I am a self-taught polymer clay, glass lamp work and jewelry designer. I am a bit eccentric, happy go lucky, flower child whose artwork reflects everything from the beauty of nature to “all things should have bling”! I like to be different, to stand out and catch peoples eye, my artwork is a sheer reflection of that personality trait! I strive to create jewelry that is as unique and beautiful as the person it is made for.
A hippie at heart, I have always been a bit eccentric and never one to follow the crowd. A self-taught jewelry design artist, I have been creating beads and jewelry from polymer clay, glass and silver for over fifteen years.
I am a deeply tormented soul whose only form of genuine self-expression is through my art. My art comes from within, but it is the result of a variety of life experiences and outside influences. The beautiful and colorful people I meet, the sights and sounds of nature, the emotions that swirl around me, all of these things are sifted through my being, to be reborn later through the jewelry artwork I create. My whimsical style is light hearted and portrays my sense of humor in simple things.
Julianne Carson
Random Facts About You?I am a self taught artist
I totally hate Brussel Sprouts! UGH!!!
I love the smell of PlayDough
My Boxer (dog) is my best friend
My children are my muse for creating art
What got you started crafting?
Ever since I can remember I wanted to be an artist, for me it was never an option to do anything else. I am always amazed how many people say they want to or wish they could do something creative. I believe that everyone is creative to a degree; just some choose to leave that creativity on the back burner. That's why I am always thankful for being in such a creative industry.
What is your source of inspiration?
My inspiration for "creating" can be found anywhere and everywhere! Wherever it comes from, I just love that feeling I get when something grabs my attention, I start thinking about all the possibilities of creating something fabulous and the rush that gives is the absolute best! More often than not, it's the littlest thing that can get my creative juices flowing. Oddly enough my creative process starts with materials, polymer clay, glass and silver. When I purchase my supplies I usually have no idea what I am going to make. I am specifically drawn to colors, I can look at an array of colored clay and glass, my mind starts clicking. I just buy whatever catches my eye. It's like solving a puzzle, but starts from being inspired. As for the process of generating ideas, I get ideas when I least expect them and in the strangest places.
What have you made recently?
I recently made a custom created "Photograph" jewelry set for a woman who is renewing her wedding vows. The order was special because they are celebrating ten years of marriage. The jewelry theme was zebra print irregular shaped cross jewelry. The crosses I made held pictures of the couple adorned with miniature, cotton candy pink hand sculpted roses. I created matching beads and made a matching set for the Brides daughter. It was over two weeks worth of tedious detail work, the outcome of the jewelry was absolutely stunning, she LOVED it!
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I have a very busy Facebook page and Etsy shop. The majority of items I sell are custom designed pieces. I love to create pieces of jewelry that are as unique and beautiful as the person I create them for! Initially, opening up an online Etsy Shop never really crossed my mind. I am an artist at heart, and for me, commercializing it didn't really seem like a reality, I kept thinking "What if." It stayed that way for a long time until I started receiving multiple requests for custom designed jewelry orders from friends and friends of friends. My orders for custom creations accumulated and my family and friends strongly encouraged me to start my own jewelry business. I took a leap of faith.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Due to the recession in our economy, I think that a lot of us have had to watch spending and do more with less, myself included. I have to watch how I spend that hard-earned money and I understand the importance of “good” deals.
I could run to a department store and get a couple of things VS purchasing one handmade or local item. When I think about it, are the department store goodies as special and unique as that local handmade treasure? For me, the answer is an absolute NO. I want that one special item, one that is unique and original. I also want to know that I am making a difference to the person I am buying the item from.
I totally support buying local, handmade items because I want to make a change, not just for myself, but for my fellow artisans who are devoting their time to making beautiful works of art to support their families.
I have heard every reason why many people still go for the quick, cheap and mass-produced stuff that is most commonly manufactured in other countries. On a personal note, it is something that I avoid all together. I want to support Americas economy, and the hard-working men and women who live here.
My hope is that I can get a message out to my friends, and they in turn pass the message on that supporting local artisans selling handmade items can slowly, but definitely make a world of difference in our economy. It could also help change spending habits.
Would it really make a difference? YES, it would make a difference.
We need to support our wonderful United States and the wonderful people who make this country thier home.
Find Me
LocationUnited States
Email Address
Julianne Carson
Personal Website
http://hippiechicjewelz.com
Store Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hippiechicjewelz
handmade
@hipiechicjewel
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hippie-Chic-Jewelz/308582126553
