Kari J of Lily W Designs is our featured artist today

Who are you?

Kari J. Lily W is a figment of my imagination.

Where are you located?

Iowa

What do you create?

Glass objects. I love making beads, but also enjoy fusing and slumping with different mold or found objects.

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

Not yet!

Where do you sell your creations?

http://lilywdesigns.etsy.com/ . I also sell to friends and family through word of mouth. I'm looking to get into my first art show this summer.

Where do you create?

In my cave! My studio is in my basement.

What inspires you?

Anything and everything. I love looking at others' work and deconstructing it to see if I can replicate techniques. My ten year-old son gives me lots of suggestions and we experiment together.

What are your goals?

To sell enough to buy another, bigger kiln!

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

My husband was frightened at first. I'm not a graceful person by nature, so he panicked when I lit the torch in the house for the first time. Then when I told him I wanted a really hot oven, he cringed. He's since become my second biggest supporter (my 10 year-old being the first!). He was the one who offered to give up half of his basement for my studio and patiently looks at everything I show him. I have friends who are glass artists and they have been incredibly supportive. There's nothing like being able to call a glass artist friend in the middle of a glass crisis for advice.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I'm an Information Technology manager for a major insurance company. Quite a different world than my glass work.


Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I got into glass because I needed a hobby and it was something that wasn't a complete and utter disaster. What I've found is that it is an amazing stress relief. When I have a bad day at work or life just becomes too much, firing the torch and melting glass or cutting and cracking it takes so much concentration you can't worry about the other things going on. If anyone is scared to try it, don't! It's not nearly as frightening as it seems.

Today's featured artist is Dawn Rhodes of SHADES Jewelry Designs

Who are you?

Dawn Rhodes - SHADES Jewelry Designs

Where are you located?

Shade, Ohio (southeast corner of the state, 10 minutes outside of Athens)

What do you create?

beaded jewelry

Are you able to support yourself with your creations?

No, not yet...doubt that I ever will. Afraid that if it becomes a "job" it won't be as fun!! ;-)

Where do you sell your creations?

I sell to friends, family, and a great customer base. My Etsy site is http://shadesjewelry.etsy.com/

Where do you create?

I create at home...although I have been known to be on the baseball field watching my nephews play and beading at the same time! Makes people interested in your work! Ha!

What inspires you?

I get inspiration from a lot of sources. Clothing, fabrics, nature, there is inspiration all around if you just take the time to look!

What are your goals?

To keep learning and creating beautiful jewelry for years to come. So many different styles and techniques and I want to always keep learning and incorporating new mediums in my work!

What do you friends and family think of your creations?

They love my work. They are some of my best customers and advertisers!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I like to read, love to travel and enjoy sports!

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I donate a large portion of my sales to Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. I have had several family members affected by this terrible disease and I like being able to do my part to help out.

Today's featured artist is Rebecca Bogan of Adobe Sol

Who are you?

My name is Rebecca Bogan. I am a wife and mother of two daughters, one of which has recently been diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes. I am the artist and owner of Adobe Sol Designs.





Where are you located?
I live in Corrales, New Mexico, USA.


What do you create?
I design and create artisan jewelry. I hand-pick the finest quality materials available and particularly enjoy using sterling silver and copper metals, gemstones, and vintage glass beads. Many of my designs feature magnificent lampwork beads handmade by talented glass artisans. All of the materials are brought together in each unique piece with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.


Are you able to support yourself with your creations?
I support my creative-habit by selling my jewelry. I am a firm believer in investing for cash flow (your money working for you)... That is a whole different interview.


Where do you sell your creations?
I have a personal website and an etsy shop.
Adobe Sol designs:
http://www.adobesol.com/
http://adobesol.etsy.com/


Where do you create?
I do all of my "magic" in my home studio. I am planning to build a little outdoor studio in my backyard this spring. I like the fresh air and sunlight.


What inspires you?
I would love to give you a beautiful story about what inspires me... but... The fact is I am inspired by anything when the mood strikes me. I think of designs when trying to sleep, taking a walk, watching TV,... you name it (not very glamorous).




What are your goals?
For one thing I want to use my jewelry to educate people about Type-1 (juvenile) Diabetes. As I mentioned above, I have a daughter inflicted with that disease. I am very active with the local JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) chapter. I also have a section on my website where the sale prices are donated to JDRF.

I want to continue and build my business to allow for creative outletting. It is my therapy! It definately gives me a rush that people are all over the world wearing my creations... OK there is the ego talking!




What do your friends and family think of your creations?
The people in my life LOVE what I do. My friends buy a lot from me and my family looks forward to Christmas and birthdays. LOL... I have a lot of support from the people in my life.


What do you do when you are not creating?
Being a mother is my most important job. I also ride horses, mountain bike... those are the fun things!


Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I was raised in Southern California and have been fortunate enough to have lived in many US cities and Madrid, Spain. I now live in Corrales, New Mexico. I have been creating artistic "things" since I was a child. In recent years I decided to apply my artistic talents to creating my own beautiful handcrafted jewelry. And so... Adobe Sol Designs began.

On a very personal note... I am a mother of a 14 year old child with Type-1-Diabetes. She is insulin dependent for the rest of her life. I have a Charity section set up on my website. 100% of the sale price of those items will be donated directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF does great work in finding a cure and I am thrilled to be able to contribute.




Thank you for allowing me to feature you, Rebecca.