As others have become familiar with this blog and with my art and crafting interests, I’ve begun being asked more and more what the secret is to prioritizing so that I can paint every day, do multiple blog posts, work on other crafts and still have a life. The sad answer for everybody is that I have no secret. I just do it! See the calendar above? I put that up when I moved into my apartment in July of last year. As you can see, it’s never been changed. I must have at least 4 separate calendars around the apartment and of them all, only the ‘Art of Star Wars’ day calendar on my desk gets updated and that’s even hit-or-miss. I don’t even wear a watch! That said, I do have some guidelines I try to stick to for myself, and two golden rules, so let’s talk about those. Read More

This month, in order to kick off the recurring Featured Artisan, we will be having two! First up is Jessica of Liebling, a talented artisan who designs handcrafted jewelry. Self-described as eclectic and feminine with a uniquely modern twist, Jessica fills her shop with a blend of her personal styles. Finding inspiration in everything from romance and the Victorian era to architecture and design, Jessica also likes to make pieces that are fun and playful!

Now, let’s cut to the chase and pose our monthly 20 Questions to Jessica!

Jessica’s 20 Questions:

Let’s start at the beginning. What is your earliest crafting memory?
I’ve been crafting my whole life. My earliest memories are that of being a little girl and making handmade Christmas ornaments with my mom, the kind that you arrange all the little glass pieces in a frame and then use your oven as a kiln to melt the glass and create an ornament. I still have them all. My mom and I were always doing projects together. Read More

The ‘Daily Artisan Spotlight’ is a regular feature on Mindless Pursuits intended to provide insight and exposure to the tons of talented artisans working today. Please comment and give them some encouragement and check out their work! If you would like to be considered for the Spotlight, click on the ‘Free Press’ link above!

What is your shop?
Sweet Vibrations (http://www.sweet-vibrations.com)

What is your art/craft?
Wire Wrapped Jewelry.

Describe your style in 2 words:
Simple Elegance.

What is your favorite piece and why?
My favorite piece always seems to be the last one I made

I love natural stones and their nature marred markings. I began wrapping because so many people seem to focus on the wrapping and not the stone. My wrapping is designed to enhance the stone not overshadow it.

What is the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The most memorable piece of advice I ever received was from my father. It is actually in two parts. The first part: Live is short. The second part: You will always succeed at whatever passion you pursue.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give?
Develop a business side to complement your artist side. There are many talented artists…there are fewer who can make a living at their passion. This takes a practical business side to complement your artistic side.