Ecclectic, Earthy, and Influenced By Nature

Random Facts About You?

I also love fiber crafts (crochet, knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, spinning, & weaving)

I'm an avid cook (soups, stews, salads, & baking are my favorites)

Music is extremely important to me. I enjoy many diverse styles/genres but I especially love Louisiana music in all it's unique forms.

I love reading and have a book with me at all times.

What got you started crafting?

My mother started teaching me crewel embroidery when I was five years old and my sister taught me to crochet when I was six. That got me started down a lifelong path of creating handmade items. I've added many more types of crafting over the years with PMC (precious metal clay) and traditional metalsmithing the most recent additions.

What is your source of inspiration?

I am primarily inspired by color--usually something that I have seen in nature. But, geometric shapes manage to slip their way into my work at times. It's really hard to list one or even ten sources of inspiration because my work is so varied. (strung beads, rosary wrapping, PMC, traditional metalsmithing with cold & hot connections, & etching)

What have you made recently?

I recently made a set for a charity auction. The necklace features a fine silver pendant that I made from a mold I created from a vintage Czech glass button. The chain has had rosary wrapped green Czech glass beads added to compliment the four leaf clover/good luck theme. I chose a theme of "good luck" because of a friend's recent cancer diagnosis. The coordinating earrings feature the same beads, as well as, Bali sterling silver beads and bead caps.

The back of the pendant bears the hallmark for my next shop on Etsy. Cicada Silver will be opening soon.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I currently sell on Etsy and through friends and family. I also participate in jewelry shows/sales sponsored by the New Orleans School of Metalsmithing. Our next show will be April 14 which coincides with French Quarter Fest. If you are in town for the festival or are a local, we'd love to see you.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

I prefer handmade because it always has more beauty and soul than cold, factory-made items. I also like that buying handmade items promotes the preservation of skills and techniques that might otherwise perish in this modern world. Through history, the sale of handmade items was often the only socially-acceptable source of income for women. So, it is through women that many of these art forms survived and continue.
I wish that everyone would pledge to learn at least one craft--if only for the relaxation that crafting brings.

Find Me

Location
Northwest Florida & New Orleans Louisiana

Email Address
Susan F.

Personal Website
http://libellulajewelry.com

Store Website
http://libellulajewelry.etsy.com

Twitter
@libellulajewelr