I heart this Artist: Designosaur

I stumbled upon this lovely company through hand over your fairy cakes, and I absolutely love their designs. It reminds me of the inner child I am occasionally, as well as being lovingly upbeat and fun, which is what I'm aiming for my shop to be.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

 

Toy Gun Necklace

 

Triceratops Necklace

 

Jubilee Diamond Earrings

 

 Diamond Perspex Ring 

 

 Parasaurolophus Ring

I love all these badboy jewellery, and I will get some of them one day. I love dinosaurs too, as some of you can tell by some of the selections I have in my shop... RAWRRRRR.

I heart this Artist #03: and what knot

I love this designer, she is awesome. I spotted her through her tumblr page and she creates the most awesome things. I hope you check out her super-reasonably-priced stuff and buy some nice things from her shop! :)

1- Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Melissa, and I'm a senior in college, studying American Studies. Knitting and crocheting are my forte, but I love all things craft. Other than crafting, I enjoy good books, good food, and good conversation.

2- How did you first get involved in designing/making?

I've known how to knit since I was in high school, but I didn't become and avid knitter until a year ago after being in a small knitting circle at school. Once I had more advance skills I started making patterns for little things like necklaces and pouches. Now, I'm constantly trying to think of ideas for pieces.

3- How would someone describe your style?

Some of my friends have said my style is classy. I would say I come off as mature with a little whimsy.

4- What do you do when you aren't creating?

I love blogs and I have a long list of them that I like to keep up with on a daily basis. I also work in retail. Since school is out I've been trying to fill my time with reading and spending time outside. You can usually find me hanging out with my boyfriend :)

5- How and why did you get into creating?

A lot of the blogs I read are DIY related and when I saw all the things I could make on my own, I started trying out new crafts. Like last summer, I kept seeing those Peruvian thread earrings everywhere. I found a tutorial and bought the materials and made my own even though I probably could have bought a pair at the mall. I create because I love the satisfaction of making something with my own hands. It's therapeutic in a way.

6- Whats a favorite item from &whatknot?

I would have to say the knotted necklace because it sort of happened by accident. I was trying to make something else and it didn't work out but I didn't want to frog the knitting I'd already done, so I fooled around with it a bit and it ended up as a beautiful neck piece.


7- Whats the most challenging part of your label?

Since & what knot is new, it's difficult getting exposure. I'm not the best at blogging, but I try to post as many pictures on Tumblr and Facebook as possible. My plan for & what knot is to use it to raise funds for my trip to West Africa next summer, but I need to come up with ideas to make it more visible.

8- If someone was interested in designing, what would be the few things you'd suggest?

If you have an idea, write it down and then do it! Always look for inspiration and don't be afraid to try something new.

9- Does anyone inspire you in the way you make your work?

There's not one person in particular, but I really admire other handicrafters. People who make things with their hands are amazing to me.

10- Anything else you'd like to share?

Check out & what knot and my tumblr !

I heart this Artist #01: Lou Makes

Hello All!

This is going to be my first blog interview ever with some new and upcoming artists/designers that I loved so much! I always enjoy reading off the etsy blog, with the 'quit your day job' and 'featured seller' posts, but I feel that I dont connect with those artists so much, so as they say, if you want something done, do it yourself!

So without further ado, I introduce you to Louise of Jewellery Company, Lou Makes.

1.Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m Louise, I live in Sheffield and I’m the proud owner of Lou Makes.

2. How did you first get first get into Jewellery Making?

Well, one of my close friends has made jewellery for years and years now and I was always jealous of her creativity so when the TV broke at my house I needed something to occupy the few hours between finishing work and going to bed so I thought I’d give jewellery making a go…

3. How would someone describe your style of the items you create?

They’re quite boho, hippie-ish aren’t they really? The decade I could probably most relate them to would be the 1970s, I could imagine them being worn on a beach with cut-offs and a kaftan ( so far removed than my day-to-day life!)

4. What do you do when you aren't creating?

I work full-time so jewellery making is fitted in after work and at weekends and I also blog over at www.loublogs.co.uk so I have a lot to occupy my time with!

5. How and why did you get into creating?

I do like making things and keeping busy, I enjoy sewing and cross-stitch so jewellery making just kind of came from that really. I like making things that you wouldn’t necessarily see in the shops whether that be a necklace or a dress, there’s a great sense of satisfaction when you’ve made something yourself!

6. Whats the most favorite item in Lou Makes?

The most viewed item was the Night Owl necklace ( this has now sold out!) but my Berry Rings in all colours are also proving really popular.

Coral Berry Ring

Pink Drizzle Gold Berry Ring

My favourite though has to to be the Gothic Medallion with Turquoise Stone

7. Whats the most challenging part for your label?

I think it’s getting yourself noticed above all the other jewellery shops out there and consistently thinking of new things to make you stand out from your competitors.

8. If someone was interested in making jewellery, what would be the few suggestions you'd make?

Get networking, so twitter mainly but also blogs.

Choose things that you’d wear yourself whilst also paying attention to trends

Don’t just go for the cheap supplies from China, shop around and take bit of care with choosing your stock – this won’t go unnoticed!

9. Anything else you'd like to add?

Yes please – how about a discount code for your readers? Over at my etsy site: use code KAT10 and get 10% off until midnight on 31^st May 2011.

-Awesome! Thanks Louise for being my first interviewee. :)

I have a lot to say, but because I am mega busy, I will save one madness to blog a day, so stay tuned for tomorrow! :)

Kat xo