I just want to take a minute to send a special thanks to today’s featured crafter. As I’m sure you know from past posts, my “little” sister got married in September. My mom wanted to give my sister a special charm for her bouquet to encompass the four wedding staples – old, new, borrowed and blue.
Sharyn, today’s feature, created a beautiful, custom and unique piece that we all absolutely adored. Even though my dad couldn’t be with us for my sister’s wedding, she was able to hold him close to her heart that day with the thoughtful memorial charm you crafted for her. Thank you for the time you took to understand exactly what we were looking for, and putting your heart into creating something to special to us.
Sharyn Feller
Random Facts About You?I love watching LA ink even though I don't have tattoos myself. It just amazes me how anything can be an artist's canvas.
When I hit a creative block, I go take a long walk.
I'm passionate about bringing more awareness to Pancreatic Cancer which is the most underfunded cancers among leading cancer killers.
I love to take road trips with my family where we can all get away from our busy lives and just spend time together.
What got you started crafting?
I've crafted for as long as I can remember. One of my fondest memories was when my Grandma taught me how to make apple dolls. I just thought it was so cool how as they dried their little faces looked like a wrinkled old lady or man. I used to draw all the time as a kid. I'd fill up one sketch pad and my Mom would buy me another.
As an adult, I found my love for painting. I've dabbled in many things and now I'm addicted to creating soldered jewelry and stained glass work. I guess if I really think about it, I was just born to create.
What is your source of inspiration?
People and Nature. I love working with photos, especially old photos. I have an album full of photos of my ancestors and family of different generations. I also love to search for old photos in antique shops.
I love when a person wants me to create a memorial keepsake with a photo of grandparents or parents. Working with wedding photos from a different era is one of my favorite things to do. I try to imagine what life was like way back when. I also love creating things that are nature inspired. I love making things that feature flowers, birds, butterflies...
What have you made recently?
When I'm not doing custom work, I love creating fun pieces to wear. Currently I'm creating seasonal things. I recently created a shadow box pendant that features a primitive looking snowman and german glass glitter. When you shake it, the glitter moves freely around inside. These pieces are quite time consuming so I only make a few each year. I came up with this particular piece because I'm a snow globe collector. I kept thinking wouldn't it be fun to create something similar to a snow globe only something small that you can wear. I remember as a child my grandma used to get us the sugared easter eggs that when you looked into the end, there was a little scene inside. I keep this in mind when creating my shadow box charms.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I currently sell on Etsy and Artfire. This year I've done a couple of shows but primarily I sell on the internet.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Why not handmade? There are so many artistic people in the world. I'm constantly amazed at all of the talent that is out there. I recently had the pleasure of doing a show with other artisans who worked in different mediums.
Handmade is something you cannot buy at a big box store. I think many people realize this and you see more and more people supporting the handmade movement. If you talk to or purchase something from an artist/artisan you realize how much love goes into each created piece. I don't think you can feel that when you purchase a mass produced item. With handmade, each piece is a little different which makes it unique.
Find Me
LocationOhio
Email Address
Sharyn Feller
Personal Website
http://www.designedtocharm.com
Store Website
http://www.designedtocharm.com
