Featured Artist Interview: Jo from Bits off the Beach

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Shop name: JosJewelryDesign

What you like to go by: I usually go by Jo... Since that's my name, but I answer to most anything

When did you start your Etsy shop? I started my shop last fall and have been working steadily to add more pieces to it.

Is this your only job? I have been working retail in a ladies accessory dept for the last 25 years... I am officially RETIRED and will be able to devote myself full time to my jewelry. YEAH! I can't wait.

When did you realize you had this talent? I took my first jewelry class in high school art. I have always enjoyed creating things, from pottery to knitting to sketching to making my jewelry it seems I have always enjoyed seeing what I can do. Other than a few classes and reading everything I come across it is mostly trial and error and self taught.

What are your other hobbies? Other hobbies I enjoy... Sounds odd? But I love entering contests and sweepstakes. I love the excitement and dreaming about the great prizes and trips waiting to be won. My best prize yet has been a car... My oddest prize was a stuffed toy of name brand hotdog, but I still have them both.

Where is the farthest you have traveled? My furthest travel... I spent 3 years in Germany with my husband when he was in the service. My favorite places to travel, would be anywhere with palm trees and a beach. Tulum Mexico is a favorite, (my banner in my shop is a picture of the beach near there.) Maui is another favorite that we love to return to as often as we can.

What is your favorite quote? I don't have a favorite quote. I always hear great ones but then can't remember them when I need to. Maybe " you're as young as you feel" in honor of me retiring.

Featured Artist: saraLane boutique

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Shop Name: saraLane boutique
What you like to go by: Sara or Sara Lane
When did you start your shop? About a month and a half ago.
Is this your only job?
Not at the moment; I started my Etsy shop as a way to create and share with others, as well as to help save for my next semester of college. Now I have found a part time job, but I plan on continuing with my shop open.
When did you realize you had this talent?
Just last year, during a 20-year-old, "where-is-my-life-going" crisis, someone close to me suggested I start doing what I enjoy, as simple as it sounds. So I started with artistic hobbies that gave me a way to keep busy and peace of mind, through any material I found in the house. Now I have much greater plans for my shop!

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Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration from whatever environment I am in at the time, which has been nature as of late. I love creating items that resemble natural things, such as flowers, bird's eggs, trees, and feathers. I even started an Etsy team for those who are inspired by similar interests.
Who has been the most supportive of your work?
My boyfriend that actually helped with opening my shop (and contributed to its fees), as well as my parents and friends. My father has been active with advertising on my shop's Facebook page, and my close friend has been spreading the word through her social networks.

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What is one thing you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet?
I would like to eventually open a shop for those who love thrifting, antiques, books, and retro/vintage fashion, for both men and women.
What are your words to live by or favorite quote?
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid," by Albert Einstein. If I had never realized this, I would have not pursued my interests as hobbies, and become better for it.

Tumblr:
saralaneboutique.tumblr.com