Meet ChristineMarieDesigns!

So I held a little contest in the etsy forums asking all those fabulous etsy designers and sellers to show me there shops. Usually I will spend hours looking, I mean drooling, over some amazing shops I've discovered on my own. Which is why I decided to do this, it's so much easier dont ya think?

Anywho, ChristineMarieDesigns really impressed me! Her jewelry is a great mix of vintage appeal mixed with modern flare. I couldn't resist!

Here's a small interview in my "Meet The Seller" series:

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Question 1: What inspires you to create your jewelry?

I create jewelry I would wear myself. I am a graphic designer (for my day job) and while it is creative, I find I really enjoy working with my hands. Usually I like a part of this and a part of that, and how would this look with that? I am most inspired in the evening – I think things get quieter around here and I will just start in. Some of my friends and I have what we call “crafty playdates”. We get together and eat too much and create. We learn new techniques, some unrelated to jewelry. These always get the creative juices flowing for me. I want to come home and organize my space or start creating.

Question 2:What is the jewelry making process like?

I usually start with an idea in my head. Shop for said idea, usually on etsy for really unique items and in the local bead store for findings. Browsing etsy or looking in the bead store will trigger 5 new ideas. Often, the idea in my head turns out completely different when I sit down to work. I would say it is a moving target. There are many steps to creating, say, an artisan earring. I think about the bead/silver combo, what the earwire should look like – long or short, hammered? What is the overall finish – rustic? Oxidized flat? Polished for a luster? Earwires, after all, are half the design. I often make a set for myself and test new things – I want to make sure they don’t flip and get stuck or become something that a buyer constantly has to adjust.

Question 3:What's your favorite thing to do while you’re not creating jewelry?

I have a husband, 2 young kids, 3 dogs, 1 cat and 1 gecko. When I am not creating jewelry, you can find me spending time with my family or walking dogs. I’ve recently discovered an interest in cooking from scratch. I enjoy spending time with my mom and sisters and my crafty friends.


 
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Thanks for the wonderful interview Christine! We look forward to seeing more beautiful jewelry from you!