I’ve met many very talented artists on etsy in the teams that I belong. I’ll be highlighting them in the coming weeks on my blog.
Today’s profile belongs to JeweledBlossoms.etsy.com, a fellow JET team member. Cathy’s etsy profile says “Let it be said, if nothing else, I am a romantic at heart. I find love and beauty in even the most impossible of circumstances. I truly believe that in the end, Love will Conquer all. I believe in all forms of love – grandmotherly love, love of a friend, unrequited love, love of your most cherished pair of shoes, secret love, can’t-live-without-you-love, puppy love and perhaps most importantly, self-love (though not in the narcissistic sense).When you’re in love, you glow with a inner radiance, with the knowledge that you love and are loved in returned. It’s an unmistakable glow, an aura of confidence and beauty that is unmatched by even the most wonderous make-up ever created. It is during this time in Love, that you blossom, that you allow yourself to be your truest self.It is this spirit of Love which has guided me in my jewelry designs.
My wish is that my little Jeweled Blossoms will inspire Love in your life… as gifts to dear friends and mothers and aunts and grandmothers, as sparkling baubles to impress your extraordinary Lover or as trinkets to warm your heart and remind yourself that you are wonderous and worthy of all the Love in the world. I wish you Love, simply Love. “
Etsy shop name: JeweledBlossoms.etsy.com
Name: Cathy Tran
Where else can we find you and your work?: www.jeweledblossoms.com
Blog: jeweledblossoms.blogspot.com
Your tuts or informational articles you would like to share: http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/get-your-jewelry-seen-on-etsy.html
Location: Sacramento, CA
What are your jewelry beginnings? Where did you start and how did you progress to work you are creating today?My last year in college, I got really interested in jewelry making as a hobby and started taking a lot of classes at a local bead shop near my house. I immediately fell in love with wire work and really got into making almost anything out of sterling silver and gold-filled wire. I eventually dabbled a bit in beadweaving and strining, but really, wire was my first love. Now I’m taking some metal smithing classes and I think this is the second time I’ve fallen in love. It’s just so amazing to be able to form things out of raw sheet metal or wire. I love being able to create and design things that inspire me.
What are your favorite materials? I have a special place in my heart for all things silver. Sterling and fine silver, as well as gold-filled wire and sheet metal are definitely my favorites. I also adore moonstones, amethysts, citrine, labradorite, peridot, garnet, tourmaline, carnelian and coral.
What inspires you? Almost anything gets me thinking about designs. I love being able to see things out in the city or out in nature and bring it into my work.
How do you describe your design style? I think my jewelry is definitely feminine and classic. I like creating pieces that spice up an everyday outfit and can go great with your little black dress. I really enjoy jewelry that also means something, that can accompany you on adventures or help you keep memories.
What artists have influenced you, and how? I think one jewelry artist in particular, Jillian of The Noisy Plume, has really influenced me in keeping true to myself and not just creating run-of-the-mill pieces that might sell well. I simply adore perusing through her shop and seeing how she pours herself into her pieces. I also think she taught me the power of writing and how it can really change a piece of jewelry from something mundane to something meaningful.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? Realize that you are on a journey as an artist – that you’re not going to make perfect pieces every time and to use your mistakes as a learning tool. Don’t worry about what others are doing, as it will only serve to discourage you. Talk to people, share ideas and don’t be too paranoid about people copying you. Keep your eyes open and definitely keep a journal on you at all times. You never know when that next great piece is going to strike you!
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating? I spend a lot of time with my darling dog, Bella and the love of my life, Miguel. He’s amazingly supportive of my jewelry habit and I’m so lucky to have him. Other than that I watch a lot of movies and really enjoy catching up with my girlfriends.
Where have you been published or profiled?
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/get-your-jewelry-seen-on-etsy.html
http://jeannieandaly.blogspot.com/2008/05/etsy-talent.html
Stay tuned in upcoming weeks for more talented etsy artist profiles from my JET and ABS team members.
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I absolutely ADORE JB’s designs a really enjoyed reading her profile.
Thanks Kristy for continuing the great job!!!!!
love love love love that bracelet!!!
Cathy ROCKS!!! I love her little stories in her shop, she’s a great writer and jewelry maker!
These items are wonderful. Thank you so much for profiling this extremely talented artist
I think that I am really going to like this blog it’s so informative
Thanks