Wild About Wire
I don’t know about other crafters but for me each piece I make is like my child. The first time I sold an item on Etsy, I wrapped it so carefully in bubble wrap, in a box, in more bubble wrap, and in another box. I took it to the post office and asked the mail clerk if there was anything special I could do to make sure it got there safely. She laughed and said you sound as if you are mailing your child away,it’s just a piece of jewelry. Each piece I make is part of me not just a piece of jewelry.
Suzie Walsh
Random Facts About You?I love strawberry ice cream.
I delivered my daughter on a helicopter.
I love the smell of freshly cut grass.
I taught elementary school for 30 years.
What got you started crafting?
I come from a family of crafters. We weren't a wealthy family so if we saw something we wanted, we figured out a way to make it. Growing up my mother made all my clothes; no brand names for me. We have always given hand crafted gifts. It was just our way of life. Now I find crafting one of my favorite things to do. You more than likely will always find me with wire or gemstones in my hands or on my mind. I am constantly planning the next piece. Infact when my boyfriend comes to visit he tells me to put muy jewelry away it is too much competetion for him.
What is your source of inspiration?
I guess my real source of inspiration comes from my sheer love of creating. I have always been a very creative person; I simply love taking bits and pieces of this and that and making something amazing out of it. My mother tells me I have a special gift to be able to picture in my mind how things can be put together and what the finished product will look like. So I just gather the materials and let my creativity go to work.
What have you made recently?
Well let's see, now that spring is in full bloom I was watching the butterflies in my flower bed. My mind instantly thought what a pretty necklace that would make (corny I know, but its the truth). I had some pretty glass beads white with orange flowers and some copper wire. but no copper butterflies. I decided to make my own butterflies by coiling the wire. After making a couple butterflies and attaching them to wire wrapped beads, I showed the partical chain to my biggest critic, my teenage daughter. I knew I was on the right track when she said, "Oh my gosh mom, they really do look like butterflies!" With her approval I finished the necklace and placed it on my display table. Just before she tucked in for the night she stopped at the table and commented on it again saying how well it all came together. I knew I had a hit then! Teenage daughters are very hard to please.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I have sold my jewelry in various craft show and I have regular customers who call me when they need a special piece to match a new outfit they have just purchased. My friends are my best customers; they are always anxious to see my new creations. I have an Etsy shop where I am thrilled to list all my creations.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Ahhhh, handmade means love! When someone takes the time to make something by hand it means they love what they are doing or they love the person they are making it for. Handmade things usually last longer and shine brighter in the memory book.
Find Me
LocationFredericksburg, Virginia
Email Address
Suzie Walsh
Personal Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/simplysuzie2?ref=si_shop
http://twitter.com/#!/simplysuzie2
http://www.facebook.com/SimplySuzie/
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beautiful pieces. thanks for sharing and posting!
Thank for the complement! I love creating but it is always nicer when people like what I create!
Congrats on the feature! Such beautiful items, and nice person.
So enjoyed this interview. Suzie, your creations are simply awesome. Very talented lady. I believe it is no small coincidence that your talent has blossomed. Your reference to your mother’s admiration and support tells me that your Mom may have watered the creative seed early and frequently and let it grow. It is so cool that you value your daughter’s opinions about your work! Nice. All the best with your art and your Etsy shop.
Thank you ladies! I so enjoy being creative and it’s nice to know what I do is liked!