Interview Thursdays!

Interview Thursdays are possibly my favorite day of the week! I love getting to know some of my favorite sellers better is just so great to me. It's nice to find out what other artists do and what their goals are with their shops.

This week I interviewed one of my favorite sellers, Marcy from Eclectic Orchid. I've bought 3-4 beautiful necklaces and a gorgeous pair of earrings from her. As a jewelry maker myself, I must say that her work is excellent!

Here's the interview:
1. Please tell me about yourself (background, interests, how you got into jewelery making, etc.)


I am originally from a small town south of New Orleans. I moved to the Charlotte area a little over 4 years ago with my husband, daughter, and son (okay, he’s actually a dog but he doesn’t know it). I have a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I used to manage a group home for physically and developmentally disabled women, but left shortly before my daughter was born and am now lucky enough to be a full time stay-at-home mom and craftster.

I love to craft, play with my daughter, read, listen to music, spend time with my family, take pictures of anything and everything, make jewelry, make jewelry, make jewelry….haha.

I have always dabbled in the arts since I was young, taking painting classes and experimenting with photography. A few years ago my mom wanted to take a jewelry class and thought my sister and I would enjoy it as well. I learned basic techniques that day. I would pick it up now and again, but for the most part had no time to enjoy it. After my daughter was born, I was going through some boxes and came across my old jewelry supplies. I originally started making jewelry again to break the monotony of being home all the time. I realized how passionate I was about it and that’s how Eclectic Orchid came to be.

2. What can you tell me about your store? What types of items can one find there? How long have you been in business?

My store is my passion, my hobby, my love. It is my creative refuge, a place to translate my dreams into works of wearable art and tell fanciful stories. My jewelry and accessories range from simple and delicate to extravagant and sometimes over the top. I love color and whimsy and always try to incorporate a bit of both into each piece. I also love vintage components because I feel they tell a tale and incorporate them whenever possible. Eclectic Orchid has been open since August 2008.

3. What or who inspires you?

I draw inspiration from anything and everything. I see creative potential in everything around me: my family, nature, movies, music, art, words, colors, love, life, etc.

4. Where would you like to see your business go in the longrun?

I am not really sure. I hope that it will continue to flourish and grow over time. It makes me happy to share my art with others, so as long as I get to continue doing that I will be thrilled.

Well, I hope y'all loved learning more about Marcy. She has such beautiful designs and I know you'll love them, just as I do!

Be sure to check out Marcy's beautiful designs and take advantage of her Summer Sale going on now! :)

Eclectic Orchid Giveaway Reminder!

Hey everyone!

This is just a reminded that the Eclectic Orchid giveaway ends tonight at 11:59 pm CST. Be sure to get any last minute entries in now! There are many ways to win so make sure you've entered for all that apply to you.

Please enter the contest on the giveaway's comment section, NOT in reply to this post. It won't be counted if you reply here!

Have a wonderful day and GOOD LUCK!!

Necklace Giveaway from EclecticOrchid

I found EclecticOrchid on Etsy some time back and I've been loving Marcy's work ever since! She creates unique jewelry that is beautiful and fun to wear. It always feels like Christmas when my purchases arrive- the jewelry is wrapped in a beautiful box with the sweetest notes included. Here are some photos of the items I've bought from Marcy in the past:

Caged No More

My Bottled Emotions

Love Letter

Beyond this Cage

For this giveaway, I asked Marcy if she could tell us a little about herself. Here's what she had to say:

1) Please tell me a little about yourself. I am originally from a small town south of New Orleans. I moved to the Charlotte area a little over 3 years ago with my husband, daughter, and son (okay, he’s actually a dog but he doesn’t know it). In my former life (prior to motherhood, that is) I was a rehabilitation counselor working as a group home supervisor/case manager to developmentally and physically disabled women. Now I am a full time stay at home mom and die hard craftster!I love to play with my daughter, read (although I never have time), listen to music, spend time with my family, craft, decorate, and of course make jewelry!

2) Please tell me about how you got started making jewelry. I have always dabbled in the arts since I was young, taking painting classes and experimenting with photography. A few years ago my mom wanted to take a jewelry class and thought my sister and I would enjoy it as well. I learned basic techniques that day but never had the time to really enjoy it. After my daughter was born, I was going through some boxes and came across my old jewelry supplies. I originally started making jewelry again to break the monotony of being home all the time, but slowly realized how passionate I was about it. I really feel like it is my way of releasing my inner artist and my true creative outlet!

3) What inspires you most? EVERYTHING! Really, I am always inspired whether it be the new growth on the trees or the rusty falling down building near my daughter's school. I see creative potential in anything around me: my family, nature, movies, music, art, words, colors, love, life, etc.

The Giveaway:
For this giveaway, Marcy has generously offered one of my readers a beautiful black and white vintage locket necklace that she calls Black Tie Affair. She designed it especially for this contest- everyone is sure to love it!!
To Enter:
Visit EclecticOrchid and tell me your favorite item. There are so many beautiful things to choose from, picking just one might be a challenge! (REQUIRED)

Bonus Entries: (Please leave individual comments for each entry so that it will be counted!)
1) Purchase an item from EclecticOrchid (5 extra entries)
2) Follow my blog.
3) Follow Marcy's blog.
4) Blog about this giveaway and give me the link.
5) Follow me on Twitter and give the giveaway a Tweet.

The contest will end on April 13th at 11:59 pm CST and the winner will be contacted by noon the following day. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner! You will have 48 hours to respond before a second winner is chosen.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy Marcy's work as much as I do!

Eclectic Orchid on Etsy

I promised a review on a WONDEFUL Etsy seller in my rant on bad ones last week, so here it is!

I've purchased several items from the lovely Marcy at Eclectic Orchid on Etsy and I have been beyond please with all of her work. The jewelry items themselves are so incredibly beautiful and well-made. They are packaged beautifully- it's like Christmas when I get my package from her! Her shipping is fast and her communication is excellent, plus she's more than happy to do custom orders. Marcy is just an all-around wonderful lady!

Here's a picture of the gorgeous necklace I recently purchased:






Check out Marcy's work on Etsy and buy yourself a little something special! You're worth it and she's sure to make your day! ♥