This week, we interviewed Naomi of Nevermore Bits & Baubles. Let's go!
Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make necklaces and earrings using silver, pewter, brass, and other metals. Primarily, I work with polished and faceted stones to create my pieces. Sometimes the stones determine the design, meaning I see a stone which catches my fancy and I build the jewelry item around the ‘feel’ of the stone. Other times, the metal piece determines the design. Soon, I hope to work with Precious Metal Clay and to incorporate my interest in Sumi-e painting and miniatures.
What is your creative process?
Like my personality, my sign, and the items in my shop, my creative process tends to be a bit unpredictable and multi-faceted. Sometimes a piece of literature will form a picture in my mind which I seek to bring to life. Sometimes the slant of light on an autumn afternoon inspires me to attempt to render that feeling in jewelry. Other cultures and peoples inspire my designs, as do artists. Finally, I would say I am inspired by all that I find beautiful, as I would happily own and wear any of the pieces I make.
Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
Just TeamBPAL at this time.
When you are not creating things, what do you do?
I sing, paint, dabble in photography, hike, dance for fun and exercise, expand my children’s horizons (attempt to, at any rate), try to stay healthy, volunteer, learn how better to love and care for all children, dj, read, rail about the inequalities in the world, spend what little free time I have with good friends, copy edit, write, cook, and a few others I’ve surely forgotten.
Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
1. In a broad sense, I have linguistic talent. If I study an accent for a little while, I can mimick it well. My range is from the mid-range of soprano to the mid-range of bass. I make cartoon voices and noises (this comes in terribly handy in my work with children). I can understand a good deal of written (and a wee bit of spoken) French, Italian, and Latin, though I have never studied those languages. My slight grasp of Spanish has opened that door for me.
2. I sense I am becoming the exact opposite of who I was when I was younger. This is a good thing, but it makes me wonder IF I ever ‘was’. This line of thinking twists my head in knots. I don’t suppose that is terribly interesting, but I couldn’t top #1.
What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
I am tickled pink when friends ask me to design items for them for special occasions!
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Promote, promote, promote! Also, be willing to hear constructive criticism. Ask trusted friends or acquaintances, not just in an open forum. Set aside any stings and listen to the crux of things. Finally, try to market your goods to local shops and at fairs and bazaars. This will open up more doors than Etsy alone can!
What handmade possession do you cherish?
I cherish items others have hand-made, and simply enjoy things I have made. With that said, probably my most prized hand-made item is a gorgeous bit of intricate, Victorian-style woolen embroidery crafted by my dearly-departed great aunt Winnie. Additionally, a friend gifted me (for no reason) a stunning painting of an ethereal angel. I am delighted to own an original work of art! That it is also amazingly-rendered is the cherry on top.
If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
How about this bed? I haven’t owned a nice bed ever in my life. This would totally fit the bill! And I can’t resist also listing this ring and this ring. I do love shiny things!
What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
Oh my goodness, what a cruel question. One thing I will always regret, sometimes bitterly, is that I was unable to stick with professional vocal lessons. I would also love to be able to cook Ethiopian and Indian foods well from scratch. Finally, I would love to be a talented and trained actor and dancer.
Thanks for the interview, Naomi! We'll return once again in two weeks with another interview.
Very nice :)
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