I’m so glad that I decided to interview other etysians through my blog if only because I discovered this great etsyian! If you want to support an indie artist, protect the environment and wildlife, look fabulous and swipe yourself a great deal too, then you’ll definitely want to visit bottledupdesigns! The other thing that I’ll say is that if you do want to grab yourself a bottledupdesign of your own, do it fast! This is definitely set to become one of the hottest shops on etsy: http://bottledupdesigns.etsy.com
Images used in collage are w/ permission bottledupdesigns © 2007
When did you start crafting?
Well, having two young children, I guess I am always crafting! But as for this specific product, it evolved over the last year. Where I live is all wooded behind me. There are numerous old bottle dumps and all through the woods are broken pieces of glass. As we walk through the woods, I would pick up a piece and tell my children how old it is and what is was from. Each piece is like a little history lesson. When I think of the times the country was going through as I describe some of the old glass! As an avid bottle collector, through the years I have picked up many bottles and collected them for display. One day, one of my dogs feet was cut badly on the broken glass and I started rethinking just letting the pieces lay. I became concerned for the wildlife, the deer, foxes, squirrels, and thousands of others becoming injured as well on this glass, and decided to do something better with it. Without really know what I was going to do, my k ids help pick some up. We carefully washed it, and I commented it was as pretty as gems. That's how the idea was born. I came up with a way to carefully ensure the edges were smooth, taught myself how to drill the glass, and made notes on the history of each piece I was worked with. What we have now is "Bottled Up Designs", jewelry made from the glass of antique bottles. With each piece, I include the "Story of the Glass" which notes what the glass came from, and how old the glass is. In some cases, well over 100 years old!
Describe your craft in one word:
I guess I would have to say - unique! I can guarantee no one else has anything like this!
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:
I am very passionate about old glass and the history behind it. Our way of living, the times our country and the world is going through, is reflected on these old pieces. I feel with what I am doing, I can bring a little bit of this history to people, and help clean up the environment at the same time.
What makes you different than other sellers?
I think the product itself sets me apart. Many people are using new products which takes vast amounts of oil, energy, natural resources, and manpower to create the pieces to make these. With mine, I am simply reclaiming something was already used, many, many years ago and making them beautiful again. Something with a true story behind it you can share as you wear them.
Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor?
I would have to say no. What I am creating has come out of my love the glass, and my desire to make the environment a little better. The product evolved by trying different things and seeking opinions and advise from many people.
Do you have a favorite piece or signature piece?
I would have to say I do not. I am always amazed as I dig the glass out of the dirt, caked under years of leaves, and moss, how the beauty is preserved and how truly beautiful this historical glass is.
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http://bottledupdesigns.etsy.com
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Labels: artists, bottledupdesign, community, environmentally, etsy, etsyian, featured, friendly, green, indie, interview, interviews, recycled, seller, sellers, upcycled, wildlife
posted @ 12:42 PM
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