Etsy Interview with MetalWear

I'm 52, finally comfortable with who I am, and absolutely loving this time of my life. I've been blessed to have worked in a creative field for most of my working adulthood- my day job includes photography and website designing, I'm a mother of two young men, and in a fantastic relationship with a person who supports me in this new phase of my life. I live in South Bend, Indiana with Claude and my faithful, geriatric schnauzer Josephine.

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

I started making jewelry as a hobby 2 years ago in a metal smithing class at the local art museum. This quickly turned into a love affair/obsession - I bought everything I needed within a few months (ok, I'm not done yet) to set up MetalWear. This small, but well appointed, corner of my home is where my spirit is happiest.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I found out about Etsy from my fellow jewelry chicks in the metal smithing class about a year ago. I remember thinking "why didn't I think of this"!! This was the best idea I'd heard in a long time- WHAT!? a place exists where an artist in any medium could sell their "stuff" and not have to have to worry about a secure website that would have to be maintained. (Website design and security is my field and I know how expensive, thus prohibitive, that can be).

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

Etsy is THE online marketplace for me to expose MetalWear to EVERYONE interested in handmade, one of a kind, original jewelry. In this economy, people are spending their hard earned dollars more wisely, and I feel they are looking for more unique pieces that are not a part of mass production. I also love reading about other artisans and their stories- how they started, what they learned along the way, and how I can avoid making some basic mistakes. This insight is so valuable for people like me who are just starting out. I also love the online support from this community - questions I've posted to other artists have been answered and I feel like I've made new friends who support me in this venture. I've also discovered a wealth of information and inspiration online through Etsy shop artists sharing their techniques and sheer joy about their art. This in turn, drives me to explore new things.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Honestly? The elements - no plastic here! I'm inspired by nature. The power and beauty of it, the way the heat melts something from the earth, and the hammer forms it into wearable art. The way the wind blows sand into waves that mimic the water and the pure delicious delicacy of it. I love rocks. The beauty of cabochons, and faceted gems that come from the earth. Mother Nature's elements are awesome and are my inspiration. A client once said to me "Your art is from the earth and from your heart, and it just speaks to me". After I stopped crying, I realized she had said it all so perfectly.

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

Good question, wish I had an answer! When I first decided to try my hand at metal smithing, all I was hoping to do was stave off dementia. Serious! You really have to think and devise solutions in this craft. My jewelry starts in a free-flowing sort of way. Silver gets melted, it starts to "speak" when paired with a stone, and eventually reveals what it was meant to be... sounds sort of esoteric, but it's my process. So each piece is different. They all have this natural feel to them though - I just can't help it. I work at a computer during the day. At night, and during the weekends in the studio, I have something to hold in my hand that was created from earth elements - Pure Joy!

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

Joseph Campbell said, "When you follow your bliss...doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else." I'm hoping that Etsy will provide my shop MetalWear with that door, and maybe my work will speak to someone else too.

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

I'm going to be doing some experimentation with torch fired enamel... a torch would have to be involved somehow! I'll build some "beads" out of copper, fire the enamel on them, and put them together with natural fibers for more of an eclectic look.

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'm in the process of developing a fan page on Facebook, which should be ready to go by mid August (odd that a web girl wouldn't have this done yet!) and also in development (sheesh) is www.iwearmetal.com, sure wish I had more hours in a day. I'll also be offering specials from time to time on my MetalWear etsy site- http://iwearmetal.etsy.com . I've been blessed and I believe in paying forward. I often have special promotions where a portion goes to charity.