Friday Finds... ManyMoonsJewelryThis is my 16th interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy!
Morning! Friday Friday Friday! Ahhh, the sweet knowing that the weekend is here :) For myself it's no different to any other day... infact without my blog keeping my internal calendar in check I doubt I'd even know what day it is (you can tell I'm a mum right? lol!) BUT, for many I know it's a big old welcome relief and something to look forward to! That's why I think it's great, as much as it may not be everywhere, there is a collective happy sigh across the world! Wonderful!
Right! Today I would like to introduce you to a lovely seller that I came across in a forum post earlier in the week, that happened to be asking people to check out her stuff as she's new on Etsy. I hadn't stumbled across anyone in this way for a while so I was delighted to visit her store and find the most beauituflly crafted trees made using wrapped wire and gemstones. I sent her a message of course asking about the interview and here it is for you all to enjoy!
Please do visit ManyMoonsJewelry's store to check out her lovely work, and help support the New Artists on Etsy by doing so!
(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)
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Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Cassandra Middlebrook and I'm a 31 year old mother of 3 boys and wife to my husband, Danny. I live in the mountains of North Georgia, right on the borders of both North Carolina and Tennessee and moved here 2 years ago from the mountains and beauty of Colorado.
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What is your business about then? My business is about finally finding something that I love and doing it! I've always been a very artistic person but nothing has ever sparked my passion and creativity like hand making jewelry. Wrapping a wire or string a stone is almost zen to me.
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How did Etsy come into your life? Etsy came about in my life while reading a blog with items listed there. I love handmade and unique things so I just had to check it out :)
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Are you working a day job too? I am not currently able to work outside the home as I am disabled and three boys, a husband, keeping house and my wire and beads are more than enough for me most days.
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How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I started making jewelry as soon as I was able to tie a knot. My mother has always been a crafter and taught classes on both beading necklaces and macrame. Back then the big thing were those bizarre macrame owls. I believe that she still has one actually. I get my creative abilities from her. We lived in the country and when we would take walks would collect unique seeds and nuts to use later for all kinds of things.
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What has been the inspiration behind your business? Nature. Most of my work is created with natural colors, natural stones and I value their natural abilities and healing properties. My Tree of Life pendants are a representations of mother nature herself and my Native American pieces are a reflection of my own back ground and beliefs.
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If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? Natural, healing, unique
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What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? My work day starts in the morning with my children at 6 am. dressing, breakfast and off to school. The rest of my day is taken up with making sure my 5 year old doesn't burn the house down and doing house work. I work on my jewelry in the evenings and during the night, when the house is quiet and I can concentrate.
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What's your favorite material and techniques to work with? I love working with copper, sterling silver and natural gems. I enjoy coming up with new techniques and learning new ways to wrap. There are no particular techniques for my trees...each one is unique and individual.
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What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? My ideal vision for my future and my jewelry is to become successful on Etsy and be able to help support my family.
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Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? In good weather, during the spring and summer, my favorite thing is to take trips with my husband on our motorcycle. We take day trips all our the country side and have found some beautiful places. At home I enjoy peace and quiet and music very much.
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What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I'm most likely to search for supplies on Etsy although I've looked for hats for my youngest son and unique art work.
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Any last words? I would just like to thank Nay for this wonderful opportunity! It means so much to me.
Many blessings to you all!
