Artist of the Week!

Congratulations to Kylie of Livie's Closet as this week's featured artist!

 Introduction- Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Kylie Martin. I'm from the small town of Lockport, LA and now reside in Gray, LA. My "big girl" job is being a 5th grade teacher. I've been educating our future generation for 5 years and on MOST days I love it. I'm married to my high school sweetheart. We've been together for 11 years, married for 4 of them. We have a 2 year old named Alivia and one on the way that will be making his/her appearance in July.

How did you get started making handmade items?
I was always a crafter. I started sewing with my grandmother when I was very young. I remember standing on the back of her sewing chair and styling her hair while she sewed. She would give me lessons as she created different items. When she passed away, my mother took on the task of continuing the lessons. When Alivia was born, my mother and I started making the nursing covers for me and we realized that these would make great gifts for nursing mothers. I also quickly learned how to make dresses for her. I'm obsessed with fabric designs and love mixing and matching patterns and colors. I got into the beach towels last summer when I wanted to personalize a towel for Alivia for a vacation. I got a lot of compliments on her towel so I decided to try my hand at etsy. With the help of Brittany (BabyDeary), I was able to get my shop up and running. I just recently hit 100 sales, which was a goal for me to reach in my first year!

What does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up earlier than I'd like at 5:30am to get ready for school. I get home from work around 3:15pm. I usually fix Alivia and I a snack and then answer any emails or etsy convos. I then get started on any orders and work on those until my husband gets home around 6:00pm. Then it's family time!

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?
It's the most unique place in the world. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. There is so much culture and heritage found on every corner. I couldn't imagine living in a town without Mardi Gras!

What is your favorite item to make?
My favorite item to make is the beach towels. I love designing new color combos!

What is your favorite food from Louisiana?
Hands down, Beignets!! I like mine made from freshly risen dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and dipped in maple syrup! Yum!

Any other information you'd like us to know?
You can find Livie's Closet on facebook. Request to be our friend and watch for special coupon codes!

Click here to visit Livie's Closet!

Click here to become a friend of Livie's Closet!

Artist of the Week!

Congratulations to Kenny Spears as this week's featured artist!

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My Name is Kenny Spears. I'm 30 years old from a small town in southwest Louisiana. Kinder, Louisiana to be exact. I'm not a typical Louisianian in regards that I don't hunt or fish. So I'm not the typical sportsman in the "Sportsman's Paradise". I enjoy BBQ'ing and playing music while in the company of friends and family. I've been married for almost 7 years to a beautiful and wonderful woman who I love very much. We have one son named William Hollis. He's named after both of our grandfathers. I'm a singer/songwriter and guitar player.  Most of my friends are musicians also.

What does a typical day look like for you?My days are anything but typical. I have a job that keeps really weird hours for the most part. If I'm going to work in the daytime, I usually start out before the sun comes up. If its night shift, I get up around 3:00 in the afternoon to spend some time with my wife and son before I head to work. If I'm not heading to work, I usually get up in the morning and hit the coffee pot pretty hard. I love Community Coffee. Like my ol' Pawpaw used to say "IF it ain't Community, it AIN'T". If I'm off of work for the night shift, I gotta try to stay up late to keep my schedule. That's where I get alot of songwriting in. I have a friend in the town of Oberlin not far from Kinder who is also a night owl. We write together and play together on a regular basis.

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?

Its hard to say what you would tell someone who's not from Louisiana about Louisiana. There's so many great things to talk about. From music (which is culturally and geographically our own) to the great food. Man I've been some places where the food was just horrible, but that's the way those people were raised, they don't know any better. But above all, I believe that the certain lifestyle that we live here is the most fulfilling in all the country. We have a rich history of just about everything. All different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds that make this state what it is. Its wonderful.

 

What is your favorite food from Louisiana?Ma ol' ladies gumbo cher'!

 

Remember to support your local musicians and watch out for the gators! Geaux Saints! Geaux Tigers!

 

You can find Kenny on YouTube under Whiky88. (click here to see videos!)  In case anyone would like to contact me my email address is hummingbird1124@rocketmail.com .

 

Artist of the Week!

Congratulations to Metry Chick as this week's featured artist!

Introduction- Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a very busy wife and mother! I have two daughters, the Chicklets, who are 10 and 13 and a wonderful husband, Sarge, who I have been married to for almost 20 years. MetryChick.com is my full time job and I wouldn't have it any other way, although I always say that I work for the worst witch on the block. Being self employed I work harder than ever before.

How did you get started making handmade items? I taught myself how to etch glass after needing some Christmas gifts and looking to do something different. Since I taught myself I didn't know about using stencils so I learned the hard way for a while. I got used to it and still don't use stencils in any of my etching - this allows my etching to be very detailed and nothing is off limits. The saying is that you have to break a lot of eggs to make a good omelet and I seemed to break a lot of glass in the beginning until I got the hang of it. I also made a lot of UGLY glasses. My mom still has some of those - gawd bless her! I expanded into jewelry in 2008 as a way to increase the portability of my items at festivals and shows. My family was affected by a layoff and I needed to broaden my business base, so I took glass and expanded into jewelry. I have an obsession for all things glass - kind of like a barracuda, I love shiny things!

What does a typical day look like for you?I get the young one off to school and am back home for about 9. After that I am full speed ahead. I try to schedule errands all for one day so I am not interrupting my "flow". I try to break up my days for maximum efficiency. If I am etching I will spend the WHOLE day etching. If I am making jewelry I will spend the whole day on that, and also spend time on the computer doing graphic work, updating my sites, etc. 

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?
Louisiana is unlike any place you have ever been. Every 10 miles you find something special about that community, that area that is unlike any other.

What is your favorite item to make?

I like it when I get to etch really complicated decor items. There is nothing I like more than to make something just heart breakingly beautiful.

What is your favorite food from Louisiana?
I would have to say my fave food is Begniets. Fried dough with sugar. What's NOT to love? That ties with chicory coffee. I can't stomach weak coffee!

Any other information you'd like us to know?
I work really hard at what I do. My business is just like a living child to me. I tend to it every day and it grows and changes continually. I like to specialize in "different". When a customer tells me my work is different that is the highest compliment I can get. I work hard to find and experiment with items to make sure they are different and live up to my high expectations. 

Check out Metry Chick at the following locations!
Website address www.MetryChick.com
Blog metrychick.blogspot.com and megametrychick.blogspot.com
Facebook www.Facebook.com/MetryChickFans
Twitter - @metrychick

Retail Therapy Locations
Sign-Up Here for Metry Chick's Newsletter

Congrats to Amanda as the winner for last week's giveaway!

Artist of the Week!

Congratulations to Christy of Embellished Bayou as this week's featured artist.

Introduction- Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Hi, I'm Christy and I live in Shreveport, LA, with my husband and pug, Gidget.  I have lived in Louisiana all my life, mostly in Shreveport, Baton Rouge & New Orleans.  I am an LSU alumni and a huge Tiger fan!  Some of my hobbies include reading, gardening, surfing the web, shopping estate sales, and spending time with family & friends.

How did you get started making handmade items? 
I have been creative and crafty pretty much all my life.  I can remember doing all kinds of craft projects with my mom as a child and with friends on through college.  I first started selling my handmade items after I made some baby gifts for friends a few years ago.  I would see cute frames and other things in stores and knew I could make them even cuter myself!  Then my mother-in-law gave me her old embroidery machine last year and it has been non-stop ever since!

What does a typical day look like for you? 
I usually start my day like most, checking my email, Facebook, and other pertinent websites.  I also work part-time as a retail merchandiser, so 1-4 days a week I visit stores like Kohl's, JCPenny, and Academy completing various projects.  I am home in time to take Gidget for her daily walk and agonize over what to cook for dinner!  On days when I'm not working my retail jobs, I will work on orders or play around with my embroidery machine and of course do the boring stuff like housework, grocery shopping, and laundry.  I can usually fit in some fun shopping or lunch with a friend at least once a week.  In the evenings hubby & I relax by watching TV/movies, playing video games, or hanging out with friends.

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them? 
I would tell them not to believe everything they see on TV! We don't all have alligators in our backyards, take pirogues to work, or have unintelligible accents! 

What is your favorite item to make? 
Right now I love creating things with my embroidery machine.  I love making anything from personalized onesies and burp cloths to travel tumblers and koozies.  I also love using vintage jewelry on my frames, although I haven't made any new ones in a while. I try to make all of my creations unique by embellishing them with some sort of special touch like rhinestones, vintage jewelry, or cute fabrics.

What is your favorite food from Louisiana? 
How do you choose a favorite food from Louisiana? That is next to impossible! I love seafood, and I'm particularly fond of crawfish etoufee, crawfish chowder, meatpies, pralines, and bread pudding.

Any other information you'd like us to know?
I also sell my items at a local consignment boutique.  This is a great way to get your product out to a wider market; if there are any in your area, I highly recommend checking them out!  Also, Facebook and Etsy teams have been a great resource from me.  I've gotten such great information and support from HML and others! 

Shop address
http://www.embellishedbayou.etsy.com

Blog
http://www.embellishedbayou.com

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/embellishedbayou

Embellished Bayou is giving away One personalized Travel Tumbler: http://www.etsy.com/listing/54598349/fleur-de-lis-personalized-monogrammed

In order to win, you can become a facebook fan and share your favorite item from Embellished Bayou's shop by commenting below. For more entries you can follow their blog and twitter! For other entires, you can post a comment on their facebook page!  

Also, readers can use the code "HANDMADELOUISIANA" for 20% off their purchase from the Etsy shop.

Embellished Bayou Etsy Shop

Embellished Bayou Blog
Embellished Bayou on Twitter
Embellished Bayou on Facebook

Winner from last week's giveaway is carolynmcintyre! Winner for this week will be posted on next week's blog post!

Artist of the Week!

Congratulations to Sandy of Dusty Oak Ornaments as this week's featured artist!

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, my name is Sandy. I was born a military brat and arrived in Louisiana, courtesy of the USAF and I’ve been here ever since. I’m a SHAM (Stay-at-home mom) my kids are now grown and my nest is empty, so I suppose you could call me a stay at home …. waiting and waiting for the day I can say, “I’m a grandma!” :-) My sweet hubby and I have been married for almost 34 years and it’s been a wonderful adventure. I spent 21 of those years home schooling our kids and believe me, I was the one who gained the education. I wouldn’t have done it any other way and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to stay at home all those years.

Some of my hobbies include; scrapbooking, crocheting, making decorations for weddings and teaching arts and crafts. My favorite outdoor activities are gardening, letterboxing, hiking, and writing scavenger hunts, but mostly I just love being outside!

How did you get started making handmade items?
Like most crafters, you could say, it’s in my DNA. My mom was a wonderfully talented artist, crafter and seamstress. I remember sitting for hours and watching her paint and helping her with projects for Vacation Bible School. My sisters and I have fond memories of standing on the table and turning, so slowly, so she could mark the hems for our new (always matching) dresses.

When my husband and I were married, I decided to make handmade ornaments, each Christmas for my family and friends. I made some quilted ornaments, painted gingerbread men, cut out wooden ornaments, baked dough ornaments, cross-stitched, painted glass ornaments… etc. I tried to make something unique every year. In 2006, it was time (Way Past TIME) to clean out my craft closet. So, I listed a few quilted ornaments on eBay and DustyOak Ornaments was born.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I suppose most people would say it’s pretty boring. My life has totally changed since the kids are gone. Once I get my hubby off to work, I spend the morning walking, doing chores, reading my Bible, answering emails and packing up any orders that may have come in overnight. If I’m home at noon, I eat my lunch in front of the TV and watch Star Trek -The Next Generation. Yes, I Love Jean-Luc Picard! LOL Depending on the day of the week, I’m either out the door doing errands, meeting with my girlfriends for lunch-bunch, doing some volunteer work, occasionally searching for letterboxes or at home diligently working on new ornament designs and filling orders. And believe it or not, I cook supper almost every day. I love to cook and my husband loves to eat, so it works out great!

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?
We bought a little house at the end of a dirt road, next to a little pond; in the sticks of North West Louisiana… here we raised our kids on the sweet aroma of honeysuckle and cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Almost daily, deer wonder through the yard and snuggle down in the tall grass near the water for afternoon naps. Fish spawning at the edge of the pond make slow swirls with their tails as the sun bounces and sparkles like tiny diamonds across the water. In the trees there are woodpeckers, busily hammering away for their supper, Kingfishers swooping down to snatch theirs from the waters below and squirrels recklessly darting from tree to tree in a wild game of chase. At night, the coyotes get all stirred up, yelping and howling about the beautiful star studded skies, while the bull frogs sing their baritone lullaby. Did I get a little carried away on this question? Well, sorta :-D But, if my tiny little corner of Louisiana is filled with such beauty and life…imagine what the rest of this outdoorsman’s paradise holds.

What is your favorite item to make?
My favorite ornaments, by far, are wedding ornaments. Most of them are crafted with items from the wedding itself and each is unique and filled with sentiment. It’s thrilling to get feedback from a bride who has just received her wedding ornament! And just knowing that something, I created, will be a treasured keepsake….. no words.


What is your favorite food from Louisiana?
Choosing a favorite food is next to impossible. Just like the wildlife, the music, the art and the people… Louisiana’s cuisine is diverse, exciting and full of flavor! I love it all!


Any other information you’d like us to know.
I believe that God, the ultimate creator, has placed in each of us the gift of creativity, whether crafting, math, science, music, painting or teaching… it’s our responsibility to put forth our best. Not for our own praises, but, to glorify our maker and to please Him.


Links to visit Dusty Oaks Ornaments:
Website: dustyoakornaments.com
Blog: www.dustyoak.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/DustyOak-Ornaments/76558191666
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/DustyOakOrnaments

Giveaway!!!
Dusty Oak Ornaments is giving away one free ornament of your choice from the in stock supply valued at $30.00 or less.

To be eligible to win, visit Dusty Oak Ornament's website and leave a comment on the blog and also become a fan of their facebook page.

Once you have done this, please comment & tell us!! Extra comments for posting what you love about Dusty Oak Ornaments on their Facebook page!

 The winner will be chosen from random.org & posted on next Wednesday's post (ends next Tuesday)

Artist of the Week!

Congrats to Lisa of Lisa Raspino Jewelry as this week's featured artist!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm the lone spot of estrogen in my house. I live with my husband, three kids, three dogs, guinea pig and fish -- you guessed it: all male! I'm an adult with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I tend to run the extreme between hyper-organized (type A) and super-distracted. I hate to cook, but love to eat. I love making jewelry, but again the ADHD tends to inhibit me: I'd like to take additional classes in metal smithing, learn to use precious metal clay (PMC), stamping words onto silver disks, etc. So much to learn, so little time! :-D

How did you get started making handmade items?

As a child, I would dismantle old pieces of costume jewelry and re-fashion them into something new. In January 2005, a neighbor taught me how to string beads on flexible-yet-sturdy beading wire. From there, I expanded my designs to include wire-wrapped items (self taught).

What does a typical day look like for you?

After getting the kids off to school, I head to work for a few hours (part-time admin at a law office). Once I get off at noon, the afternoon is mine: I might shop, visit with friends, take a nap, work on my jewelry. It depends on my mood and whether or not I'm easily distracted that day. Once the kids arrive home from school, my primary job is Mom and/or Chauffeur. Fortunately, I'm a night owl, so once everyone is tucked into bed, around 9-10 p.m., the night is mine!

I was born in New Orleans, and grew up in the area surrounding it. It is the most "international" city here in the United States. The artisans here in Louisiana rival that of any other city in the world.

What is your favorite item to make?

Right now, I enjoy making the wire-wrapped briolette pendants and earrings. I also enjoy creating my bird nest pendants (one of my most popular items). However, at first the learning curve was steep. I'd make 3 or 4 before I'd finally come up with one that met my standards. Now, I usually get it right the first try.

What is your favorite food from Louisiana?

I love all seafood: fish, crabs (boiled or softshell), boiled crawfish, chargrilled oysters, lobster...

Any other information you'd like us to know?

I'm a founding member of Handmade Louisiana. I studied metalsmithing with Alan Hill (formerly of Symmetry Jewelers in New Orleans). I teach religion on Monday nights to 10th grade Catholic teens. I have a bachelors in Drama/Communications from the University of New Orleans and a Masters in Organizational Development from George Mason University. It took 11 years of college for me to realize that I prefer to work with my hands - ha ha!

Shop & website address
www.lisaraspino.artfire.com

www.lisaraspino.etsy.com
www.lisaraspino.com

Blog
www.jewelrybylisa.blogspot.com

Facebook
www.facebook.com/lisaraspinojewelry


Winners from last week's giveaway are: Jessica, Susanmeep, SkiptheLaundry, Kiddo, Christina, & Alexandra. Congrats & thanks for participating!!

Artist of the Week!

Congratulations to Michelle of Butterfly & Ladybug as this week's featured artist!

Introduction- Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm Michelle, the 39 year old mom of 3 (1 married daughter and 2 teen and tween sons) and the “Maw Maw Shelle” to 4 beautiful angels. I'm a true G.R.I.T.S. (Girl raised in the south), and New Orleans native who relocated to the beautiful serene “country” in St. Charles Parish after Katrina.

How did you get started making handmade items?
As long as I can remember I've always felt the need to create things. Only way back then I didn't know there was a name for the affliction. Had I known then what I know now, life would have been so much easier. My fondest memories of creating as a child was making things with my dad who's philosophy was “Why buy it if you can make it?” I remember crafting an igloo for a science project out of one of my mom's Tupperware bowls and lots of bars of Ivory soap. That was a craft fail! I've learned that sometimes it is better to just buy it! I also realized that I was a nonconformist and that my tastes bordered more on the wacky and eccentric, and if I wanted something to have that extra edge I had to create it myself. I remember my mom would lovingly sew these beautiful dresses for my sister and I every holiday. She would use the finest fabrics and heirloom laces, and meticulously sew these dresses. I remember her hand embroidering designs and hand hemming the dresses. I also remember me literally destroying them to add my own special flair or touch to them. As I look back now, I can see why she thought that I was crazy...but then again, who in their right mind bypasses an Ivy League education to become a florist?

What is your favorite item to make?
I love making my handbags. I don't use patterns, everything is cut free-handed, and I guess on what size or shape I want to create. When I begin, I have no idea what the finished product will look like. So each one that I create is definitely a OOAK. I love watching the design grow into fruition.

What is your favorite food from Louisiana?
My favorite foods without a doubt are crab-meat stuffed shrimp and beignets from Cafe du Monde.

The reason that I create now is because it is what my dad calls my occupational therapy. I was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and it sort of stopped me from enjoying the things that I liked best. Especially like working outside of my home. So rather than letting it get me down, I found other things to enjoy. I began creating things using my two favorite mediums, paper and fabric. I would create handbags as thank you gifts for the nurses and other staff that I would encounter during doctor's visits and hospital stays. Soon everyone began asking me to create bags for them. I enjoyed making them so much that I had to be forced to take payment. As I became more inspired, I also became in my mind less ill. From there a new business was born.

The graphic design section of my shop began because I enjoy playing with paper. Some days I can't make it to any of my sewing machines, but I always make it to my computer and my laser printer. I love designing new labels and stationery because I hate seeing blank paper. I have this wanton desire to rescue blank paper and give it personality.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My typically day begins with a coffee/breakfast meeting with my “boss”, my tween son Delles. He became the majority shareholder of the company after purchasing 25 cents worth of stock. Each morning while he waits for the school bus we choose a color, theme, and design of the the day. While he's at school, I use those elements to create 2 new things while he's at school. I also fill any orders that I may have, all while doing the typical household duties. 

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?

I would stand on the highest peak in the world and rave about Louisiana. There's no place like it. The people are amazing, the food is divine, and the blend of cultures is phenomenal. We have some of the most caring and understanding people in Louisiana. We see past race, religion, and politics. Only in Louisiana could a security guard be a Mardi Gras Indian chief, a city coroner a jazz musician, and a college professor an in-drag burlesque dancer and no one bats an eye. That's what I love... we don't judge because we have a deep affinity for one another. There's something special that runs through Louisianans' blood, we know how to get by and make something from nothing. Whether it's a good pot of gumbo or Super Bowl champs out of Aints. This is a place where we really do care about your mama and them!

Everything in life happens for a reason. Your decision on how you deal with it determines your destiny. When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade squeeze them into a Bloody Mary.

Butterfly & Ladybug is giving away to 5 new followers a set of address labels and for a follower of this blog a Handbag and accessory set!

In order to enter the giveaway, you must follow Butterfly & Ladybug on twitter & then visit the shop and/or beautiful website and comment below to tell us your favorite item! (If you do not have twitter or an etsy account, you can become a fan of Handmade Louisiana on Facebook & tell us how awesome this shop is!! :-)

For extra comments, you can "heart" Butterfly & Ladybug's etsy shop, tweet about all of the wonderful items, & write a blog post about this shop! You can also follow Handmade LA's blog!

Tell us with comments below what you did! Don't forget to leave your email incase you are the winner, as their will be more than one! :-)

Etsy Shop

Website

Twitter

Facebook (Handmade LA)

Winners of giveaway will be announced on next week's featured artist post.

Artist of the Week!

Congratulations to Wendy of Splendiferous Fiber as this week's featured artist!

Introduction- Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Alexandria, have 2 young adult children, both of whom learned to sew in grade school, and several cats. My daughter is a costume designer, graphic artist and dances with Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. My son is a painter and photographer. Artistic endeavor runs in the family. :-)

How did you get started making handmade items?
I've been making things since I could hold a crayon, and sewing since I could hold a needle. I started making my own clothes in 6th grade, when I got my Sewing Badge in Girl Scouts. Within a couple of years, I was not only making but designing my outfits.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I have an outside retail job, so the schedule depends on when I have to be at work, and what else I have to do (feeding the cats is a given). I did quite a bit of painting in the last couple of weeks to get ready for Second Saturday Art Market at the Alexandria Museum of Art on the 12th. I hope the weather warms up by then!

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?
There are educated people who live here, and some of us got our education before we had our family. Not all of us hunt or fish, unless you mean hunt for bargains, and fish for compliments, LOL.

What is your favorite item to make?
I love making my handpainted and dyed scarves and other items. You never know exactly how the paint and dye will come out, so there is always that element of surprise when you see the finished product. I also love working on more complicated things, such as original art quilts, and watching what I work on take shape and go from my vision to reality. Often, those projects change in progress, usually for the better. There's nothing more amazing than working on a piece and realizing you really have something and it's GOOD. It doesn't always happen, of course, but that's the nature of art.

What is your favorite food from Louisiana?
Tonight: Gumbo (it's really cold!) I make king cakes, which disappear alarmingly quickly, so they must be pretty good (having a son who eats half the cake before his dad gets home doesn't hurt either).

Any other information you'd like us to know?
I am also a fiber and quilt artist, have won several awards, and had a piece selected to be published in "500 Art Quilts," a book published last March. My quilts and photography have also been displayed at the International Quilt Festival. Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana, which I belong to, has a current exhibit touring the state; the virtual version of the exhibit can be seen here: http://cfalart.blogspot.com/

My photo site with fiber art and wearable art:
http://public.fotki.com/wlstarn/fiberart/no-subject-14.html


Etsy Shop!
http://www.SplendiferousFiber.etsy.com


ArtFire Shop!
http://www.artfire.com/users/splendiferousfiber


Blog!
http://splendiferousfiber.blogspot.com/


Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/SplendiferousFiber

Show Wendy some love & visit her facebook page & tell her your favorite item! You can follow her wonderful blog too to keep up with Splendiferous Fiber!!

The winner from last week's featured artist giveaway is Jacqueline!

Artist of the Week

Congratulations to Amanda of Chloe Boutique as this week's featured artist!

Introduction- Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Amanda and I'm an Environmental Scientist by day, and the jewelry artisan behind Chloe Boutique by night!  I currently reside in West Monroe with my wonderful Husband and my two furbabies...Chloe the Pug (my baby!) and Ellie the Beagle.  I'm originally from northern West Virginia...the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.  I moved to Louisiana in January 2003 when I began my Graduate studies at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.  I landed my current position immediately after I graduated and haven't left!
 

How did you get started making handmade items?
I started making jewelry in the spring of 2007 when I found myself annoyed because I couldn't find quality, chic accessories for outfits.  It continues to amaze me the lack of quality in basic jewelry you find in every day stores.  Not only is my jewelry carefully hand-crafted with attention to detail, I feel my prices are very reasonable considering I use real gemstones and pearls, artisan-made beads, Swarovski crystals, and quality metals.  Women like inexpensive REAL jewelry...and prefer unique over "cheaply mass-produced"!
My pieces are perfect for everyday wearing. One piece can be casual enough to be worn with your favorite pair of jeans, or dressy enough to be worn with your business attire, or even a nice evening out!


What does a typical day look like for you?
Very routine.  I get up at 5:30 am and work 4- 10 hour days Monday through Thursday.  I work on jewelry at night and on weekends or as time allows.  The jewelry side is typically busier in spring (weddings) and late summer/fall (shows and Holiday orders). 

If you could tell someone anything about Louisiana, what would you tell them?
The food is phenomenal. You won't find food like Louisiana cuisine anywhere!  "I guarantee!" (as in Louisiana-Native, Justin Wilson's famous line).  And, it's HOT down here (coming from a born and raised northerner)!

What is your favorite item to make?

This is hard for me to decide on!  I love working with Brides...they are some of my favorite customers.  There is something so rewarding and fulfilling about creating jewelry for a girl's "Big Day"!  I also love creating fall-inspired pieces as it's my most favorite time of year (again, I'm born and raised northern and we have spectacular autumns back home!)


What is your favorite food from Louisiana?
This is another tough answer...probably seafood/duck gumbo!

Any other information you'd like us to know?
I love the great outdoors...my undergraduate degree is in Wildlife Ecology and my Master's Degree is in Biology/Ornithology.  I get most of my creative inspiration from nature.  I love gemstones! They're ‘handmade’ by Mother Nature! I take what Earth has provided and I add flair to it.

One day I would like to live in western North Carolina...that's my favorite place!!!

Visit Chloe Boutique at the following places:

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildlifer78
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/chloeboutique

Local: Little Green Boutique, Monroe

Chloe Boutique even has a cool blog!! Show her some love!!

http://chloeboutique.blogspot.com/

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/chloeboutique

Chloe Boutique is giving away a $15 gift certificate good for either of her shops (etsy, artfire) or if you are local, you can use it in the Little Green Boutique in Monroe.

In order to have a chance to win this $15 gift certificate, you can visit either of her shops & comment below on what is your favorite item. You must also follow her blog!

Extra Entries include:

-Follow Handmade LA if you aren't already a follower

-Like Chloe Boutique on Facebook

- Tweet about Chloe Boutique

The winner of last week's giveaway is Susanmeep! Congrats to you!! :-)