Meet The BOOMERS...

One by One! We're running a series of mini interviews, based on questions that we think were originally posed by Gerry of Gerry's Jewel Box as a basis for getting to know each other (thanks, Gerry). We will go in no particular order, but will do our BBEST to get everyone posted. Next in our series is NightSkyJewelry

1. What is the name of your shop/s?
First, thank you for honoring me with this interview! I feel so special to be included among the talented artists in this group! So, to the answers. Night Sky Jewelry and/or Night Sky Silver Designs. I’ve used some version of the name Night Sky ever since AOL was invented, and it’s become so familiar and comfy to me, that I use it for just about everything I do online. When it came time to name my shop, the only difficult part was deciding whether or not to add something after “Night Sky”.

2. What kind of items do you sell?
I love earrings, so that’s what I concentrate on. I usually use sterling silver, but recently have started playing with 14KT gold-filled wire and components. Some stones really look their best in yellow settings! I use natural gemstones as well as occasional glass or crystal beads that capture my heart.

3. How did you find Etsy and Boomers also?
I think someone sent me the Etsy link about a year and a half ago, but I didn’t have anything to sell at that time, so I didn’t think much about it. Then I started playing with wire and beads, and thought, “Hmmm, where is that Etsy place? I need to get rid of some of this stuff.” ;-) I found the Boomers when I was just exploring around and found the list of Street Teams. I saw the word “Boomers” and I figured I would feel comfy there. And I do!

4. How long have you been engaged in your art/craft?
Well, I’ve been making jewelry for about 35 years, but I’ve only been working with wire and beads for about a year. Before that, my experience was with lost wax casting. My (ex)hubby and I had successful businesses in Utah and Colorado, making original, one of a kind jewelry. We didn’t make molds of our work, so everything really was one of a kind and never duplicated. When we split up, I moved back to Utah with my kids and went to work for the supply house in Salt Lake. There I met lots of jewelers!! I mentioned to one of them that I wished I could make money by carving waxes because that was my favorite part of the process. Who knew? Most jewelers hated to carve wax and when word got out that I loved it, my business was born. I raised my kids with the money I made as a wax artist and occasional odd jobs, like delivering car parts. Oddly, I love that job, by the way! Boogying around the valley all day, talking to people. Perfect!

5. Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional craftsperson?
After 35 years, I guess I consider myself a professional wax artist, and a learning wire worker!

6. What inspires you?
The gemstones! They usually speak for themselves, and if they don’t, I put them on hold and wait until they do!

7. Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio?
I have an extra room that is supposed to be my shop. It’s all set up. But…. I work all over the house. Mostly in the living room, because it is my favorite room, and I’m so comfy in there.

8. What keeps you company while you are working on a project?
My sweet little parakeet, Noodle. She will often hop around on me, try to eat the beads, chew on the wire, and generally be annoying, but I love it. The only time it’s a problem is when she decides to actually sit right on my hands while I’m trying to work. I love old rock and roll (and some new) and political news, so one or the other is always on.

9. What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?
Shopping for and getting new stones! I love to see them, feel them, hold them up to the light, drape them around me, and just generally admire them. It’s often weeks (even months) before I will use new stones.

10. What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?
Cleaning up the mess. As I said, I spread it all over my house, so on a typical day, there will be stones, wire, and tools all over the place. As for actually making the pieces, I love the whole process! Well, except on those days when I get something finished, hold it up, and go, “What the heck was I thinking?” Sometimes they just don’t turn out like I had pictured them!

11. Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or crafters?
Just do it! I bet there is something crafty out there that everyone would be good at and enjoy. I don’t know of a better way to relax than to have everything else done, so I can just sit down and start creating a piece of jewelry. There is nothing more satisfying than to make something with your hands. It’s just incredible! Even if the final result is less than perfect, every handcrafted item includes the imagination, time, and skill from an individual. That’s priceless!

Please leave a comment for these great artists. I'm sure they'd love to read some feedback about their interview. What did you learn about the artists that you didn't know before? Do you agree with some of their philosophies?