Etsy Artist Profile: MonkeyBuns http://monkeybuns.etsy.com
I’ve met many very very talented artists on etsy in the teams that I belong. I’ll be highlighting them in the coming weeks every Thursday on my blog. My inaugural profile belongs to Krystal Backer the artist behind the MonkeyBuns Etsy shop. She creates gorgeous jewelry from delica and other beads. Her bracelets are really fabulous…and I speak from experience as I own two. 
Also, for those of you wondering, Krystal admits that she is asked why she named her shop Monkeybuns a lot. Krystal says “Monkeybuns is my son’s nickname and he’s my biggest inspiration.”
Enjoy!
Etsy Artist Shop: Monkeybuns.etsy.com
Etsy Artist Name: Krystal
Location: Mason City Iowa
Where else can we find you and your work?: MacNider Museum in Mason City Iowa
Blog: http://krystalbacker.blogspot.com/
What are your jewelry beginnings? I started stringing jewelry for my mom when I was 10. Last week while going through my grandma’s jewelry I found some of my first pieces. They made me laugh but you always have to start somewhere.
Where did you start and how did you progress to work you are creating today? I started when I was 10 doing stringing, when I was a teen to my about 20 I did hemp jewelry. I’m a self taught bead weaver now and will soon start to do glass fusing and lampwork beads which I’m very excited about.
What are your favorite materials?
I love Delica beads but what really excites me is recycling beads from other items.
What inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is my son. To watch him learn new things each day really makes me want to stretch my talents.
How do you describe your design style?
I have been described as modern earth. I love earth colors with a splash of wow.
What artists have influenced you, and how?
I really admire Sandfibers. I strive to be as good as her one day. I also look to my fellow JET Team member, CombustionGlassWords, when it comes to lampwork and fusing.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Honestly I’d say be realistic. You will have to put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to achieve your goals. You will get out of Etsy what you put into Etsy.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
I spend time with my husband and our son. I also love to be around my friends and family.
Where have you been published or profiled?
I was featured on Fire Mountain Gems, I’ve been on Etsy’s front page two times, I’ve been in a couple of blogs. I appreciate every time I’m featured!
You can view more of Krystal’s work in the MonkeyBuns etsy shop as well as her Flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeybuns/
Stay tuned in upcoming weeks for more talented etsy artist profiles from my JET and ABS team members.
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Great Blog!
Awesome Feature!
MonkeyBuns Cuffs are just Stunning!
Neat stuff.
Sara