Meet the young Natalie, our Saturday Artisan of this week. Tee Hee. I said young cuz I'm the old Natalie. Ha!
Anyhoo...Natalie Hopeful (love the name of the shop!) makes beautiful jewelries and hand-crafted gift boxes. Visiting her shop always makes me smile. I love the soft colors she uses and the combination of these colors to make stunning jewelries. Find out how she gets her inspiration from our interview below:
Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I am a 21-year-old married college student. My husband and I are both classical musicians, so most of our time is spent teaching, rehearsing, practicing, or performing. When I am not doing one of those things, or homework, or going to class, I sit in the corner of my living room to make jewelry! My husband is so sweet and doesn't mind the constant supply of beads, wire, and general nonsense that takes up the corner...he only occasionally requests that I try to corral it a bit when it starts to take over(=
Which part of creation process that you like to do the most?
In life, I am inspired by color. I am inspired by different colors placed next to each other, whatever the objects are. This morning I am sitting at my table being made happy by the fact that my teal cereal bowl is sitting next to the yellow box of cheerios with a pink stripe across it! Which brings me to my actual answer...I love the part where I pull out all my supplies and get to dream up new color combinations, or apply combinations I've just seen in life--like teal and yellow and pink!
What is your favourite item in your shop?
My favorite item is this pair of purple earrings:They are an example of my new-found love for copper wire, as well as my long-standing love for purple.
Do you have a favourite Etsy seller?
Yes...without a doubt, Patrick Irla is my favorite seller on Etsy.
His work makes me squeal with delight. The little hydrangea blossoms he makes are adorable, lovable, and elegant all at the same time. If only I could afford to buy something from him...anything at all...
What is your goal for 2010? And are you on the right track?
My goal for 2010 is to gain more exposure in the wonderful world of Etsy. The sheer number of jewelry designers on Etsy is somewhat intimidating. Hopefully this feature is a good step towards becoming one of the more successful!
What is your favourite tool that you cannot live without?
I have a pair of flat needle nose pliers that I stole from my dad's garage long, long ago. (every once in a while he reminds me that they are still his and then I remind him that he never uses them anyway) They are way better quality than anything you can buy for making jewelry with and I love them.
