I create jewelry that is not only handmade and pretty, but it is well made and made with supplies I have bought from other small businesses on etsy, for example. So when someone buys an item from me, they are actually supporting multiple small businesses. Kind of a nice thought, if you ask me! 🙂
Christine Uteritz
I love the current trend of vampire stuff; the Twilight series, Vampire Diaries, True Blood...I love it all, to the utter disgust of my fiance! :)
I have 3 jobs, 2 kids and a fiance...I'm as busy as busy gets!
I can't go a day without working on a piece of jewelry or beading something. I get extremely cranky without my "fix".
I have a secret love affair going with my coffee maker....shh!
What got you started crafting?
I was in high school and I remember getting some kind of jewelry kit for Christmas one year. I made a few bracelets and earrings and went back to school after the holiday break and everyone liked what I had made and wanted me to make them one too. I was hooked from then on.
What is your source of inspiration?
I love beads. I mean it, I LOVE BEADS!!! :) I collect and collect various beads constantly. Then one day I will see a color or shape and go to my beads and start playing.It usually just starts with a great looking bead in a great color or shape, and I am off to my work table to see what I can do with it.
What have you made recently?
Recently I have entered a copper phase, thanks to my fiance. He came home from work with a bunch of copper wire and thought I could use it, and now I can't stop. I love the red-gold color of polished copper next to a beautiful and sparkly crystal or wrapped around a great looking and natural stone. I could honestly play around with wire and beads for hours, especially when I am full of ideas and creativity is really flowing. My copper collection is the outcome of those hours spent, and it grows by the day.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I am currently on etsy and zibbet and I get a lot of word-of-mouth business from my family that I have made things for over the years.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I can't tell you how many times i have bought a pretty necklace or something at a store only to have it break or fall apart after a few times of wearing it. It got to the point where I was fixing jewelry for people, including myself, that had been bought at stores and I just became disgusted.
In the current economy, I think more and more people are turning to things that are made with true quality and mass produced items are NOT where that quality is. I have always liked the idea of buying something from someone who hand-makes an item and know that it's well made, will last, and is useful and beautiful all at the same time. When someone buys from a local artist they are supporting a small business, which is a GREAT thing. If more people supported small businesses, local artists and the like, I think we would all be in a much happier place right now.
Find Me
LocationChicago area in Illinois
Email Address
Christine Uteritz
Personal Website
http://www.zibbet.com/snowingstars
Store Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/snowingstars