Saturday Sparkle: Blue's Creative Outlet
>> Saturday, April 5, 2008
Who Sparkled This Saturday?
"Butterflies are self propelled flowers."
~ Robert Heinlein
In addition to being a fantastic jewelry designer, Mary is also one of the founding members of the Phoenix Craft Mafia, a chapter of the National Craft Mafia organization. And as a side note, Mary and the other crafty-gals who form the Phoenix organization were awarded "Best Crafty Move" in 2007 by The Phoenix New Times -- which is THE newspaper of choice for trend-setting Phoenix-area hipsters.
Mary actively sells her jewelry at craft venues and trunk shows, and also sells her jewelry online at the
Mary, how did you get your start in jewelry design?
I have always been a creative individual and can remember drawing pictures, painting, and doing crafty things at a very young age. I also have always loved jewelry and decided to learn how to make it a few years ago - especially jewelry with wire and gemstones. I started reading any book I could get my hands on to learn the basics, and over time my style has evolved into a unique look. I am most known for my Butterfly Dreams Line.
What inspired to turn your love for jewelry design into a business?
I actually met some really great girls on Etsy who lived near me here in Phoenix. We met up and decided to start the Phoenix Craft Mafia together. After that I knew for sure that I wanted to continue making what I loved and to evolve my craft from a fun hobby into a successful business. I would not have it any other way - I am so fulfilled and happy now creating my items and selling them to people who really appreciate the handcrafted market.
I love the delicate, fluttering movement of your butterfly ring. It's such a creative design. Where did you find your inspiration for your Butterfly Dreams line?
It's actually kind of a funny story. I was learning a different technique at the time and was practicing it on a necklace in an attempt to master this specific lesson in wire working. Well I ended up doing it backwards by accident. What was then a mistake turned into a "happy little accident" that quickly became my favorite Butterfly Dreams design! First I started making bracelets with this design, and now after about a year I have branched out and am also creating earrings, necklaces, and even rings with my adorable, "fluttering" butterflies. The rings are my favorite.
When creating jewelry, what are your top three sources of inspiration?
Color, gemstone/new beads I have just purchased, my mood.
Who provides you with the greatest amount of support that you need to pursue your jewelry business?
My family has been a great source of support. My husband calls me his "Sugar Mama" - even though I'm nowhere near that successful stage yet. My mom also thinks I'm pretty terrific too. I also love having my Phoenix Craft Mafia girls to hang out with and spend some fun quality, crafty time together.
I'd like to thank Mary from Blue's Creative Outlet for letting me share her wonderful Butterfly Dreams design with you today on Saturday Sparkle! To learn more about Mary and to check out her other cool creations, be sure to flutterby her websites at:
Shop: http://bluembrownlee.etsy.com
Blog: http://bluembrownlee.blogspot.com
Do you design jewelry with sparkle? If so, you can submit your pieces for consideration for a future feature on my weekly Saturday Sparkle column. For details, check out my HANDMADE JEWELRY: SATURDAY SPARKLE group on Flickr today! And, for even greater exposure, be sure to check out yesterday's post to learn how you can submit your jewelry pieces for consideration for my Friday Findings column, which starting next week, will be featured both on my blog and the Posh Mama Online Magazine.
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3 comments:
Thanks so much for featuring me!! The article was wonderful. :)
That butterfly is so stinkin cute !
I've liked her jewelry and her blog for a long time, but I LOOOOVE that ring! How cool!
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