8.21.2009

Feature Friday: Fanciful Expressions

Today we feature fellow team member Carolyn Mallin of FancifulExpressions. We met Carolyn at the Celebrating Life Through Art craft fair back in June. Carolyn impressed everyone with her metalsmithing skills and we recruited her to join the team! We are pleased today to feature Carolyn's original artwork!


How did you first hear about etsy?

I think that my first introduction to etsy was through art magazines.

Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!

I was a dental assistant for 23 years until we moved here from Illinois 2 years ago. I didn't want to go back to assisting so I decided to make my hobby into a business. I took some silversmithing classes 18 years ago and loved it. Did it mostly for fun until now. I've always been driven to do artsy crafty things and have no idea where that desire stems from since not one person in my family is artistically inclined.


How did you get started as a designer?

I started doing my own designs with my first class. The teacher that I had at that time encouraged that in all her students. I've also learned techniques from other teachers along the way and picked up some on my own.


What inspires you to create?

I'm generally inspired by things in nature. Flowers, leaves,butterflies. Anything of an organic nature.


How long have you been a member of Bluegrass etsy and how did you hear about the team?

I've been with the Bluegrass team since June of this year. I friend of mine told them about me and Kim approached me at a show. I was so honored to be asked to join this terrific and talented group of women.


Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?

Yes, don't be afraid to try. And never give up learning new things. It's important to stay fresh and will benefit whatever you're designing.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I'm so excited to be featured here. I'm also so very grateful everyone who is encouraging me to be the best I can be.

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Be sure to learn more about Carolyn by following her blog, and visit her etsy shop, FancifulExpressions to see more of her wonderful jewelry.

To see more talented artists from the Bluegrass etsy team, go to www.etsy.com and in the search box type teambluegrass.

If you are a team member and would like to be featured next, contact Kim Ries or leave a comment. Thanks!

3 comments:

Fanciful Expressions said...

Thank you so much for featuring me today Kim. I'm so pleased to be a part of such a wonderful group of artists and artisans.

Carolyn

Jackie said...

Your jewelry is so beautifully crafted. Your love of your craft really shows in each piece, we are really lucky to have you on the team.

KimberlyRies said...

We are so proud to have you on the team Carolyn. I love your work, especially the metalworked butterfly and heart necklaces! Very original!