Jewelry Giveaway from Earrings by Karen!

What a treat we have today! I have a gorgeous Celtic style bracelet up for grabs from Earrings by Karen. Here's a bit about her and how she got started in Jewelry Making:

When my beloved grandmother passed at age 100, I inherited her treasure trove of jewelry. A lifetime of gorgeous adornments lay hidden in her bureau drawers and by bringing them out into the light of day, I discovered that she clearly had many years of fun and frolic, long before I or my mother were born. It was a revelation to discover that my old-world, cookie baking grandmother had a past in which she ventured out in gleaming emerald Czech glass rhinestones, luscious pearl and rhinestone chandelier earrings and ornately beaded wrist finery.

I marveled and cradled these stunning pieces until one day I realized that I wasn't really wearing them. Some were not so fashionable anymore and some had truly seen better days. So I gingerly began to take them apart with my little pliers and re-fashion them into more modern and wearable arrangements. Voila! My love of sparkly, yet everyday accessories was revealed and I began making all sorts of pieces out of my dear grandmother's (sentimentally) precious sparklies. Soon I added my own elements to the mix and the result is what you see in my shop. I adore vintage beads and findings, for I know that they once belonged to a young spirited girl like my own grandmother. My grandmother's original beads and elements have gone on to live again in many new pieces, and mostly all of my creations are now from newer materials. But my grandmother's long forgotten love of the sparkle lives on in every new piece I create. It brings me great pleasure to revive this delight in every woman who is drawn to colorful jewelry.

Winning this gorgeous piece is easy. Just go to visit her online store
browse around her lovely items and come back here. Leave a comment telling us which one is your fav and that's it! You're entered to win. The lucky winner will be able to personalize her Celtic bracelet with either letter beads or appropriate decorative beads and the bracelet will be custom sized to fit you. Enter until Jan 25th and don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the winner.


Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Kristen's Custom Creations Giveaway

Today's featured mom has found a way to express herself as well as bring in a few bucks. Not only is her jewelry lovely, but it also says something about the person who wears it.

Creative mom Kristen Andrews, is the owner of Kristen's Custom Creations and a work at home mother.

H: What do you create?

K: I specialize in creating custom hand stamped jewelry keep sakes. I have been making jewelry for over 10 years strictly as a hobby but then decided to open my shop up based on the many requests I was starting to receive. My hobby turned into a business after I decided to stay home after the birth of my son. I spent 11 years working in the service industry and just planned on taking a brief break to stay home w/ my kiddo. I always planned on returning to my field of work.

H: How did you get started?

K: After having suffered from infertility for over 3 years I was so excited to have my son Will. I was one proud mama and wanted the perfect necklace after he was born. I searched and just couldn't find anything so I decided to create my own piece. I spend around 8 months researching materials and perfecting my technique and finally created my signature "Proud Mama" necklace. I started making similar pieces as gifts and then started receiving so many requests that I decided to open up my online shop. I have been very fortunate to have great success in such a short period of time, not only do I have my online shop but I also do a great deal of wholesale and business with boutiques.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

K: I have enjoyed crafting since I was a kid, my mom said she always had to keep me busy with new projects. I have also always had a love for jewelry so my hand stamped creations are the perfect outlet, it really allows me to express myself.

H: Have your methods changed?

K: I think every artist learns something new everyday and picks up a new technique over time. I am still learning and plan on learning new metal techniques in the near future.

How do you find time to stay creative? In between filling my orders and taking care of my kiddo I try to squeeze in some time to create new piceces, I love to create new pieces.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

K: My son loves to color and help me with my jewelry, at least he likes to think he helps me. He has a love for the shiny also!

H:What have you learned after having your kids

K: I find that after having Will he really is the inspiration behind my pieces. As a mother it is a very special bond and I know that love has inspired much of my work if not all.

Kristen has generously offered one of her pieces (the one shown up top) as a giveaway prize! All you have to do to win is visit her online shop. Take a peek through her items then come back here and leave a comment telling us what you loved the most. Make sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the lucky winner. Enter until Dec 19th.

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Creative Mom - Melissa of MJennings Designs

Today's Featured Mom has been working on her craft and her business for three years now. She is constantly working to improve her technique and has left her job to be a mom and pursue her love of beaded jewelry.

H: What do you like to create?

M: I love to create all types of jewelry! I started out designing personalized name bracelets and that is my specialty. I also love to create necklaces because they add so much style to your wardrobe. I love using natural gemstones and quartz slabs as pendants.

H: How did you get started? Are you finding success?

M: I got started beading as a hobby waiting for my son to come home from Guatemala. I turned my hobby into a business after I left my teaching career to stay home with my son. Yes, I am really busy and I love it! I also keep busy with my website and blog.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

M: Yes, but I used my creativity in a different way. I taught high school for 11 year's so I suppose I used my creativity in my classroom. Now I use it to design my jewelry!

H: Have your methods changed?

M: Yes. I continue to take classes and experiment with new techniques and methods. I love a challenge!

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

M: I use naptime as my planning period. As soon as my son goes down for his nap I begin beading like a crazy woman! I also bead late at night after he has gone to bed.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

M: Yes, my son loves art. He loves to paint and do craft projects. He also has a beading box and he plays with beads while I bead.

H: What have you learned after having your kids

M: I have learned that I really enjoy having my beading to call my own. Now that my son is three there is very little I can call my "own". It is a great creative outlet for me.

Melissa has generously offered as 10% off discount for Maternal Spark readers with the code MS10 - this offer is valid until Dec 21st. She has also offered up a custom bracelet for one lucky winner. It's easy to enter.

#1) go to her website and come back here to leave a comment on what piece is your favorite.

#2) Go to her blog and sign up for her email updates. Come back here and comment that you signed up. You must leave a separate comment for this to count as a second entry.

She also has a personal blog if you're interested in checking that out.-http://peytonsmamasita.blogspot.com

Thanks Melissa, it was a pleasure to have you!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Rachel of Sparks (I like her already)

This weeks Featured Mom is Rachel Azulie. I felt an instant connection to her unique jewelry - maybe because she operates under the business name of Sparks. Maybe because her work is just so organic in feel or maybe it's because she is, like most of us, a creative mom.

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

R: I've been making jewellery and crafts since I was a child – my beading obsession developed at age six, when an amazing craft shop opened around the corner (they got all my pocket money!). Early last year, I found my day job – working with digital imagery and colour correction – just wasn't satisfying my creativity. This led to a more serious focus on making jewellery/decorative arts to sell.

H: What do you like to create?

R: Mostly jewellery, though I also love to work with mixed media and create decorative objects and art. For my jewellery, I love to work with semi-precious stones, and my recent discovery of Precious Metal Clay (PMC) has kicked off a whole new obsession!

I particularly love designing and making chokers. I think this feeds the romantic in me! I remember my mother wearing chokers when I was a child (during the 60's/70's) and always thought they looked so beautiful. I use all sorts of ribbons, lace and trims, combined with gemstones and silver – some incorporate antique and vintage textiles that I have been collecting for some time. There are so many ideas still on the drawing board, enough to keep me busy for years!

H: How did you get started?

R: When I started making jewellery last year, I began by sorting through all the beads, findings and other materials I have carried around with me all my life. My first pieces were made from these materials but since then, I have been slowly building up my stock of beads and supplies.

My first sales were to family and friends, some of whom have become my best customers! I sell from home as well as at local craft fairs and hope to begin selling at some craft markets next year when my son starts primary school. That said, I have had some good sales via my Ruby Lane store and I've recently set up an Etsy store to sell the pieces that don't fit Ruby Lane's guidelines. I've found Ruby Lane and Etsy to be very useful as online galleries.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

R: I've always been creative – it's how I relax. Strangely enough, now that I'm a mother, I find that I'm more active about making my ideas and inspirations into reality. Before Rio was born, I would think up all sorts of designs, maybe sketch then out, but quite often would never get around to making them.

H: Have your methods changed?

R: Constantly changing! I love to learn new techniques, work with new materials and most of all, challenge myself. A good example of this is my recent discovery of Precious Metal Clay. I feel like an alchemist when working with this stuff. You start off with what looks like a soft piece of putty – mold, carve and model it, let it air dry and then finally fire it – hey presto, you have a piece of pure silver! Just magic!

Many years ago, I learnt the basics of silversmithing but could never begin to attempt the ideas I had, which were always too complex - with PMC, the possibilities are endless!

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

R: I am extremely lucky to have a very supportive partner, but I always feel there are not enough hours in the day. I've found that getting up earlier in the morning works well, much better than trying to stay up late. I also don't do quite as much housework as I used to!

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

R: My son, Rio, is just bursting with creative sparks! He has always had very good fine motor skills and is currently amazing us with his Lego creations. He seems to have inherited all the various creative talents from both sides of the family, as he also possesses incredible rhythm, can sing an album's worth of Beatles songs and takes wonderful photographs with my digital camera – all at age 4!

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

Patience is essential, as is the necessity of not spreading my half-finished creations around the house. I've also learned to let go – my son is incredibly detached from his work which is such a wonderful gift.

Visit Rachel in her Ruby Lane shop or her Etsy shop. You'll be glad you did!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

2Monkees Giveaway - Handmade Pewter Pendant of your choice!

Win your choice of Pewter Pendant from 2Monkees! All you have to do is browse around her great shop and choose your favorite item. Once you've picked, come back here and leave a comment to tell us about it. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you. Enter until Oct 25th. During this time, you'll also get 10% off anything you'd like to order. Just put "Maternal Spark" in the notes to seller field when you check out and she'll send you a revised invoice. Good luck!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Melissa of Shezarealgem Designs - incl Giveaway!

Today's featured mom has taken her craft and hobby of four years to a more professional level. Her jewelry business has been up and running for nearly a year now and Melissa takes many of her inspirations from nature.

H: Tell me about your craft.

M: My jewelry consists of a lot of re-purposed vintage pieces, copper and silver work, natural stones, and bold, bright color. I love to make colorful, chunky pieces as well as some more subdued, feminine things.

My creative process is pretty unorganized and haphazard to be honest! I always carry a journal in my purse to scribble designs or ideas. Sometimes I wake up during the middle of the night with a vision for a piece and must get up and sketch it out for fear that I'll forget it come morning!

H: How did you get started? Are you finding success?

M: I started when I was pregnant with my daughter. I wasn't working at the time and was so bored. I needed to find a hobby to keep myself busy. I love jewelry so it was a simple decision.

I am more successful than I had imagined at that time but less than I wish! Actually, I am quite pleased with my success and I have never felt so validated as I do making money doing something that I love.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

M: Yes, I have always been a creative being. I used to love to design the homecoming floats in highschool and revamp vintage clothes. I was the head of the arts and crafts division of our town's summer camp for 5 years while I was going to school. I'm always thinking of something to make!

H: Have your methods changed?

M: YES! I am older and wiser now! I work with more expensive materials and I use proper tools. I am teaching myself beginning metalsmithing and making many of my own findings for my designs instead of purchasing them.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

M: I'm not sure, most days are a blur! I'm a mommy of two small children. My daughter Audrey just turned 4 in May and my son Dane is 20 months. I am married to a great guy that works nights so we are like two ships passing in the night. I work part time for the local court system 20 hours a week. I have basically cut out all housework in order to design. My husband loves that....

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

M: My 4 year old loves to design jewelry and has made some really cool, wearable pieces! My son is very musical and loves to play daddy's guitar and make music with anything that he can get his grubby little hands on.

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

M: Having children has taught me to take chances in my creative life. Children are such great artists because they are not afraid of failure, they don't care that ducks aren't blue. If they want to make a blue duck they do, and they think it is great. I try to be true to myself like that, I design what I love and just won't compromise to sell more or appeal to a larger audience.

Melissa has generously offered this pair of lovely earrings up as a giveaway item! To win, go to her Etsy shop and pick out your favorite item. Come back here and leave a comment to let us know what it was. Be sure to leave your email address too so we can contact you should you be the lucky winner.

On top of that, anything you purchase between now and Oct 24th will be available with FREE SHIPPING. Just leave a comment in the note to seller box that reads "Maternal Spark". She'll send you a revised invoice for the sale amount.

Thanks for joining me Melissa, it was a pleasure having you at Maternal Spark!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Ana of The Pretty Peacock - with Giveaway!

Today's creative mom has written her own post and I just love when my featured mamas do that. So grab a cup of coffee (or your cozy drink of choice) and settle in for a treat. Not only is she a talented jeweler but she's also a successful businesswoman and a super fine writer too. Enjoy this post from Ana of The Pretty Peacock and read all the way through for directions on how to win one of her lovely pieces.

***

I grew up in an East Indian household where your only two career choices were Engineer or Doctor. Expectations in our household were high, because even though the hard sciences and advanced math classes were expected, stretching our creative wings was, too. I have always loved expressing myself creatively, especially writing and working
with clay. However, after high school, my focus was on college and having a "real job" and my creative endeavors were somewhat pushed aside. Years later, I married, bought a house, had our first and second child – I used the new found time at home (became a stay at
home mother) to simmer some of those creative juices. Kids are wonderful for inspiration and, of course, for allowing yourself to let go and remember why Play Doh is so darn fun and why finger painting feeds your soul.

Now that my oldest is five and my youngest is two, the house is decorated just the way I want it (until the next wave hits me for new color –I can hear the husband's groans now!), I have brought the focus back to my creative needs. My children flit in and out of my studio
on a constant basis, which can be frustrating, but expected. However, I am beyond thrilled that they are learning how important being a creative person is – kids are creative naturally as they are so in tune with their imagination (when is it, exactly, that we lose that?), I learn and grow more artistically from watching how they approach things then I have ever learned from any class. They just go with it – and me, being the constant planner, it's difficult for me to let go of the control. But, as all mothers know, having children in your life allows you, no demands, that you just let go and just let it be.

And we are all the better for it.

***

Win this sweet little necklace strung with a custom pendant and heart charm. This piece celebrates self-esteem and confidence. Win it and wear it with pride!

To enter: Visit the Pretty Peacock and pick out your favorite item. Come back here and leave a comment letting us all know about your fav piece. Contest runs till Oct 17th. Make sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the lucky winner!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Meredith of TilleyJewels incl a Giveaway!

Today's Featured Mom is also offering a giveaway so make sure you read all the way to the end for the scoop on how to win!

Meredith has a knack for using color where you typically see plain old white - like in her line of bridal jewelry. She's been working with beads for over 25 years so she knows what she can get away with and how to make traditional pieces pop.

H: Tell me about what you make Meredith?

M: I primarily create jewelry and hair accessories from beads and wire, specializing in wedding jewels and headpieces. My favorite materials to work with are freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and Czech glass floral beads. I tend to use bold, rich colors and lots of sparkle. I love to use color even in my wedding pieces.

H: How did you get started?

M: I spent many weekends growing up traveling to art festivals with my basket weaver mother. I met so many interesting people throughout the years that were making a living being creative, and I just always knew that was what I wanted to do. My mom let me sell whatever I was making at the time in her show booths, and eventually it just came time to branch out on my own.

When I first started out, I had this mindset that art/craft shows were the only selling outlet I had. I now sell through several online sites and in boutiques. I'm currently working to expand my wholesale sales by setting up an online wholesale gallery to make it easier for shops to purchase.

H: Are you finding success?

M: Yes, I do feel that I'm finding success, but I'm also approaching it cautiously. I was accepted as a member of the Illinois Artisan Program this past spring. Not only is it an honor to become a part of this juried organization, but it also opens up several new selling/exhibiting venues to me throughout the state.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

M: I was raised in arts and crafts. The house I grew up in was only about a half mile down the road from the local artists' guild, so I hung out there most days after school and during the summer. When I was a teen I even taught childrens pottery classes there (that was where I learned I didn't have what it takes to be a full-time teacher and changed my career ambitions). I've dabbled in just about every arts and crafts medium you can think of, but it always came back to the beads.

H: Have your methods changed?

M: My work has taken on a more light-hearted whimsical feel that is inspired by my kids. The biggest impact they have had on the business is the fairytale theme we began using in 2006.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

M: I'm a night owl, so I work mostly after the kids go to bed.

Do your kids show any creative spirit?

M: Most definitely! Our 16 year old daughter, Audrey, lives for art. I run an Etsy shop http://auddities.etsy.com to sell her fantasy artwork. She's taking every art class available in high school and plans to continue that path in college. One of her proudest moments so far was being accepted into her first juried art festival last fall, set up in the booth next to mine.

Our middle daughter, Emily, is 14 and discovered digital photography at camp last summer. The only thing she asked for last Christmas was a camera which has become a permanent attachment. She's also obsessed with cooking and wants to be a pastry chef.

The youngest, Katelyn, 7, is a storyteller extraordinaire. I really need to start putting a tape recorder in the bathroom when she's in the tub, because that's when the best tales seem to come out--mermaids and aliens and fairies that have to deliver presents because Santa got sick... We never know what she'll come up with next.

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

M: It became more important to me to do whatever I have to do to follow this dream of making a living off my creativity. I don't want my kids to feel that their only way in life is to suffer in a 9-5 job that they hate. They can see that it's hard and sometimes we have to sacrifice, but in the long run I can't help but think that it's the best thing for all of us.

Thanks Meredith! You can visit her myriad of online shopping venues below. If you do, come back here and leave a comment to let us know what your fav piece is from her collection - that will enter you to win this whimsical grape freshwater pearl cluster necklace! That's all there is to it. Make sure you enter before Oct 10th and leave your email address so we have a way to contact you if you're the lucky winner.

http://tilleyjewels.etsy.com

http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/tilleyjewels
http://www.lizzywishes.com/
http://www.madeitmyself.com/user/tilleyjewels.aspx
http://lov.li/users/tilleyjewels

Another Giveaway! Funky Felted Jewelry from KaleidoscopeStyle! Retail value $43

Just look at this! Isn't it the most unique, colorful, child friendly piece of jewelry ever!?!?

It's from Kaleidoscope Style and they want you to take it home free (retail value $43)! All you have to do is go and visit their online shop. Pick your fav piece, then come back here and leave a comment to tell us what it is. Make sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the lucky winner.

I can just imagine what my toddler would think of this colorful item wrapped around mommies neck. She wouldn't be able to take her eyes off it and rightly so. Katrin has also offered a 10% discount on any sales during the giveaway period. Just type SPARK in the notes to seller field at checkout.

Enter until Oct 7th.

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Traci of Midori Jewelry

Today's featured mom is Traci of Midori Jewelry.
This Hawaiian mama has a penchant for marrying the soft and the hard, the slick and the textured all in one harmonious piece of special jewelry.

She's been practicing her craft since 1996.

H: Tell me about how you got started.

T: I've taken some classes, but practically everything I've learned -- from art clay silver to soldering to shaping the right ear wires -- is, for the most part, self-taught.

H: Describe your craft

T: I like to create jewelry in every shade of the style spectrum. Sometimes I stick to the basics, while at other times, I create a special piece for a particular woman in mind. But mostly, I enjoy creating to my own style -- classic pieces with a modern feel -- styles that can last the seasons and even the years. I've already had jewelry become heirloom pieces, being passed from Grandmother to Granddaughter. I like to take classic jewelry necessities, like the pearl necklace or hoop earrings, and give them a modern twist. I love working with large gauge wire in sterling and fine silver or gold, to create my own pendants, hoops, clasps, and links. Sometimes I will texturize the metals, sometimes it gets a dark oxidation or a rainbow patina, sometimes it gets a satin finish from fine sandpaper. Creating my own focal pieces helps give Midori Jewelry a more distinct look that is unique to me as a designer. But all metal finishes must add to the gemstone and/or pearl components. The metal must complement its partner(s) (most likely a luminous pearl or twinkling gemstone or a combination or the two) and the they must work together to achieve a harmonious, balanced look.

H: Are you finding success?

T: After I dropped out of law school to have my son Cade, I pondered what direction I wanted to take my life. I returned to my love of making jewelry. The notion of succeeding or failing at something completely on my own is appealing to me. But more than anything, I am able to make mortgage payments in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country, fund pre-school, buy great local produce and cook it, spend one day per week alone w/ my 3-yr old, and have most weekends free to have fun with my family -- all because I have my own business. I am able to help support my family by doing something I love, and still have time to enjoy time with them. I think that is the definition of success.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

T: Having Cade made way for the inception of Midori Jewlery. Without him, I would be in a very different place right now. But I have been making jewelry for a long time, since way before he was born. But when life threw me a curveball, I went back to that love of creating.

H: Have your methods changed?

T: I am becoming more engaged in the process of making jewelry. I have started making my own links, clasp, pendants, and ear wires. Eventually, I would like to become totally free of pre-fabricated jewelry components. I want to make everything from scratch. But some customers care about that, and some do not. I have a healthy mix of both for now, that allows me some freedom to create from scratch, while still supporting ethnic metalsmiths from around the world. I love the metal components that you can get in Turkey, Israel, Indonesia, Mexico, and Thailand. Every country and culture within a country has their own aesthetic. It is quite remarkable.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

T: Caffeine. I am enjoying the one day I get a week to spend w/ Cade all by myself. We call it Mommy Mondays. He is in pre-school 3x a week, so I have ample time to get work done. I do have to work one night a week, and many weekends doing shows.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

T: Like most children, he is really into coloring and drawing. But he is much more into music and sports than art.

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)?

T: Your own business, like your child has a life all its own. It will go out of control sometimes, it will stumble into pit falls, it will hit stages of depression, it will do things you don't want it to. But there are many steps you can take to make sure you still have a firm hold on the reins when these things happen.

I'd like to extend 20% off to Maternal Spark readers with the code "sparkmama" for all web sales from now to Sept 30th at www.midorijewelry.com. Please email me traci@midorijewelry.com with any questions.

Thanks so much for joining me at Maternal Spark Traci! I've enjoyed getting to know you :)


Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Mel of My Aphrodite & Giveaway!

Today's featured mom has stepped outside the interview format (yay!) and composed a post of her own. Mel sells her unique jewelry through her Etsy store and has embraced motherhood and creativity in her life. Enjoy her words and make sure to read the post for instructions on how to win one of her pieces!

written by Mel of My Aphrodite

I'd like to say that metal always called to me, but it didn't. I wasn't born with silver in my veins. I got into jewelry because I wanted to spend a spring semester goofing off and I was fortunate enough to attend a liberal arts college that allowed me to do just that. Like most floaty folk-chick types, during my time in college I developed an obsession with the Pre-Raphaelites. Their idealized version of what was truly beautiful was enchanting to me. Plus, I wanted everyone to know that I was a sensitive soul that cherished love and beauty. The truth is, I liked listening to "Jagged Little Pill" over and over, drinking beer, playing naked soccer at 2 in the morning and trying to make time with sensitive theatre boys who had long hair and cried easily.

Jewelry making was just another extension of that pursuit of beauty. But beauty takes time; there was rather a lot of melting in the beginning. And burns. And swearing. And saw bites. And firescale. But little by little over the years, I've got the hang of bending Sterling to my will and coming out with a nice finished product.

Like a lot of new mothers, I struggled with post-partum depression and to me, the worst aspect of it (aside from making me question whether or not I was fit to be a parent in the first place) was the loss of motivation towards any form of creative activity. I didn’t realize how important my artistic endevors were to me until I couldn’t face them anymore. I am tremendously lucky to be blessed with a hugely supportive and caring husband who urged me to take care of myself and do what I had to do in order to be happy. After starting on anti-depressants, I re-discovered my passion for silver working and have been on an unstoppable creative bender ever since. Discovering Etsy has also been the one of the best things that’s ever happened to me creatively. It not only gives me an easy way to peddle my wares, but I feel very accepted in the community and have made some lovely friends along the way.

Finding time to work with a toddler in the house isn’t always easy, but I do manage, during naps and post-bedtime. My work has changed dramatically in the last few months. Before having my daughter, I was obsessed with creating complicated pieces, but since spending time with her and the books that we read over and over, I’ve moved into less complicated but still pleasing shapes; things that she can point to gleefully and identify.My passion for jewelry work was something I never expected but I can’t now imagine being without it.

Mel has offered up this sweet little birdie, a miniature version of her best selling "Potential for Flight" pendant. It's strung on a 16 inch purple leather cord and has amethyst and citrine bead accents. To win - Go check out her shop, her work is truly inspiring! Pick your favorite item, then come back here and tell us what it is in comments. Make sure you leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the winner.


Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Jewelry Giveaway - Bloom necklace from Jane Osgood Designs

Jane Osgood Designs has generously offered her signature necklace "Bloom" up for grabs (retail value is $38). It's gorgeous, how could you not enter? Jane gets lots of inspiration from art nouveau as well as art deco architecture. For example Bloom is inspired by Charles Macintosh's geometric roses.

To be eligible to receive this prize, visit her Etsy shop and browse around. Come back here and leave a comment letting us know which fab piece is your favorite. Enter to win until Aug 15th. One entry per person, and make sure to leave an email address so we can contact you if you're the winner!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Veronica of Vernonica Willingham Jewlery

Today's featured mom is Veronica of Veronica Willingham Jewelry. Finding herself amongst a family of artists and her without the ability to 'draw a straight line with a ruler', she felt like she didn't possess any artistic ability - until the birth of her daughter Taylor. Then she captured the spark and found her talent for design.

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

V: I have been designing and creating jewelry for over seven years now. It all started one day when my husband and I where bored so we went around to crafts stores trying to find things to do. Two weeks later I discovered there where actually bead stores in my area. Well, I guess you can figure out the rest…I was hooked.

H: Tell me about what you make.

V: I like to create handcrafted jewelry using semi-precious and precious gemstones. My creations use a lot of metal and chains of sterling silver, gold, vermeil and gold filled. I tend to create a lot of earrings. I guess the way earrings can frame a face and make even the most timid persons eyes just pop; I just love them.

H: Describe your creative process.

V: Wow I would love to say that I have this amazing process that involves…..well a process. But long story short I dream of designs, designs pop in my head, inspiration comes at the oddest times, heck the architecture in a building can set me off and a design comes. Although, more often than not (because I’m a workaholic), I’ll just sit at my work area and ask the question,” Who wants to play?” Sometimes I get an answer and I get to it…sometimes I don’t. In that case I’ll do some sort of clerical work that must be done.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

V: To be truly honest my creativity came more to me after my daughter Taylor was born. She is quite the artists herself. She has been drawing three dimensionally since she was three. I guess her spark of creativity led me to investigate my own. My father and older brother are artists as well. I used to think I had no talent. Believe me I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler. Then after I had Taylor I discovered I had the ability to design and use color combinations that even surprised me.

H: Have your methods changed?

V: My methods have stayed pretty consistent. I let the moment take me…sometimes an amazing journey. And sometimes…well you remember those bad road trips as a child. You just never know, right. I just try and go with it and see what happens.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

V: I am amazingly lucky in the respect that this is my full time vocation. But don’t loose sight of the fact that luck favours the prepared. I dot all my I’s and cross all the t’s that need to be done. So creativity has no time limit with me…my days are pretty open to create.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

V: As I stated earlier my daughter Taylor who is now thirteen has been a budding artist since three years old. She has always had a creative spirit. Even when she used to draw on the walls I couldn’t get to upset...mostly because she has always been able to draw better than me. So it’s hard to knock someone who’s better than you.

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

V: I have learned to let your process be what it needs to be. Meaning you have to let your art come from the true you. I guess to go out and try to manipulate your art to be what someone else thinks of art is only going to get you one thing. And that’s simply someone else’s art. Your art has to be about the core of you….and to be honest I’ve never found that when I have extended myself too far outside my core, that I’ve come up with anything that was truly me. I have to keep a line connected to my core while exploring the vast amount of knowledge out there. I have to be able to come back to my core self…that which started my journey. Although my daughter and many other things have given me inspiration; if I have learned anything from her is to be true to your self. Taylor at thirteen has her own personal style, which involves rocking a sterling silver skull ring her dad designed and made for her. That’s true artisanship to the core!

H: What do you feel makes you successful and are you finding success?

V: Wow that’s a hard question to answer. On the one hand being able to pay the bills with my business is success. Having a following of customers that easily recognize my work is success. Loving and I do mean truly LOVING what you do is a kind of success that goes beyond success to self fulfillment. So success I guess is an everyday accounting practice. When and if I ever come up with a formula….I guess I’ll write a book or something.

H: Anything else to add?

V: I guess I have to add that I have a wonderful husband Rodney Sherman who has come on board and he does all my metalwork with true professionalism and I love him truly and I will forever be in his debt.

And to anyone who ever has a dream, don’t wait for it to come true…kick it in the butt, reinvent a process, dream a little harder. But by all means understand that a dream only dies when it’s not given life. Give your dream life….whatever it may be.

Feel free to visit my website veronicawillingham.com or drop me a line at my email veronicawillinghamjewelry@hotmail.com

P.S. Remember…luck favours the prepared!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

So what are you into?

I've been working on developing a weekly "Energizer" post. The idea being, I would post exercises or fun projects or ways to jump start your creative projects and you would get so inspired you would rush away to work into the wee hours and come out with a masterpiece. That's the idea anyhow. Then it occurred to me that it would be a whole lot easier if I knew what my readers enjoyed most. Are sewing tutorials going to fall on uninterested ears? Who cares about writing prompts? Punch your answer into the poll below and give me a little direction wont'cha? After all, this blog is for you.

Sick of free stuff yet? Who Who would be?

Check out this little guy! Isn't he a hoot? Enter to win him by visiting Holly's Designs. All you need to do is browse her "Glamorous" selection and tell me in comments which item you love most. You can visit her Etsy shop too for more cute things! Entries are open until July 31st and make sure you leave your email addy or some other way to contact you so we can give you your prize if you're the winner!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Easy crafts and tips from the blogosphere

I found Kidzarama a while ago and loved it so much I added the blog to my Google Reader instantly. She's just done a cute re-design and posts about a variety of mom related things. Now she has a link up to a unique craft tutorial for the fall (and you know it will be here in no time!)

Word Grrls is a sweet little respite for us writer gals out there. She offers fun writing prompts that are perfect for keeping the creativity alive. I bet most of them could be done in 500 words or less. Just the right length to complete during nap time. Check out her site and get inspired.

Looking for a hoard of easy crafting ideas? Check out Craft Stylish where you'll find ideas for every level of crafter. Many of them can be completed in one sitting too, such as these wrapped bangles (shown - image from Craftstylish.com) or these necktie chokers. There is also a bit of social networking going on as you can share pics of your items and comment on others.
Happy surfing!

Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!

Featured Mom - Joanne Sim-Long from Jars of Heaven

Joanne is a new mom whose son was born in January of this year. She's found a love for jewelery made with vintage components. A love for things old and new has spawned some beautiful art.

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

J: I believe the creative process is a life-long learning journey so I’d have to thank my Mom for forcing me to go for Art classes and for my art teachers for making art lessons fun. I started making jewelery in early 2006 when my sister brought back a bunch of pretty beads and pliers, we were hooked!

H: What do you love to make the most?

J: Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets and brooches! All with vintage parts, precious and semiprecious stones, and charms. I know tons of people do it, but for me, it is not only therapeutic but it is a passion as well. It is also a challenge to improve my craft, and come up with better and prettier one of a kind pieces. Next up, learning how to silversmith and bezel set and make rings.

H: Were you creative before you had your baby?

J: I had my bundle of joy just this year on Jan 26, 2008, and prior to that, I’d been in the creative field for quite some time. I’ve studied piano since I was 4 and finally graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 2002. Before learning to make jewelery, I loved to write poems, draw and paint wooden boxes for birthday presents and then in 2006, my greatest passion- making pretty jewelery pieces!

H: Have you changed your methods since having a baby?

J: Hmm… not really, but I think my style has evolved. Inspiration comes from everything in this world, and I like to look around for great colour combinations, as well as for unique ways of putting them together. Sometimes though, simplicity is classic, and I think I maybe going back to that.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

J: When my son sleeps! Unfortunately he hardly sleeps for long nowadays, but for the first few weeks of his life, I managed to create from midnight to 2am!

H: Do you see creative signs in your baby?

J: Oh yes! He is a very inquisitive little boy, and loves to look around and is very alert. He loves listening to a Capella music and if a temperamental character is the mark of a creative person, he will certainly be a creative little boy!

H: What have you learned about your art and yourself since becoming a mother?

J: That I love to craft more than I realised! I laid in bed some nights and had ideas about what to make but was just too exhausted to get my butt to the work table. I also learned that I love my son more than anything in the world (apart from my husband, of course!) and that I would like to instill life into every piece I handcraft from here on... I want to make things that improve the quality of someone’s life, not just add to their jewelry drawer. I also would like to make pieces for women to wear so they’ll feel pretty, even though they have kids and maybe not as much time for themselves.

H: Anything else to ad?

J: Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to be featured on your blog! Since becoming a mom, it’s just opened my eyes to the many sacrifices my mom made for me and I am eternally thankful to her.

H: You're very welcome, thanks for joining us at Maternal Spark. Joanne's work can be found at www.jarsofheaven.etsy.com and you are welcome to email her at joannesimms@gmail.com.

Like this post? Subscribe and get them via email!