I get inspiration everywhere. I see beauty in everything. Nature is a big one for me. It lends such natural shapes, such beautiful colors. No matter what I try, I can’t recreate nature, only the Earth can do that, but I strive everyday to make something as beautiful as it does.
Carin Jones
* I am a zoo keeper on the side. I have fed whales, stared down wolves, and cleaned up after lemurs!
* I cannot dance or sing, but that doesn't stop me from trying!
* I won't eat white condiments. They freak me out, I think they are expired even when I have just bought them from the store. Sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing... YUCK!
* I LOVE "Love Movies" or RO-CO's as some call them. When it's movie night at my house I usually say that I will only watch a movie with "Love" actually in the title or smeared all across the back! They make me laugh, and they make me cry, and I love them! I also secretly love any movies with sword fighting. It's unexplainable, but anytime I see people battling visciously with swords it makes me laugh. I think it's the over-the-top way they are portrayed. I can't hold it in! I had to leave the theater while watching the 300, because my laughter was just too much of a distraction to other patrons.... shame on me!
What got you started crafting?
Every bone in my body is creative! I have been crafting since I could hold a pencil. It helps that my father is an architect and my mother's crafting gene lends her to make beautiful scrapbooks and cards. I just love it. I get fixated on making something. Once I have the idea I just can't stop. Everything in my way get's PLOWED over! Time management get's thrown out the window and I focus on that one thing for hours on end. I forget to eat, forget to sleep, forget all my responsibilities until it's finished. I don't know if it's a good trait or a bad one, but jeez has it made me some amazing pieces.
This also means I am overflowing with ideas, I believe that I am not only a jewelry maker, but a painter, photographer, seamstress, you name it, I want to try it, I want to do it! I am inspired by EVERYTHING! Everything I see adds to an idea or sparks a new one. Nature, other art, beautiful colors... I just can't stop crafting!
What is your source of inspiration?
I get inspiration everywhere. I see beauty in everything. Nature is a big one for me. It lends such natural shapes, such beautiful colors. No matter what I try, I can't recreate nature, only the Earth can do that, but I strive everyday to make something as beautiful as it does.
What have you made recently?
So I love assymetry. I love clustering! I think my fans love this too! I started a program at a local shop and soon to be on Etsy creating your own cluster necklaces with lots of charms, beads, and metal findings. It's awesome! I love providing the opportunity to customers to get creative!
The idea was inspired by all my "special requests." Ever since I started creating I also started getting customers requesting new items, something special and unique for just them. Along the way I have happily made these items, while keeping in mind people's deep desire to be creative themselves. I know the feeling I get when I have made something special, the pride, the happiness and the desire to share it! And so I wanted to give my fans the opportunity to do that easily.
These items are also soon going to be customizable for all those mom's out there! As a new mother I know the feeling my child gives me. I want to wear him close to my heart even when I am away. The charm necklaces will be customizable with the child's name, birthdate, whatever your little heart desires! For me we have always called my son, Kaleb, "Bug." I found a special charm of a little beetle just for mine. I hope my customer's not only look to my stuff for their special necklace, but also around their homes, their towns, specialize these things galore! Make them what you want them! And remember, just in time for Mother's Day!
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I sell at local fairs, local shops, and on Etsy.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I read something great on Etsy about how handmade lends to a slower lifestyle. I know I live in the 21st century, but there are pros and cons to that for me. I really desire a lifestyle of homegrown veggies, home cooked meals, family. This also includes handmade items, by myself but also other artists. I love the story behind handmade items, I love knowing that I am giving money to a PERSON not a big corporation. I like knowing I am supporting someone else who also desires that way of life, and continues to support others. It's a community, a lifestyle, a dream. For me it's like going to the neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar. Pass on the beauty of it all, grow our community, and enjoy all that handmade has to offer.
Find Me
LocationOnline, several local shops (Tacoma, WA)
Email Address
Carin Jones
Personal Website
http://www.jonesingforjewelry.com
Store Website
http://www.jonesingforjewelry.etsy.com
http://www.facebook.com/jonesingforjewelry