Once again it’s Monday…okay, okay, it’s not Monday…but we’re going to pretend that it is! Today is one of our favorite days of the week because we feature a seller and their handicraft. All of our featured sellers are artists, crafters, or hobbyists. We hope and pray that every Monday you will see some WONDERFUL finds and get inspiration from their ideas. In order to keep these features as fair and uniform as possible, every store has received the same questionnaire.
Let the MADNESS Begin!
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Hey and thanks for taking time to drop by Toystory's blog to read this interview. My name is Josephine Russell, but call me Jo. I grew up in a small town on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. I was surrounded by an abundance of nature and wild animals, which impacts my life to this very day as I appreciate and am aware that we have to live together harmoniously. I love camping but these days I prefer a “camperized” van than a tent. hahah! I also love traveling and experiencing different cultures and cuisine. My partner in crime and I have backpacked in South East Asia and Australia. Right now we are expats in Mexico and two cats. I have always been a creative person throughout my life and glad I have experienced areas of singing, musical instruments, graphic designs and now making jewelry. I live my life as full as possible.
Tell our readers a little bit about the history of your store.
It all started by stumbling onto a blog while online shopping. I love looking at what the latest fashions are and am always get drawn in by jewelry, shoes and bags. I think that is with most ladies right? I came across a blog where an artist made very beautiful pearl rings which lead me to do some research on how to make my own. While doing research, I came across a huge array of info on jewelry making. Cool! So, I went ahead and got tools and supplies. I made a few pieces that were sold! Thinking...wow! Someone else likes my designs. What a feeling that was...now totally hooked! Since, I was beaming to see my creations adorned by someone else thus lead me to check out Etsy. A friend of mine introduced this online handmade store to me. I made my logo and put a up a few items and Russell Jewelry Designs was born.
Tell our readers what makes your store UNIQUE from all the other stores that sell a product similar to yours.
Variety is the spice of life. That has been my motto these days. Women are lucky that we can be versatile about what we wear. Decisions, decisions:) My collection reflects the different personalities or styles a woman can have. In this eclectic collection, you can find something that makes you feel fun, flirty, sexy or down to earth. I definitely like to have choices so I offer my clients the same. I am also influenced from my Mexican surroundings of the great blue sea, lush green jungle, exotic animal prints, and bright colored buildings. All of these elements have been incorporated into my designs and I hope you enjoy them as I have by making them. I also dabble in Photoshop and have some designs for mini note cards. I have two cute Xmas designs up now if you want to take a look.
Tell our readers about your favorite items that you make and list in your store.
Hmm...favorite items from my store. That is a hard one because I love jewelry but I like to wear and make earrings. I remember when I was younger; sitting in the hair dressers chair because that's all there was in my town. With the old school ear piercing guns too! BANG goes the gun! Then tears....My mom bought all sorts of earrings for me and that was the start of my accessorizing and shopping adventures. Now, fond memories:) I am also careful about the materials I use when designing as I am allergic to certain metals. I like earrings that have movement, which adds a more interest to the design.
Feature one of your items and tell the story about that particular item.
The Women of Strength necklace is a favorite of mine. This concept came to me when I was visiting friends and family. During this time we were all going through what life throws at us and how we dealt with it. So this lead me to create this piece. I used mixed materials and each material personifies a character found within them. The shiny silver metal chain symbolizes the strong and courageousness while the swinging black chain represents the fun free spirited ladies that are up for anything and everything. The pink fresh water pearls signifies the women of elegance and calmness while the suede shows the compassion these women have. This funky piece is close to my heart. This is one of pieces of jewelry you hate to see go but will be happy if it found a nice home.
Tell our readers if you do custom orders, designs, etc. If you do, what kinds of services do you offer for custom orders, what are your policies regarding custom orders?
Yes, I love to do customs orders. I like to collaborate with the client to come up with something cool and personal for them. We would talk about what they are looking for, how much they want to spend and go from there. I ask for a a deposit for materials and keep them informed on the progression with photos. Once upon completion and the customer is happy, they deposit the rest and the parcel will be shipped. Easy and fun! Also, some clients like the design I have but want it in a different color. I am open to any creative input someone might have. My recent custom design was for a lady in Canada, where her wardrobe was mostly brown, red and black. So, I did a multi chain that can be adjusted. I also used different colored semi precious stones to match her outfits plus would give them some color punch. It is nice to buy certain pieces to match different outfits but you also need a versatile piece that you can wear with most of your wardrobe. Don't be shy and I welcome any questions.
SPECIAL OFFER FROM RUSSELL JEWELRY DESIGNS:
15% off to anyone who mentions this blog. Plus Free shipping! Keep me in mind for all your gift giving.
Find RussellJewelryDesigns Here:
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Our "Monday Madness" slots are open to any artist, crafter, or hobbyist that has an online store. If you would like to submit your name and store to be considered for a Monday feature on our blog, please contact us here.
***All images and links are used with the artisans permission & are sole property of their owner***
2 comments:
Thanks for having me! Take advantage of my discount offer! Just mention the blog name:)
You're welcome Josephine! I hope and pray you get lots of views and some sales too!!!!
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