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Melody from Melody Essence Artisan Interview

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Today’s interview is with Melody of Melody Essence Etsy Shop, a shop full of paper crafting goodies, as well as some very creative jewelry.


[Photo above: Interchangeable Magnetic Pendant Necklace]
    
Tell us about your store. What kind of items do you offer?

My store is called MelodyEssence. I picked that name because creativity is the essence of who I am, the thing that feeds my soul, the way I relieve stress and make the world right again.

I offer paper goods including premade scrapbook pages and albums, cards, and my unique Gift Bag Toppers. I created my one-of-a-kind Clip-on Gift Bag Tags in a range of colors and styles – my own idea and design! I also create fun and simple jewelry with affordability in mind. My best jewelry inspiration is my interchangeable magnetic pendant jewelry made from recycled candy tins – again, my own idea and design. [Photo above]

I was interviewed in June 2011 by The Suit Magazine about my journey into the artisan community. That was fun! The article is called Honing the Craft.

How long have you had an interest in paper crafts and jewelry making?

I am a lifelong crafter and artist. Just ask my mom and dad, who had the daunting task of keeping me in new crayons. In fact I never met a craft I couldn’t learn! I developed an interest in paper crafts many years ago, specifically card making, followed by scrapbooking. I am a self-taught jewelry maker as well, developing an interest in that medium at least 12 years ago. [Photo above: Christmas Cheer premade 6 x 6 scrapbook pages]

How did you get started? Did you start by experimenting around, or did you take a class and go from there?

Because of my lifelong interest in all art mediums and crafts, my paper crafting skills simply developed over time through my own efforts. I closely studied magazines and how-to books when I needed inspiration. This was all pre-blog and online video tutorials! Same with jewelry – I studied how-to guides and later watched how-to shows like Jewelry Making and Creative Juice.

Are there any particular mediums you like working with?

I truly love working with paper. It’s such a versatile medium. I have plans to make paper beads for my jewelry line. My very favorite artistic endeavors, though, are collage and assemblage art. My biggest inspiration for this type of art is the magazine Somerset Studios. It’s like addictive eye candy for me! I can’t get enough.

Is there anything you eventually want to get in to and master?

I have always wanted to learn intricate beading techniques and some day would like to make stunningly artistic jewelry pieces. I need an extra day added to every week. Better yet, perhaps I can just stop doing all household chores – that’d free up some time!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am a writer and have many articles published. I also published an ebook titled “The Craft Lover’s Success Guide: Simple Ways to Nurture Your Creativity and Actually Finish Your Projects”. Some of my personal essays and poetry will be published in an upcoming anthology focusing on women’s lives from a multi-generational perspective. [Photo on left: Gift Bag Topper Set]

I’m scheduled to speak at the Upper Midwest Social Media Conference on September 26, 2011. I owe much of my online success to social media and will be presenting one of my Hitch Your Niche© programs called Hitch Your Niche© to Social Media: Grow Your Freelance Business Through Online Conversation.

I also love camping with my husband in the Colorado Rockies and sight-seeing in my own beautiful state.

Lots of reading. Lots and lots of reading. An insane amount of reading.

What’s a question you wish I would’ve asked? And please answer that question. :)

How about this: Did you have a different career before this? Why yes I did. I was a social worker for over 17 years working with at-risk teens in the foster care system. My job was to prepare foster youth ages 16-21 for successful emancipation from foster care into the community.

Please include ten fun facts about yourself.

1. I am probably addicted to cheese.
2. I’m a cat person, but we own two dogs and I love them to death.
3. I’m not a chocolate lover. Don’t be mad.
4. My favorite movie of all time is The Breakfast Club. Yes I’m an 80’s girl.
5. There is perhaps not enough coffee in the world to satisfy me.
6. I drive my cars until they no longer function.
7. I’m told my really loud laugh is more like a cackle.
8. I grew up amongst peach orchards and packed peaches for my first job.
9. I met my 4 very best friends in elementary school.
10. I’ve had a lifelong interest in all things paranormal – WAY before the current craze – and have accrued a large library of books on paranormal subjects.

Please list the urls to your website, blog, and/or online shop, social media, etc.
Melody Essence Etsy Shop
Melody Jones Online
Craft Ebook
Melody Jones Writer on Facebook
Melody Essence on Twitter
Melody Jones on Linked In
Speaker at the Upper Midwest Social Media Conference


[Photo above: Silver and Spring Green Chain and Bead Dangle Charm Earrings]

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