Featured This Week: StonesThrowCreations

The earthy green and browns displayed in StonesThrowCreations really appeal to me as my business color is typically variations of chocolate brown. The professional images in this ceramic shop almost glow against the softness of the gray background. The shadows cast by the objects give them weight and make them more real - I see such a distinct similarity between these pieces and those in museums because of the artist's talent for detail and glazing. The image above was the shop's choice to convey how she takes inspiration from nature and makes pieces that are slightly abstract.

StonesThrowCreations shop owner, Rachel, works at a bakery and pottery studio, in addition to creating her own work. She also volunteers in a mentoring program for high school kids, and plays the clarinet in a community band. On her education, Rachel says she was an Outdoor Recreation major in college, and her love for nature definitely comes across in her work.

Rachel feels as though her greatest strengths are the originality of her pieces, as she constantly looks for fresh inspiration from the outdoors. She also struggles with time management, as it is difficult to make pottery one of her top priorities in such a busy lifestyle (I second that!).

Though she is fairly new to Etsy and is unsure of a favorite shop just yet, she does comment on how she stumbled on skinnylaminx's blog, and appreciates her designs. It also was how it led to her discovery of the Etsy site, and eventual opening of her own shop.

For aspiring artists, Rachel advises, "Don't let someone talk you out of doing what you love. Also, it's easy to get sucked into "sell, sell, sell!" and just create what you think people will want, but what fun is that? And you'll never figure out what people want anyway."

StonesThrowCreations contact info:
blog: http://www.seizetheday-rachel.blogspot.com/
etsy site: www.stonesthrowcreations.etsy.com

Below is my favorite piece, "The Seapot", $65. I really like the big handle, and it feeds into my obsession with teapots :)


Okay and JuliesJems is REALLY going next week :)

December 2008

This is the time that I consider to be the true birth of my Jewelry Business. Everything I was making and preparing for had finally come to a head, and I was getting my first sales and recognition as a business.

Mom hosted a jewelry party a few weeks before Christmas, and invited all of our closest friends and family to pick out gifts for others (or themselves :) It was a great success, and I was so moved as to how supportive these people could be. I had the far-off goal to study abroad, and parties like this might make it possible.

We also took part in the SJS Christmas Bazaar; that is, my old elementary school. I had themed embroidery necklaces with gingerbread men or snowflakes that were a big hit, and the always-affordable earrings at $10 sold really well.

This year, we may host another party, as I will be returning from Italy on December 14th, 2009. I'm also studying jewelry in Florence, so I may come back with all kinds of goodies. Stay tuned!