Meet My Friend Jen and Hear Spanish Lullabies!

     Hi everyone! No, there's no snow here today. But if you want to feel warm and cozy and just chat with a girlfriend...you've come to the right place! :-) This is my dear friend Jen of Spanishlullabies on Etsy. Besides having the biggest heart of anyone I know, she also has one of the biggest talents! I thought I'd interview her and let her tell you about what she does! So here goes...

Poetesswug: How long have you been making jewelry?
       Jen: "I got my first jewelry-making kit around three years ago or so."
Poetesswug: Is that all?!! WOW! It sure seems longer than that from the things you've made! I love the pieces I have of yours! :-)

    ...Why and how did you get started?
       Jen: "My best friend and I had an interest in making jewelry we both really loved and felt pretty in. Also, we wanted the jewelry that we wear to have meaning to us. So, we did our research and found the supplies we would need and we got started. We learned a lot by trial and error. :-)"
Poetesswug: Well, you sure accomplished this 'feeling pretty in it' thing!! That's exactly how I think anybody that wears it will feel! We get your meaning too! :-)

   ...What or who inspires your unique designs?
       Jen: "I have always been a fan of "times gone by". Filigree anything usually catches my eye, lace, old gloves, antique furniture...and of course, Jane Austen novels! My preferred materials are brass, especially aged to achieve that aged look, and glass and semi-precious beads paired with Swarovski crystals."
Poetesswug: Oh yeah! I can see that in your work!

   ...What part of your craft do you enjoy doing the most?!
       Jen: "I guess the part I NEVER tire of is the shopping aspect of it. I LOVE to look at all of the varieties of beads out that are available!! But the reaction I get when I give a gift or deliver an order to a customer is really priceless."
Poetesswug: I know, about the bead shopping thing! You and I have spent some time staring at pretty beads and crystals together! Ha! Ha! As a matter of fact, you're the reason I started looking to make my own beaded necklaces for some of my crocheted jewelry! See...it's all your fault!! :-] ... What have been your favorite pieces?
       Jen: "I like to make jewelry that I would wear myself, so I really have a hard time picking a favorite. :-) But, I really love the peacock and butterfly pieces. I got the idea from my best friend who used a real peacock feather in one her designs. She graciously allowed me to do the same, but the beadwork is different and I added a hand-made hook clasp."
 Poetesswug: Yeah, those are pretty! But I know you have other favorites too!...I can see why it's hard to pick just one! :-))

   ...Do you do any other kinds of crafts?
       Jen: "I have always enjoyed crafts of different sorts. My mom used to paint ceramics when I was younger, so I have fond memories of doing that...Cross-stitch is something that I really love. I have a project in the works right now...I also like to stitch onto cards. The cards come out beautiful and can be framed art afterwards."
Poetesswug: Ooooo! Stitching onto cards! Please take some pictures of that later, so I can share that on the blog!...Now, are there things you would still like to learn about your craft?
     Jen: "YES! I do the twisting of the wire into names, but there are SO many more possibilities when it comes to wire. I want to learn to make rings and bracelets out of wire."

 Poetesswug: Oh!! This is one of my most favorite things you do!!

   ... I love the wire piece you twisted with my shop name too!

    ...Do you consider yourself an artist or a crafter?!
       Jen: "I guess a little bit of both. When I follow a pattern for something, then I feel like I am a crafter. But if I come up with a design, either for cross-stitch or jewelry, then I feel like an artist."
Poetesswug: If you could have your business the way you want, how would you see your business in 5 or 10 years?!
Jen: "I would own a boutique that would include my own designs and those of my friends. I would always have soothing music playing. There would be a small bistro-style sitting area where customers could enjoy a pastry and a beverage. I would be able to interact with my customers and design custom-made jewelry right before their eyes!"
Poetesswug: Ooooo! That sounds so nice!! And...Ummmm....I'd love to see my things in your shop!! :-] ...Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
Jen: "A very exciting thing happened tonight...My sister lives in Vancouver, WA and her friend owns a boutique--much like my dream one, minus the bistro-style eating area, but PLUS a massage room in the back. Well, I designed the Eiffel Tower necklace just for her,...

     ...since she loves all things having to do with Paris! My sister went into the shop today and hand-delivered the necklace and earring set. She stopped what she was doing and took off all of her jewelry and put my pieces on! That was very exciting! She even took the time to talk to me on the phone and tell me how much she loves it! So, again, the giving is probably the best part of all!" 
Poetesswug: I agree. :-) Well, thanks Jen, for letting me interview you. You already know how much I love you...and your jewelry designs. But now, instead of me just talking about you all the time, my blog followers can know you too!! :-)
    
     Jen is doing something wonderful for me today too. She's taking a few of my crocheted jewelry pieces to a craft show! I can't wait to find out if my "babies" get any attention in person when people can put their hands on them!! I'll keep you informed.
   Okay, have a good day everybody! Do you have friends you wish people knew more about? Please share with me! :-) {A repeat of this poem is just perfect today.}

Artist's ROCK!

Their eyes see what their heart sees,
and in colors on canvas or in yarn.
You can see it in their photographs of foliage,
or the red and brown that's painted on a barn.

Their heart says: "This bead color's perfect!"
Then you see the artist's work on jewelry stands.
They recycle, mix the media and show you,
and collect a lot of now adoring fans!

Whatever medium they work in,
Whether working with their hands or just their eyes,
you can be sure they'll get some oglers and lookers,
who, like me, will give them "Ahhhs" and "Ooooos" and sighs.