Meet The Boomers!

This week we are happy to introduce to you, Anna from Annasjewelry.

1)What is/are the name of your shop/s? 

Shop name: annasjewelry

2) What kind of items do you sell?  

Wire wraps, wire rings, wire earrings and beaded necklaces.

3) How long have you been engaged in your art/craft? 

About 4 years.

4) Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or professional craftsperson?            

I would consider myself a professional hobbyist... I would love to make it a full time thing but am too scared to try (am a creature of habit and am addicted to the money I make where I work - giving up that security scares me and I can't really find out if I can make a living selling my crafts without giving up my job).

5) What inspires you? 

I am inspired by stones - their colour, texture, coldness, warmth, how they feel in my hand and the length of time they've been around. Amber is 40 million years old - isn't that incredible?? 40 Million!...
I also get inspired by music, a sunny day and my new found faith.

6)Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio? 

A typical day in my workshop/studio starts at 9:30 p.m. when Sarah (my 7 year old) is asleep and Frank (my spouse) is crashed out on the sofa. I sit down next to Frank and and start to play with my wonderful gemstones and either silver or gold...
I usually end up staying up until midnight and am then exhausted at work the next day - but come 9:30 the next night I'm all excited again...

7)What keeps you company while you’re working on a project? 

I usually have the t.v on when I'm working. Most of my favorite shows start at 10:00 p.m.

8)What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?   

I like everything related to my craft - from shopping for supplies to getting lost in a piece to selling my items. I love it all.

9)What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Hmmm... that would have to be photography and listing my items (lol)...

10)What are some of the venues you use to promote your shop/ware?(Do you blog?
To which teams do you belong? Do you use other sites? Which ones? etc.)

Etsy and workplace are my only venues. If my work would only just fire me and give me a package to leave I could try more things...(LOL)
I belong to BBEST and CAC(unfortunate name if you ask me).

11)Related to your craft, tell us about a funny, strange or unusual situation you found yourself.

Maybe I'm too tired cause I can't think of anything for this one - If I think of something before you decide to use my answers I'll let you know.

12)Tell us something about you that we wouldn’t necessarily know about you by talking to you in the forums.

I've sung with Paul Anka and Michael Bolton at the Montreal Forum (which is now closed). The gospel choir I sang with many years ago was hired to do one song with Paul Anka. Then two years later with Michael Bolton. I also sang back up in a heavy metal band (if you knew me better you'd know how funny that is) and we opened up for B.T.O.

13)What’s your favorite book and why, favorite movie and why, favorite kind of music?

Favorite book- would have to be Nine Stories - J.D Salinger. Why - When I was younger I had a learning disability - I grew up thinking I was stupid. When I was 19 my boyfriend at the time handed me a book and said - try one story at a time. They were each amazing in their own way and I learned that I actually enjoy reading - that started the realization that I wasn't stupid after all... a very import and moment in my life.
Favorite movie - My left foot - the acting is incredible and the lesson to learn very valuable - you didn't ask but I'm going to tell you my favorite t.v. series of all time is 6 Feet Under - because the characters were so interesting, the acting was great and the story lines incredible. I'm so sad that it's not on anymore. No series has ever come close and I doubt any other ever will.
Favorite music - these days it's all about Gospel music - but folk music still has a huge hold on me. Rickie Lee Jones, Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Joni Mitchell will always mean something to me.

14) Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or crafters?

My words of wisdom - if you enjoy it continue doing it. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of your work or if you're selling anything - if it brings you joy then that's what counts.

Please leave a comment for our BBEST member! She would love to hear from you!