Friday, July 15, 2011

Little Ol’ Me in the Big Picture

by Staci Smith Of Staci Louise Originals

Hi there!  I am Staci ~ of Staci Louise Originals, and I am the newest member of the Love My Art Jewelry team.  I am so honored to be part of such a talented group of gals.  I have always adored and hoarded admired handmade jewelry, and now I get to be a part of this team, who promote Art Jewelry~ so I couldn’t be happier!
Here’s a little about me, in case you were wondering.  I am a stay at home mom of three children, whom I adore.   (aren't they cute?)
  I am a self taught jewelry artist, and make jewelry using PMC, Bronz Clay, sheet metal, gemstones, sea glass, and art beads, to name a few…I guess you can say my work is pretty eclectic.  I am constantly growing and changing as an artist, and never seem to be content, which forces me to always be learning something new. 
 I hope to bring those new findings to you here on LMAJ.  Whether it’s a new technique, or a personal revelation, I hope that in some way, my writings can make your art jewelry journey a little easier and more exciting.

Another reason I am so happy to be a part of this group is, that I think we are at a crucial point in our society, a place, where we really need to take a look at how we are living.  We need to think about where our food comes from, and how that effects our environment.  We need to look at our energy sources, our waste, and who we buy from, and why.  The exciting thing is, I really think people are doing just that.  I see more and more people making decisions that are beneficial, not only to them, but their environment and world as a whole.

artwork by julia smith 6

I know that buying handmade is just one small part of that, but lots of "small" actions are what it takes to make BIG difference!  Not only is it rewarding as an artist to look at your creation, and know that it’s handmade with love, but it’s rewarding as a consumer to know that the artist got paid fairly for that product, and that each part was made with care.  You can know that you just supported a hardworking artist, who is doing their best to bring you a quality and one of a kind product.  I have found nothing but friends in my journey to buy and create handmade.  I hope you will find the same.
So, now you know a little about me.  My turn to learn a little about you.  What I want to know is, why are you drawn to handmade jewelry?  Is it the economy- and your desire to support small business?  Is it because you can get to know the artist personally (I love that one)?  Is it the quality or originality… all of the above or something all together different?
 I’d love to hear your thoughts on why you are drawn to create and / or buy handmade.

12 comments:

VanBeads said...

Welcome to the group, Staci! Your children are beautiful, and so is your work!

I think for me, I grew up with an appreciation of handmade wearables and objects right from the start. My mother was a very talented needlepointn/knit/crochet artist, and she earned her income selling her designs and working for some of the larger yarn companies at the time. I think it's so important to support handmade and independent artists because to me, they feel like the last bastion of individuality in a world that is dominated by corporate mentality. (Is that too deep?!)

Welcome again!

SummersStudio said...

Welcome, Staci. I look forward to seeing more of your lovely work and hearing about your inspiration.

Anonymous said...

So HAPPY to have you!!

Artisan Beads Plus said...

Welcome Staci! For me, buying and creating handmade just feels right. I'm actually vacationing in Rockport, Mass. right now and went shopping the other day. I was so excited to go into a little shop that had all of these painted metals sculptures It was closed so I needed to go back. When I did I found out that nothing in there was from a local artist. In fact, most of the pieces (although some were very cool) were all purchased from far away lands..... Big disappointment :o( This is an art town... I thought that should be illegal .... LOL!!! So, for me, handmade offers something that is much more meaningful. Here I go with my own full length post again.
The pieces that I own that are handmade, whether it be a coffee mug or a piece of jewelry, there is always something special about it unlike any other. I can't pinpoint why.... there are many reasons.

PS Your daughter looks just like you! They are all adorable :o)

MaryAnn

Patty said...

You've really hit the nail (rivet?) on the head, Staci. It's definitely time to recognize that each of us as a maker and a consumer hold the power to change the world, little by little with our choices.

I'm drawn to handmade jewelry because it has *soul*, and represents a moment in time where someone with hopes and dreams put a little bit of themselves out there for the world.

You have an incredible gift, and I'm glad you joined the group!

DArsie Manzella said...

Welcome Staci!
I adore handmade! I strive to give handmade gifts, buy locally when I can and create things myself for my friends. While some might be head over heels for a designer's bag, I go head over heels for the designer's creative vision.
Every time I buy handmade I feel as if I am congratulating the artist on the success of that vision.
As a bead maker, every sale is an affirmation. So much love resides in handmade goods- you can feel it like a richness, a tangable substance.
How lucky you are to have such talent and be able to be at home with your children!
Can't wait to see more of your work here at LMAJ~

TesoriTrovati said...

They couldn't have picked a better person than you Miss Staci! I love the organic and free flow to your designs. I am thrilled to learn more about your processes!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

stacilouise said...

Thanks so much guys! Your answers are wonderful and heartfelt and deep! I truly enjoyed reading them and getting to know you all a little better.
Thanks for all the warm welcomes!

Kelli said...

Buying handmade, to me, has just always felt right. I started drawing when I was 6. Art has just always been part of me. My oldest sister (10 yrs older)took me to art festivals when I was a kid and into my teens. I just always appreciated how "unique" handmade was. When you bought a piece, it was the ONLY one! It's a piece of art. Something some talented person put thought and heart and soul into, and you get to have it!! To me that was SO cool. And now to be able to create those one of a kind pieces, and see someone else's face light up when they find that "special" piece they just can't live without... it's just a joy.

Pretty Things said...

SO love Staci -- and buying handmade is just RIGHT, as Kelli said. And I love you brought your kids into this post!

Cindy said...

Welcome, Staci! I enjoy stopping in to Love My Art Jewlery and always leave feeling inspired. Your work is truly one of a kind - and that is one of the qualities I love about handmade jewelry. I enjoyed learning more about you here.

Shai Williams said...

While I have always been drawn to the unique and purchased handmade, I never thought that I was creative until I picked up some beads. I feel in love and now I started to collect art beads.

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