Monday, August 6, 2012

The CraftStar Community Collection: Nicole Smith

The CraftStar:   http://thecraftstar.com/shop/soloartworks.html 
Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/SoloArtworks
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/SoloArtworks 



My name is Nicole Smith and I've been making jewelry as long as I can remember.  I was so proud as a child in grade school to have some of my handmade key-chains and necklaces sell for a fundraiser!  I always had a craft booth at lemonade stands, yard sales, and even sold jewelry at a charming ice cream parlor owned by a family friend.  When I became a young adult I turned my hobby into a real business, and eventually attended a creative arts school in Europe, and then the American Jeweler's Academy in Oregon.  My jewelry business has been my serious full time job for over five years now.  I have the luxury of being my own boss, and working from my home studio to raise my young family! 


I like to add a little something extra to the jewelry I create.  If I want to make an affordable, eye catching cocktail ring, I'll mount it on an intricate filigree base just to give it a little extra vintage feel, like these rings: http://thecraftstar.com/jewelry/rings/orangering.html



Likewise, if I'm going to made a flowered bobby pin, I just can't leave be without covering every extra millimeter of that pin with high quality crystal rhinestones.  It makes it just a little more special. http://thecraftstar.com/accessories/barrettes/redpin.html


                          
My real passion however is custom jewelry.  These earrings were made on a request for wine grape clusters since the Columbia Valley wine industry has really taken off here in recent years.  http://thecraftstar.com/jewelry/earrings/RedWine.html




My first collection on The Craft Star: http://thecraftstar.com/collection/tangerinedream.html


1 comment:

Amanda said...

This is really nice :)