What makes you Happy? Celebrate your femininity with Taurus Artisans, Jen, Cassie & Aly

Taurus Artist, Jen's daughter, Lauren Robinson Taurus Full Moon November 21, 2010 9:27 am pst

Spotlight on Taurus Artist Jennifer Robinson Huntsville, Ontario, Canada Facebook: Liv Jewellery Blog: Liv Jewellery

1. What aspect of creating your art or craft do you find the most enjoyable?

When it comes to making jewellery, designing is the most exciting part for me. I love laying out my gemstones, pearls and findings, and moving things around until I find an arrangement that I’m pleased with. I am a very visual person, and I often need to see a design before it “clicks” and I know that it’s the right one. I actually get a feeling inside when I know it’s right. Second only to the designing is ordering new gems. It’s like Christmas morning when a gem shipment arrives!

2. What originally got you started creating your art or craft?

I have always loved art and studied Interior Design in college, but after trying various art projects and media over the years, nothing seemed quite right. I would get bored easily and moved from craft to craft. Then I found a booklet while browsing through a craft store one day that showed the basics of wire-wrapping. I took home some headpins and beads and I was instantly hooked. Then I discovered the supply shops on etsy and realized that I could buy genuine gemstones, and the obsession with designing jewellery began.

3. Creatively, who has inspired you the most, and why?

My daughter Lauren has been my inspiration. She is a very girly-girl who loves pink, rhinestones and ruffles. I think as we get older we women sometimes lose that desire for femininity, particularly in the way we dress. Lauren reminds me every day how much fun it is to be a girl, and how important it is to accessorize! We women may have our hardships, but at least we get to wear beautiful things.

Taurus artist, Jen's earrings4. How did you decide what medium to work in?

I knew very quickly that I wanted to work with real gems and pearls, as this is the type of jewellery that I prefer to wear myself. I have always loved colour, and you can’t beat deep, red garnet, lime green peridot or brilliant blue topaz. Real stones sparkle and glitter like glass never will. And there’s something about smooth freshwater pearls – they just glow.

5. How does your zodiac sign influence your creativity?

Being a Taurus, my strengths are patience, loyalty and steadfastness. You have to have a lot of patience working with teeny tiny gemstones and fine gauge wire! My designs are very delicate and lightweight, so I often use the smallest stones I can find. Taureans are also stubborn, and this is sometimes beneficial too – I will work and re-work a piece until it is just right. Taureans appreciate luxury, good quality and comfort, and this equates to luxurious jewellery and good quality gems. We Taurus women treat ourselves to the finer things in life!

6. What do you like best about your sign and least?

The thing I like best about my sign is my ability to be patient. This allows me to be a good wife, mother and friend, and to never sweat the small stuff. However, Taureans are sometimes a little lazy too. Luckily, I have chosen a profession that I am very passionate about. I rarely look forward to the end of the workday – I look forward to getting into my craft room to create! Now laziness is only a factor when it comes to housework.

7. What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art or craft?

The message I would like to convey is that we women deserve beautiful things, and should celebrate our femininity: think like a five year old girl, and don’t hesitate to wear pink!

8. If you had to choose a fruit or vegetable to describe yourself, what would you choose and why?

Probably a peach: sweet. Plus my husband always says I have soft skin.

9. If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your creativity, what would that be and why?

I have always enjoyed working with paper. I love the precise aspect of card making and the wide range of papers available. I often make greeting cards and gift tags for family, and may delve into selling them in the future.

Taurus Artist, Jen & her daughter

10. What advice do you have for others who are just starting to develop creatively?

My advice would be to try many different art forms before you find one that fits. For me, it took 36 years to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. But once that happened, there was no turning back. Jewellery making has become such a joy for me, and I sometimes wake up with new designs in my head. I also just let pieces evolve. I will start out to design a bracelet, and in the end, it ends up as a necklace. It just looked better that way, and I didn’t know it until I saw it in front of me. Creativity will evolve if you let it.

11. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It’s true what they say – if you do what you love, you never work another day in your life. I never really appreciated the honesty of that statement until I experienced it for myself. I don’t work anymore. I create sparkly, beautiful pieces of jewellery for women like myself. When I see how excited they are to wear them, it makes me truly happy.

More About Jen

I am a woman who loves to create. Whether it’s an apple pie, a photograph or a piece of jewellery, I am happiest when I am creating something beautiful (and homemade pie IS a work of art!) I live in Huntsville, Ontario with my husband Scott, my daughter Lauren, three dogs and a fat cat. It is a very busy household, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Queen Anne's Lace Silver Sweetheart Bracelet

Spotlight on Taurus Artist, Aly New Britain, Connecticut, USA Etsy Shop: Amaranth Opulent Fashion and lifestyle blog: Her Lumpiness

Eternally awed by the beauty of the world, I live my life through a rose-tinted filter when looking at works of art made by both humans and nature. I have devoted my life thus far to the pursuit of beauty in all forms, and want to use every way I can to share what I've found. My current inspiration is in jewelry crafting, using hand-picked and hand-pressed local or naturalized wildflowers and plants I’ve collected myself from roadsides, gardens, and parks. These are combined with findings purchased whenever possible from local small businesses or independent Etsy sellers to create elegant, eco-friendly jewelry suited to the woodland princess living inside every woman, from students to grandmothers, and everyone in between. My pursuit of the old-worldly and the otherworldly has led me to Lolita Fashion and Lifestyle, devoted to the innocence and purity of a bygone or fairytale life, which I blog about and generally obsess over.

Spotlight on Taurus Artist Cassie Frost Chili, Wisconsin, USA Etsy Shop: Cakes and More

1. What aspect of creating your art or craft do you find the most enjoyable? I absolutely love the creative part of baking. I enjoy the fun of adding different ingredients together and in different ways to create something new. It always amazes me that you can take the same ingredients, yet by mixing them differently, come up with an entirely different result. I also enjoy the decorating end of my craft and seeing my desserts take on a new form.

2. What originally got you started creating your art or craft? I had dabbled in this for many years and about five years ago my partner suggested we try a few 'bigger' cakes. One thing led to another and soon we had friends of friends asking for cakes. We finally decided to make our craft a full time business and remodeled our garage into a licensed kitchen this past summer. Now we can spread the work and our business anywhere!

3. Who has inspired you the most creatively, and why? My daughter has been my biggest inspiration. She is six and still has the simple wonder in her eyes. I love to step back and look at him in the simple terms that she does. She reminds me to relax and enjoy the creative process and reminds me that the rush to the end result isn't worth it.

4. How did you decide what medium to work in? I chose cakes/cookies and edibles because it is the one thing that brings all people together. Everyone eats and everyone can come together over our items. I love being able to supply people with an item that can be both beautiful and delicious.

5. How does your zodiac sign influence your creativity? The wonderful Taurus stubborness has been my shining point throughout this entire endeavor. There are many times that recipes don't turn out well, especially when creating something new. It takes the Taurus in me to turn right back around and throw another batch in the oven.

6. What do you like best about your zodiac sign and least? I think what helps me in my creativity is also both my most and least favorite facet of my astrological sign. I display the true stubborn-ness that goes with being the 'bull'. It has helped me reach all the places that I have been in life. However, at times, it has been a hindrance. It is important for me to take the time to remember that I am not always right, and sometimes take the time to listen to others advice.

7. What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art or craft? I would like to bring fun to food. I want people to enjoy themselves and take time to enjoy the time they have with the friends and family they share the treats with.

8. If you had to choose a fruit or vegetable to describe yourself, what would you choose and why? I think a pineapple... Very unique and multi-faceted on the outside, sometimes prickly, but colorful and sweet on the inside.

9. If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your creativity, what would that be and why? Paint. I love painting. The wonderful ways that colors mix and combine allows to show so many emotions.

10. What advice do you have for others who are just starting to develop creatively? Enjoy yourself and do what it is that makes you happy. There are a lot of people out there that are willing to give you advice, and there is a lot of great advice out there. However, in the end you are the person that has to be proud of your own work. If you don't believe in your craft, no one else is going to either.

11. Is there anything else you’d like to share? Life is short- Enjoy every moment.

Taurus Artist, Cassie Frost

About Cassie

My name is Cassie and my partner and I opened 'Cakes and More' this past July. We have a beautiful six year old who always reminds us to take life lightly and enjoy every minute. We consider our baking time our fun time and spend a great deal of time as a family looking for new recipes and tweaking old ones.

Do What You Love: Three Aries Artists Speak Up

Full Moon in AriesOctober 22, 2010 6:36 pm pdt

Aries artist, Alice England

Spotlight on Aries Artist - Alice England Hanceville, Alabama, USA Making Stuff With Love Shop

1. What aspect of creating your art or craft do you find the most enjoyable? The most enjoyable aspect of my craft is, without a doubt all the wonderful people I get to meet through making these little dogs. Without exception every dog I’ve made has gone to a wonderful owner, many of whom have become friends. I recently became a member of an Etsy team, Pets Jubilee. This came about when I recognized a past client in the Etsy forums that I had had a particularly nice experience with and spur of the moment went to say ’hello’. That quick hello has resulted in many new and wonderful friendships that are enriching my life in ways I never could have expected. All thanks to a little pair of needle felted dogs -- and the lovely lady that had me create them.

2 & 3. What originally got you started creating your art or craft? How did you decide what medium to work with? My great love for dogs is the root of my passion. When I saw my first needle felted dog I was amazed. That a figure could be sculpted from fiber was magical to me. I have to say that the love surrounding the dogs I make is astounding. The owners of the dogs themselves are so special, the dogs are each so beautiful and the creation itself is absolutely full of my love. They seem to develop a little soul of sorts as they come to life. And as the miniature dog emerges I get to know them and their owners to my great delight.

4. How does your zodiac sign influence your creativity? Aries are fiery and full of enthusiasm and I think this helps me connect with my clients. I love every dog I get to meet and therefore I am very excited each time I get to begin a new one. The dog owners are also very enthusiastic, so together we have all the ingredients needed for an ideal project and experience.

5. What do you like best about your sign and least? I like that Aries are leaders and that they are unafraid to march into unknown territory. This has helped me to go ahead and jump into this new (to me) craft and to begin making custom dogs instead of continuing to make ‘generic’ dogs. This leap has been remarkable to me and is SO rewarding. On the other hand Aries have to watch out for ‘burn out’ as they start so feverishly it can be hard to keep that same level of excitement. So far this hasn’t been a problem with my mini dogs because each one I do is very different from the one before it.

Custom needle felted sculpture of your dog by Alice England

6. What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art or craft? The message I try to convey with my work is the immeasurable love that dogs have to give. I want my miniatures to give a feeling as sweeping as their real counterparts give to the people that love them. Of course this isn’t possible, but I try with every one to encompass this vast affection. If I can represent only a tiny fraction of this great love I feel I’ve succeeded.

7. If you had to choose a fruit or vegetable to describe your art or craft, what would you choose and why? I had to think about this one for a while but I decided a tomato best represents me. Not a tomato that comes from the produce department at a store but one that has been fresh picked from my back yard. It is always so delicious and just right. Warm, because it’s been out in the August heat and proud, because it was grown by me at my home. So it’s very personal and has that homegrown edge. Much like I want my little dogs to be.

8. If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be and why? The other medium I’d probably use is fabric. I love to sew and I gravitate to fabrics with animal themes. I make anything from purses and fabric storage boxes to scrub shirts for my mom. I may go for a long time without sewing and then the urge comes on me and I’ll sew for days on end. My grandmother sewed and I feel a real connection to her when I’m sewing.

9. What advice do you have for others who are just starting to develop creatively? My advice to some one who is just beginning creatively is typical Aries: follow your heart! I don’t know who said it, but it is so true:

Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.

The creations of someone who loves what they do appear to be just a little more special than less lovingly created things. Put a part of yourself into everything you make.

Alice's Bio: I am a happily married mother of four dogs and a quaker parrot. I live a few miles out of town in rural Alabama. I’ve been making things my entire life, thus my shop name ‘makingstuffwithlove’. I am very blessed to belong to a most creative family. These family members are responsible for my love of ‘making stuff’ which they cultivated from my birth.

Aries Artist, Justine Smith

Spotlight on Aries Artist - Justine Smith Moon Dancers Boutique Atlanta, Georgia, USA

My name is Justine and there is no doubt that I am a true Aries. As a child I took ballet lessons. My mother was very pleased when I told her when I grew up I wanted to be a dancer. She was however a little concerned when I told her I wanted to be a go go dancer (I grew up in the 60‘s). I ended up working in accounting. I found that I needed a release for all my creative energy. I have always loved creating; it could be cooking, decorating or crafting. I am always finding something new I want to try. Usually I will put all of my passion and energy into a new project and once I get really good at it I am ready to move on to something else.

One thing that has always remained constant is my love for creating hair bows. As an Aries I tend to get bored very easily however, when it comes to hair bows I am constantly finding new styles, themes or designs I want to try. There have been times when I sat down in the evenings to create one or two bows and the next thing I know it's 4:00 in the morning and I have made several hair bows. There is nothing I enjoy more then hearing a customer tell me how many compliments she has received about her hair bow. It’s very hard for me to create a simple, plain hair bow because I want my bows to stand out. I like to create custom hair bows that are unique and reflect the personality and interests of the person wearing them.

Alice In Wonderland Cheshire Cat Hair Bow

I originally started making hair bows for my two daughters when they were young children. I loved sending them to school with unique, custom hair bows to match their outfits. Other mothers started to inquire where I got them and of course I loved telling them that I made them myself. The next thing I knew I was making hair bows for the whole cheer leading squad and friends and class mates of my two daughters. I pretty much considered it a hobby at the time. I now have two granddaughters and of course I make hair bows for them.

Early this year the printing company I worked for shut down and while looking for a new job I started making a few hair bows for a craft show. My Aries personality took over and now making hair bows is my new job and I am my new boss. While I enjoy creating hair bows more then the business side of marketing them, I will take on the challenge just like any Aries would, with energy and determination.

My advice to anyone who is just starting to discover their creativity is to jump in with both feet and try anything and everything that peaks your interest.

When you find that one thing that you feel passionate about that is what you need to stick with.

I am true to my Aries sign and knowing this helps me in all aspects of my life including my new business. The positive side is having the confidence and drive to get MoonDancers Boutique up and running. The negative is to avoid the pitfalls of my Aries nature and not let myself become bored, but instead keep looking for ways to keep it exciting. I started out going to craft shows and posting pictures of my hair bows for my friends on Facebook then started a web site as a way to take custom orders. I then started my Esty site to have a way to reach thousands of new, potential customers with the bows I have already created.

Aries artist, Edi Royer

Spotlight on Aries Artist - Edi Royer Memories for Life Scrapbooks Iowa, USA Blog

1. What aspect of creating your art or craft do you find the most enjoyable? I love that I am helping people preserve their memories for years to come! I also love the creative process. In my "real job" I don't get to be creative at all, so scrapbooking is such an awesome creative release.

2. What originally got you started creating your art or craft? A presentation on card making during a 4-H meeting got me started paper crafting. When this same company started selling scrapbook supplies...I was hooked!

3. How did you decide what medium to work with? Through 4-H I was able to make several types of crafts and get a feel for what I enjoyed and what I didn't. Something about scrapbooking just clicked. I've always enjoyed photography, so scrapbooking was a nice fit.

Happy Home Address Book by Edi Royer

4. How does your zodiac sign influence your creativity? As an Aries, I can never sit idle. My brain is always looking for the next project and I have more ideas than time it seems! Being an Aries has also helped me promote my business. I am very out-going and love telling people about my business. As an Aries, I am also very motivated. Being bored just isn't an option and I work well on a deadline. I also love to try new things and branch out my scrapbooking where I can.

5. What do you like best about your sign and least? Best: I am a leader and not a follower. Least: I can be very impatient! I've learned to always have something with me to work on at all times.

6. What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art or craft? Preserve those photos and memories in a fun and creative way.

7. If you had to choose a fruit or vegetable to describe your art or craft, what would you choose and why? I would have to choose a strawberry. They are bright and cheery...which is what I like my work to be.

8. If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be and why? I am in love with handmade jewelry! I have bought more jewelry since joining Etsy than I had the entire rest of my life! I love all the different colors and mediums!

9. What advice do you have for others who are just starting to develop creatively? Do what you love and enjoy the process!

Edie's Bio My name is Edi and I live in rural Iowa. I work night shift in a factory and scrapbook every other waking hour. I have been paper crafting for almost fifteen years and love custom work. I spend my "free time" with my boyfriend Jesse and our dog Harley.

Kathy Crabbe Blog ButtonIf you are enjoying this Moon Musing Artist Feature and are interested in submitting your own creations for discovery, please check out Submission Guidelines here.

Enjoy Your Creative Life!

Leather Spine Journal by Jennifer King Full Moon in Aries September 23, 2010 2:17 am pdt

Spotlight on Aries Artist, Jennifer King
Idaho, USA
Jen's Blog

1. How does your zodiac sign influence your life and your creativity?

To be honest I never considered that my sign could influence my creativity until I ran across the interviews here on your blog.  After reading testimonies from other artists about their personalities regarding their individual signs I became very curious to test out the theory with my own Aries sun sign.  I did a little research on Aries traits and since then I have become more aware of myself and why I do the things that I do.  It's so amazing to think that who I am could be linked to my birth date - my original start in the world.  (Who would have thought!)
I learned that if a person does not express the qualities of their sun sign  it can lead to lack of confidence, energy, and inner peace.  I find this to be so true.  As an Aries personality if I don't achieve what I think I should it takes a toll on me mentally and physically.   When I connect with a creative outlet and feel passionate and excited about my art,  I find so much happiness and fulfillment in my life.  A successful piece of art is what gives me energy and confidence to move on the next piece.  Aries possess the ability to climb great heights and I find that to feel fulfillment I have to be progressing with my creativity.  I love the idea that we need to express the qualities of our sun sign in order to feel at peace. We have to be true to ourselves!

Intaglio Original Art Print by Jennifer King

2. What do you like best about your sign and least?

Aries possess so much passion and energy, but on the other hand an Arian can become impatient as well! Because of my sign I find that I can become bored easily if I am not constantly finding creative outlets.  I love to learn new things and new ways to create art.  I am currently attending a University working towards a degree in art.  I didn't choose a specific area of art, but rather chose a path that would let me take a few classes in every area.  I was frustrated at first by not being able to choose, but now I realize that I have simply stayed true to my sun sign.  My Aries excitement leads to thoughts and ideas always running through my head and I'm always moving from one project to the next.

3. What advice do you have for other Arians who are just starting to explore and develop their creativity?

My advice to other Aries artists (and really to every artist) is to always, always be true to yourself.  You will not be at peace if you ignore your passion for creativity!  Aries is the first sun sign on the zodiac calendar.  As an Arian, you have an impulsive, pioneering personality.  If you have a creative idea just try it!  I have found that it is so important for this sign to avoid over-thinking or being held back by others. Be impulsive!  Be true to your ideas!  Enjoy your creative life.

Full Moon Spotlight on Aries Artist Jennifer King

Jen's Bio

I have been interested in the art world my entire life. I love beautiful things! I go through different phases of what I like to make and which media I work in. I'm always looking for new ways to design and be creative. I will be graduating from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelors in Art at the end of this year. Classes there are where I have really learned technique and have gained even more of a desire to continue creating worthwhile things.

Hopeless Romantic and Piscean Jeweler, Melissa Trice

Featured Full Moon Artist - Shell necklace and Earrings Set Pisces Full Moon August 24, 2010 10:04 am pdt Spotlight on Piscean Jeweler, Melissa Mayes Trice Shop: Melissa Trice Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Being a Pisces definitely influences the creation of my handcrafted jewelry. Pisces are creative beings often drawn to the sea and influenced by water. We tend to be intuitive, romantic, imaginative, subtle, and mystical daydreamers although I take issue with some of the traits attributed to Pisces.

The symbol for Pisces is two fish moving in opposite directions representing the conflicting desires of flesh and spirit. I too have conflicts in this area. I am a corporate queen during the day, but my true desire is to make a living selling my beautiful handcrafted jewelry. I'm also a day-dreamer and you will often find me staring and smiling and dreaming up some really great jewelry creation while in my own little world. I will get out my bead board and some beads and stones and just start placing them soon finding myself in a zone all by myself where I can create anything. I sometimes become attached to one of my creations and want to keep it for myself and then there is conflict, but the business woman inside of me overrules this selfishness so that I can focus on profit instead.

My creativity is usually inspired by my mood and reflects my feelings at any given time.

Pisces, Melissa Trice

I am a hopeless romantic and my wedding necklace and earring sets reflect this romantic, feminine side. Crystals and pearls together envelope the senses and exude romance & femininity and I feel very honored that someone would want my creations to be a part of their special day. Crystals are so mystical and reflect the light so magnificently which only intensifies with the movement of the wearer, but don't stare you may become transfixed!

Pisces are also know for their compassion and I also like to spend time volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Piscean Full Moon Dreamer & Fiber Artist, Gail Asbury

Pisces Full Moon Featured Fiber Artist - Tea Party Spats Lace Couture Fashion Preview Inspired by Tim Burtons Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp Pisces Full Moon August 24, 2010 10:04 am pdt

Spotlight on Piscean Dreamer & Fiber Artist, Gail Asbury Savoy Faire Shop New Hampshire, USA

As a true Pisces I am a dreamer. I dream up many of my creations or fall asleep with them popping into my head only to awaken and hope to remember them. Sometimes I wake up and one pops into my head which is great because I can get up and draw a quick picture of it!

While I am very imaginative and prefer to seek refuge in my imagination, I am not overly sensitive since I was a professional business woman for over thirty years. On the other hand because I can go with the flow like a fish I could just as easily follow as lead! I can also be the boss’s favorite because I understand who the perfect employee is and can become just that, but I am truly happiest being my own boss and creating my dreams!

I'm a big performer, storyteller, dancer and public speaker whenever I get the chance, including at funerals where others may be tongue tied, yet I feel it’s important that something special was said. Ideally I'd love to be in the performing arts but was pushed into using my intelligence for accounting and analytical work where I can crunch numbers and tell you things you wouldn't see for yourself. I’m big on out of the box thinking because no limitations have ever been put on my imagination.

My seventh grade creative writing teacher once told me to never lose my imagination and I’ve taken that to heart.

Pisces Full Moon Artist Feature: Dried Lavender Petals Dress Eco Friendly Dress, Cotton Homespun Yarn

Only recently was I able to finally do what I've always wanted to and that is become a fiber artist and to create using various media; fabric, beads, and bobbles, both recycled and new. As a child of two I'd collect all my mother's sewing scraps and drape them around my dolls creating flowing outfits. I love using pearls and shimmery, shiny things from the sea and if I had my way I'd drape myself in lush flowing gowns with long trailing sleeves, covering myself in pearls, beads and all kinds of jewelry with rings on every finger...oops, I already do that! During the winter here in New England you’ll find me wearing rich velvets and wild capes! I can still remember when I was four years old and my ballet teacher would wear a feather in her hat with a red cape; her style was so unique. Later, she moved to New York City to open a ballet studio and I never saw her again, but

I've never forgotten to wear things that make me happy no matter what others say.

Because I am a big planner, I draw my inspirations months ahead of time when ideas and dreams pop into my head. My boyfriend finally understands that when I make a decision it's not based on what is obvious, but instead relies upon intuition. Many of my best works just flow out of me when I have fabric laid out. I will start with a drawing that I want to bring to life and end up with a multitude of styles. As a clothes horse myself, I'd like to wear something different every day if I could, and in turn offer my customers a lot of choice and diversity so that everyone can find something they'll love.

Pisces Full Moon Featured Artist, Gail

There will always be that one item that very few people like yet it sells because someone somewhere loved it and that's what makes it all worthwhile to me.

Growing up in the 1960's and 70's when girl's dresses were so special and now are almost impossible to find in that style I try to create things girls will never forget and hopefully pass down to a special girl themselves one day. I hope you put on one of my fabric creations and then relax, forget time, problems and deadlines and dream about how it could be...