so I do! Sometimes I just go into my studio and start working with different materials and one idea leads to another and something fabulous comes out of it!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I originally found Etsy a few years back. I was looking for some great vintage images and found it on Etsy! I was amazed at the wide range of items that were handmade. I also loved that there were also supplies available. It's really a very inspiring place to be!

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

I think the wide array of items really sets Etsy apart. For my shop I think the exposure is wonderful. Now I have an audience that is worldwide. I have done local craft fairs for years, so this definitely broadens my horizons. I also like the idea of showcasing my items in a place that really supports handmade items.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I think in a former life I was a crow because I am always attracted to shiny things. I once found a chandelier alongside the road and immediately took my new treasure home and thought how beautiful it would be to use it to make jewelry out of. So that started me on a trend. I love to add chandelier crystals to my work and Swarovsky crystals too because they sparkle.

Another inspiration has always been Victorian pictures. I think the women were so beautiful back then. I try to include them in jewelry as well. I think the really interesting part is that these people are now long gone and they get to live on in my artwork.

Incorporating paper from old books into some of my jewelry is another avenue I am exploring. I have had a collection of old books since I was a kid. I always loved antique books and they have gone with me throughout my life traveling from one place to another. I finally decided that instead of just dusting them off, why not actually use them. In my shop, Lisa's Urban Nostalgia, I have a few pieces listed with paper that's one hundred and two years old. So it's like getting a piece of history.

The name of my shop, Lisa's Urban Nostalgia comes from my love of old things. I try to incorporate something old with something new. Just like my jewelry.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

I am rather fickle about my favorites. It always changes and my favorite is always the new pieces I am working on. Right now my favorite piece is a hand soldered necklace that features a woman from the 1950's and says, "You Look Gorgeous" It's made with a rectangular piece of beveled glass and has a dangle that consists of pearls, Swarovsky crystals and a kite shaped chandelier crystal. To me it is more like wearing a piece of art.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I want to accomplish setting up a store with interesting and unique items. I love to create and Etsy is the perfect venue to show my jewelry off. I'd absolutely love to do this fulltime. My jewelry is a passion and it's something I love to do every day! My goal for the upcoming season is to hit 100 in sales!

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

At Lisasurbannostalgia there is always something new! I have a few projects in the works. You can expect to see glossy colorful paper bead earrings made of antique paper, also chandelier crystals with pictures inside them and enhanced with wire wrapping. The holidays are definitely inspiring. As of this moment I am working on some Halloween bracelets made with vintage images sealed with resin and vintage Halloween postcard pictures in hand soldered pendants, accented with Swarovsky crystals and charms.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

I can be found on Facebook as Lisa Moyer Clark. I always update what I put on Lisa's Urban Nostalgia . Also I am a beginner blogger and have a blog. I like to show off upcoming projects as I work on them there. I am hoping to do some give aways for the holidays and hoping to make some new friends along the way!