Monday, October 26, 2009

Hall of Fame {The Empress Jewel}

Welcome back everybody. Thanks for joining me again this week to learn about another Etsy artist.

Meet Jenn, the creative gal behind The Empress Jewel. With a passion for creating beautiful and unique jewelry, your sure to find something to love in her shop, which is overflowing with works of art in a range of different styles.

Read on to discover what inspires her, her day job, the unique way her shop name came about, and who is Spazz and Feist.

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me. I will be listening to music, watching a movie, reading a magazine, or going for a hike and suddenly think of a new design. I think this random creativity leads to my eclectic mix of jewelry that suits every age and style.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
Growing up I moved around a lot and have lived in every region of the United States. Out of all the places I've landed, I am now proud to call Portland, Oregon home.
Name something unique to where you live.
The culture and the way of life. People here are open minded, environmentally conscious, and support independently owned businesses with a passion.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I have a genetic disorder called Hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis (HHC) is the leading cause of iron overload disease. People with Hemochromatosis absorb extra amounts of iron from their daily diet. Over time, these excesses build up in major organs such as the heart, liver, pancreas, joints and pituitary gland. If the extra iron is not removed, these organs can become diseased. Untreated Hemochromatosis can be fatal. I like to tell people about it because it is one of the most common genetic diseases but not well known yet. If you would like more information visit www.hemochromatosis.org.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Compassionate
What made you decide to open up shop?
I began making jewelry as a hobby. Then friends and family would see my creations and ask if I could make something for them. Pretty soon I was making custom pieces and having jewelry parties. I started with my own website complete with shopping cart, but when I began studying for my Veterinary Technician license it took up too much time. I found Etsy and loved their mission to promote handmade products so I set up shop. I still have my own website but now it is more of a gallery.

How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
I went through a weird phase in high school when I was interested in tarot cards. One of my favorite cards, and the only one I remember, is the Empress. I loved the meaning behind the card which includes the power of creation.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
The idea that the individual artist puts their heart and soul into their craft resulting in something truly unique. The community the supports each other instead of large-scale manufacturers.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I have a full time job as a Licensed Veterinary Technician at a diagnostic imaging company. My job is to anesthetize and monitor animals (dogs & cats) for MRI and CT. I also assist the radiologists with ultrasounds and care for cats undergoing our Radioiodine Therapy.
Give us a glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
If it is one of the four days I work, then I get up around 6:30am, get ready, feed my cats, and get to work around 8am. Usually I leave work around 6pm unless there is an emergency or it has been a really busy day then it could be later. Because of the long hours on these days I don't typically make jewelry but I fill orders, answer conversations, and hopefully post some new items. On my days off I'll make new pieces and take pictures while watching movies.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I order some of my beads from Ollie & Jo, a fellow Portland, Oregon resident. They sell beautiful gemstones at a reasonable price and I like supporting local independent businesses.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Time spent with my family traveling, watching movies, and camping/hiking.

Read any good books lately?
I enjoy reading non-fiction, especially Buddhist philosophy. The last book I read was The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chandron.
What is your most prized possession?
Being an animal lover I would say my kitties Spazz & Feist. Spazz is my 6 year old gray/white domestic shorthair who was found outside someone's apartment complex. He brought him to the first veterinary hospital I at and was and was going to be taken to the humane society but I took him home instead. Despite his name he actually has a very chill personality and just wants to be loved on. Feist is my 1 year old tabby domestic long hair who I found at a veterinary hospital I was at doing a mobile ultrasound. She is much more like her name, running around, constantly talking to me and oddly enough drools when she gets the attention she seeks.
What are three of your favorite foods?
I love food!!! This is by far the most difficult question...sushi is definitely number one. Give me some fresh sake or unagi and I am a very happy girl. I enjoy a big bleu cheese burger with fries and a local microbrew (IPA). And lastly, ice cream...any kind but preferably Ben & Jerry's Crème Brûlée.

What would you like to learn to do?
I am currently working with stained glass right now. The next creative outlet I would like to learn is lampwork beading or fused glass.

What are you listening to right now?
Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Australia. I want to experience the culture and explore the land, especially the Great Barrier Reef.


Thanks for sharing with us Jenn! It was so nice getting to know you better.

Jenn's shop is filled with so many lovely things! Stop by her shop and website to see more.

Time for a Giveaway!

Check out those awesome earrings to the right! What can I do to win those you ask? It's simple. Just leave a comment on this post with your info - name and email address or Etsy username. And since this weekend is Halloween, let's mix it up a bit. If you're dressing up this Halloween, tell us what you (or your kids) are going trick or treating as!

One lucky winner will receive Jenn's beautiful Silver Moon Pendant Earrings.

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from The Empress Jewel: 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, November 1st at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, November 2nd.

93 comments:

LuLu said...

Thank you for such a great interview. I love hearing how artists find inspiration. and i love finding a new favorite etsy shop!!!
LuLu

Nina said...

Everything in her shop is lovely!

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nina0205/status/5177826385

I follow your blog.

Nina
irina.sagarbarria at gmail dot com

MadeInCanarias said...

I like Gold Bubble Earrings.

avetaar(at)gmail(dot)com

Strand Family said...

What a beautiful etsy shop! I follow your blog. Oh, and my 1 year old is going to be princess leia this year.

laura email babystrand at gmail dot com

Heather said...

My almost 3 year old is going as a pirate and my newborn is going as Tigger.

heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

Wehaf said...

Those are beautiful! They even look like something at empress would wear.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Taylor said...

This is great! Thanks.

You can find me on Etsy @ curlyfrysc.etsy.com

JAN said...

Thanks for offering your giveaway. I have perused your etsy shop and found the most fabulous rings your jewellery is lovely
artbyjan(at)googlemail(dot)com

AJ said...

Your jewelery are lovely ( :

A_C_E_(at) hotmail ( dot) com

Vaiva said...

Your jewellery is just lovely! (And the cats too ;))

almost.angel at gmail dot com

MadeInCanarias said...

I follow your blog (1).

avetaar(at)gmail(dot)com

MadeInCanarias said...

I follow your blog (2).

avetaar(at)gmail(dot)com

MadeInCanarias said...

I follow your blog (3).

avetaar(at)gmail(dot)com

MadeInCanarias said...

I follow your blog (4).

avetaar(at)gmail(dot)com

MadeInCanarias said...

I follow your blog (5).

avetaar(at)gmail(dot)com

va said...

M e-mail address is : tumblemumbo(at)gmail(dot)com
and name - VA

va said...

I now follow your blog .
5x

tumblemumbo(at)gmail(dot)com

Aik said...

These earrings are gorgeous!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Tweeted - 1

http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/5198172802

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Tweeted - 2

http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/5198172802

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Blogged (1)

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Blogged (2)

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Blogged (3)

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Blogged (4)

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Blogged (5)

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Blogged (6)

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Blogged (7)

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Sherry Go Sharing said...

everything so lovely :)

sherrygo at hotmail dot com

TopHat said...

My daughter is going to be a bumble bee! And that jewelry is just wonderful!

hrfarley at gmail dot com

Heather

Anonymous said...

Nice giveaway! Your jewelry is just beautiful. Ma daughter will be going as a butter fly this year (she's in a princess and all the such phase).
ghainskom at yahoo dot com

free indeed said...

Great questions for an interview! Very well done. Her designs are very unique and pretty. Shelley
freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net

oh and we don't celebrate halloween in our household. I do love all the color of the season though.

iya said...

Wow, the give-away is really nice so I am joining the contest!

Tweeted this give-away.. Here is the link: http://twitter.com/youryoungmomma/status/5202692002

Followed your blog through twitter. My username is youryoungmomma

I also blogged about the interview/contest. Here's the link: http://young-momma.blogspot.com/2009/10/empress-jewel-giveaway.html

email: elaizayuber@yahoo.com

Mrs. Olsen said...

Rachel Olsen & my etsy username is BabiesBeautiful. My two girls are going to be ladybugs for Halloween this year!

Linda Kish said...

Linda Kish


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

No small children to dress up and I also do not dress up for Halloween.

secret cake said...

Aw...this post made me homesick for Portland. Moved away a few months ago. Beautiful work, and it's always nice to learn more about the artist behind the pieces!

This Halloween I am dressing up as "the mama who is escorting her two daughters (as Tinkerbelle and Snow White) trick-or-treating around the neighborhood." Clever, huh?

Thanks for the opportunity!

secretcake (at) yahoo (dot) com

JjHansen said...

Love those earrings!

I follow your blog.

I'm not doing anything for Halloween this year - but if I were to do something, I'd be going as a Fallen Angel (a little dirt, some colorful leaves and a generic angel costume - done and done).

Lily said...

i love these earrings!
Lmhoot@flash.net

Michelle said...

My son is dressing as Spiderman and my daughter is dressing as a monarch butterfly.
Love these earrings! Thanks for the chance to win.

michelle
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

h. said...

Thanks for the giveaway...

I live in Australia, and sadly Halloween doesn't really happen here. We've tried twice to take part, but if the majority of the neighbourhood isn't taking part, it's just no fun for the kids! We envy you northern hemisphere folk!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the lovely giveaway I love silver jewelry.If I was dressing up on halloween I would go as dea police women.Marian

mtzeenla@yahoo.com

Bombtastic Belle said...

Beautiful shop - and thanks for the giveaway! me and my husband aren't dressingup this year. :(
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com
-Melissa

Chacoy said...

I ♥ her shop!
chacoyaguayoatyahoodotcom

Unknown said...

etsy shop name- michelleunderwood

Unknown said...

follow your blog-1

Unknown said...

follow your blog-2

Unknown said...

follow your blog-3

Unknown said...

follow your blog-4

Unknown said...

follow your blog-5

Sara Kersten said...

I will be dressing up as a mouse (My friend will be cat)
saramstevens(at)gmail.com

summernicole said...

I am going to attempt putting on a costume that hasn't been worn in several years (trying to save money). I will be dressing up as a cute little devil (my friends made me buy it several years ago because it's the opposite of my personality).

I did not tweet about this as I can't remember my tweet user name (that's an issue) but I did share this blog on my facebook if that counts for anything, haha!

summernicole12(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sheila said...

Sheila Richerson


sricher721 at yahoo dot com

Steffi said...

Beautiful creation, and lovely entry!

steffi
darkntwisty@hellokitty.com

Anonymous said...

These earrings are beautiful. JD

SamneneD@aol.com

joannaonthelake said...

I always enjoy reading artist interviews and learning more about the person behind the beautiful creations. I think Jenn's jewelry designs are just spectacular and I love so many of her exquisite pieces. My kids are very young so we are keeping their Halloween costumes simple this year. My baby is going as a pumpkin, my middle daughter is a Princess and my son is a baseball player. Like I said, they are all under the age of 7 so we keep it simple......I bet in another couple of years we will have to get more extravagent in their costumes!

I would love to win these gorgeous earrings, they are just my style and will show up nicely with my long hair, I have trouble sometimes with earrings being too small and getting lost behind my hair! I would wear these earrings literally everyday!

Thanks so much for the chance to enter.

Joanna Smith
Etsy username: joannaonthelake

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#1 - I Sent out a tweet:
http://twitter.com/joannaonthelake/status/5289056107

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#2 - I Sent out a tweet:
http://twitter.com/joannaonthelake/status/5289056107

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#1 - I follow your blog
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#2 - I follow your blog
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
joannaonthelake said...

#3 - I follow your blog
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#4 - I follow your blog
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#5 - I follow your blog
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#1 - I posted about the interview and contest on my blog:
http://breezylake.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunshine-studio-empress-jewel.html

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#2 - I posted about the interview and contest on my blog:
http://breezylake.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunshine-studio-empress-jewel.html

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#3 - I posted about the interview and contest on my blog:
http://breezylake.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunshine-studio-empress-jewel.html

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#4 - I posted about the interview and contest on my blog:
http://breezylake.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunshine-studio-empress-jewel.html

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#5 - I posted about the interview and contest on my blog:
http://breezylake.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunshine-studio-empress-jewel.html

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#6 - I posted about the interview and contest on my blog:
http://breezylake.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunshine-studio-empress-jewel.html

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

#7 - I posted about the interview and contest on my blog:
http://breezylake.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunshine-studio-empress-jewel.html

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

Anne said...

My 10 year old is going as a Ninja, and my 13 year old is going as a vampire.

Anne said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/5289926981

Anne said...

tweeted #2

Anne said...

follow #2

Anne said...

follow #3

Anne said...

follow #4

Anne said...

follow #5

sabrita said...

These are such beautiful earrings. Very chic and graceful. I an not wearing any costumes this year but I am tempted to dress my dog up in a crazy outfit and take photos.He is so patient with such activities and does not show any embarrasment-bless his heart. Thank you.

sabrita@juno.com

sabrita said...

New follower #1


sabrita@juno.com

sabrita said...

New follower # 2.

sabrita@juno.com

sabrita said...

New follower # 3.

sabrita@juno.com

sabrita said...

New follower # 4.

sabrita@juno.com

sabrita said...

New follower #5.

sabrita@juno.com

Kat C. said...

awesome earrings! i hope i get lucky.

i didn't don any costume, its storming from where i am. but kids are in costumes, i saw one in a bellydancer's outfit...so cute!

kat c.
katch05 at gmail dot com

biff_erin said...

I follow.

Life's Simple Pleasures said...

What a lovely giveaway. Nice earrings!

Unknown said...

How pretty. Everything is so pretty. This is a great giveaway! Thanks for it!

Anonymous said...

Me and my 2 friends are going as Charlie's Angels!
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

Anonymous said...

blog follower 1
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

Anonymous said...

blog follower 2
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

Anonymous said...

blog follower 3
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

Anonymous said...

blog follower 4
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

Anonymous said...

blog follower 5
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

Unknown said...

I took my niece and nephew - they were a flower and a gardener.
jswandrn at gmail