Sunday, March 21, 2010







I enjoy finding new shops in the big etsy world, and one easy way to find new shops is to look through the shops who heart you. PrairieStarJewels is one of those shops. When you visit her shop, you see a variety of stones, techniques, groupings and word pendant necklaces.

Tell me something about yourself.
I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. I was introduced to crafting at a young age. Dad did fantastic woodworking and Mom did many crafts during the years, going back to her love of sewing and quilting. I myself have tole painted, macramé , painted on wood, and made and antiqued picture frames for years. After so many years with successful craft shows with the frames, I had to turn to something a little more creative and it became jewelry. My husband and I love to travel and I am always bringing rocks, shells, crystals, and all kinds of things home in the hope that I might be able to make something someday from it!

How did you start with your current craft?
Back in the good old 70’s, my best friend and I made and sold earring with colorful little feathers on them. They were fun and easy. After a 30 year hiatus from jewelry and all the other crafting I had done, my love of jewelry and being creative was awakened in me again. I went on a trip to Arizona and bought way to much in supplies, took some classes and started creating. My first show was a Mystical show in Des Moines. I learned more about the meaning of stones than I ever thought I would. People were buying my semi precious stone necklaces by feel instead of by looks!

What do you like about your craft?
What I like about jewelry making is that I can make a piece that says something or depicts a mood. I love metals and stones and the message you can give in each piece. I have always been a creative person and jewelry making fulfills me. Plus, I can take projects anywhere I go.

Do you have a full time job?
If yes, what is it?I have been laid off since July. I worked for an insurance company for 11 years before my job was eliminated. I worked in a training department, helping to create and monitor training. I am still looking for a job but am hoping it is a little less than full time.

Would you like to be full time at crafting?
Yes, yes, yes!!! I would love to craft full time. My mind is so full of ideas there seems to be no room for much else. My Etsy business is just getting started and I need to find some other avenues of marketing. The thing with jewelry is that the sky is the limit. I love mixing metals and stones. I also want to take some more metal smithing classes.

Please visit her store, come back and list your favorite item in her shop. I will giveaway a FREE business card holder similar to this one:

1 comment:

  1. What a beautiful shop name! Well, it's obvious which item is my favourite, being a Vancouver expat:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41434494

    But it was hard to choose - I loved the seahorse too, and the spring fling necklace!

    ReplyDelete

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