Today I'm going to take just a moment to introduce you to a fabulous lady JQJewelryDesigns...her real name is Jill and her jewelry is spectacular! She has taken ordinary pieces and parts of beads and literally turned it into STUNNING works of art. Some of her things are so gorgeous that they take my breath away!
I met Jill (JQJewelryDesigns) through the Promotional Frenzy Thread on Etsy. Though I've only been an active participant there for 2 months, the friendships I have made through these sellers has connected me in a way I hadn't thought possible!
JQJewelryDesigns has an eye for color and detail that are beyond many jewelry artists on Etsy. But above and beyond that, unlike many stores on Etsy, JQJewelryDesigns has her work in a real brick & mortar building. Here's what Jill has to say about Etsy and her "real" and "online" stores:
"While I think that Etsy is by far the best venue out there for artisans to sell their handcfafted items...Jewelry is a very crowded category, and it can be frustrating trying to be 'seen' when there are 1,796,636 items. (I have) developed a base of repeat customers and 2010 was a very important year for my jewelry business; not as an online Shop on Etsy, but in the fact that I've been able to develop a presence in the real world ... the Brick and Mortar! I have a new line of handcrafted jewelry, named 'small pleasures', designed around vintage beads that has been selling quite well."
Here's what she has to say about herself and her love for beaded jewelry:
"As a 12 year old, I loved to go through my mom's costume jewelry. And how much fun was it to watch her get ready for a night out? That final stage of adding the special touch - jewelry, was the very best part! When a teenager, I experimented with the pieces she no longer used, taking jewelry apart to create something new and better. I called it "design and refine", and I have to admit that there were times I didn't confine the creative process to only the things she'd cast off. It didn't take long for her to come looking for Jill every time she couldn't find her newer jewelry. But she soon got over her annoyance, as she'd be the hit of the bridge club or PTA with my one-of-a-kind creations! I kept hoping to see an increase in my allowance, but no such luck. Now it's such a pleasure to choose exactly the materials I want to use, without being confined to recycling my mom's beads. But I wouldn't change those initial seeds of inspiration for anything! The custom jewelry you see here is designed with one thing in mind ... use only the finest components available to create a long-lasting piece of jewelry you'll love to wear! Made one at a time, every bead is carefully chosen, and every piece is crafted to feel and look unique & fresh."
I have carefully considered and chosen my three favorite pieces of hers to be featured here. I encourage each of my readers to take a moment and visit her store. You will feel like you have been transported into a time long gone by...enjoy!
Swiss Blue Topaz, Labradorite, Pearl and Silver Necklace
Want to know more about JQJewelryDesigns? You can find her here:
Store - http://jqjewelrydesigns.etsy.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/jQjewelrydesign
24 comments:
Many thanks for your kind words, and for taking time to do such a wonderful job on my Feature!
What a wonderful post! Truly talented designer!
Not a problem Jill - your work is simply stunning. Lightyears beyond some other Etsy Jewelry Artists.
Yes lnessa she is a talented designer...and I LOVE the color combinations that she puts together.
What an extraordinary artist. I especially love the Swiss blue topaz necklace. She not only has beautiful designs, but the way she displays them with the complimentary pictures is fantastic.
I agree Sandy! With so many jewelry artists on Etsy it's easy to NOT get noticed....but this is one lady who DEFINITELY needs attention - her work is STUNNING!
Wonderful post Katie! What an incredible artisan! I enjoyed reading about her and loved seeing some of her beautiful jewelry! I love how she photographs her designs too, well done!
~Trina
I love JQ's photos. They are so creative and well done! Her jewelry is beautiful as well
It's so interesting that Jill started at such a young age, but her experience shows in her fabulous designs.
Her photography is unique and beautiful, too.
Her work is amazing and I enjoy peeking into her shop daily!!! Great feature.
Katers, you picked some of the most wonderful pieces from JQ's shop! I also love her pictures and the way she displays her jewelry with another beautiful piece of art matches her piece.
Wish you the best JQ!
Great post! Jill, you have seriously beautiful jewelry and your photos are incredible!
wonderful blog and feature
Great post! Jill has so many amazing pieces and great photos to help showcase her work.
awesome feature!!! Jill has many stunning pieces in her shop and her pictures are so unique and beautiful!!!
I love jQ's work and her presentation. This is a terrific article about her.
Great interview! I love her jewelry :)
beautifuly written, awesome jewelry!
I really love JQ shop, all pieces are beautiful!!!
I didn't realize you had an early start with your mother's old jewelry, that is fascinating and so original! Why didn't I think of that :-)?
Beautiful in-depth feature, and Jill's work is primo! If you haven't seen them yet, you should all take a look at her sunstone pieces! They are breathtaking!
This was an amazing feature! i loved seeing the artist! her work is beautiful. GREAT JOB!
Great feature and great job!
Gorgeous shop!!! Great interview!!!
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