|
April 2005's Diva
Sam
of www.eclectic-elements.com
I instantly fell in love with this unique jewelry the first time I saw a picture. www.eclectic-elements.com has been one of the most recommneded sites for our Crafty Diva feature - and we can see why. Show off your fun side with a dice bracelet the next time you head to Vegas. Or show some classic style with the artistry of a Mah Jongg bracelet. Better yet - pick up some "lucky" Bingo earrings for all of your Bingo pals as a sweet pick-me-up. Explore this site and fall in love!!
~Trixie
**********************************************************
The Gallery
**********************************************************
**********************************************************
The Interview
**********************************************************
The Basic Lowdown:
Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com: Sam
Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
Albuquerque, NM
Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
Handcrafted recycled game piece jewelry including scrabble tile charm bracelets, Mahjong tile bracelets, dice jewelry and funky game piece earrings. I also have beaded ID badge lanyards and men's and women's necklaces.
Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
www.eclectic-elements.com
I also do art fairs and shows in the Albuquerque area.
Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
I don’t “fit” so I tend to see the world from a “different” perspective.
The Nitty Gritty:
Girlposse.com: How did you first become interested in creating your unique jewelry?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
I have always been involved in art in some form or another. I am drawn to recycled art and outsider art and gather bits and pieces for my own art. One day I saw someone throwing out an incomplete or "broken" Mahjong tile set. The pieces are lovely and I didn't want them to end up in the trash. I took them home and added them to my collection. Over a year later I found them and was inspired to make something lovely out of something that was almost trash. From there, the other game piece jewelry evolved.
Girlposse.com: Why Mahjongg tiles?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
The tiles have lovely characters and I am drawn to all things Asian. They are miniature works of art and I felt they would make lovely, interesting jewelry for people who require out of the ordinary adornments.
Girlposse.com: Is it difficult obtaining the supplies or products you need to create your jewelry?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
Yes, some of these tile sets are very old and rare and I only use "broken" sets for jewelry. I try to maintain complete sets and complete broken sets whenever possible.
Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
I have been creating game piece jewelry for about 4 years now, but have been creating all my life.
Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
I began making the jewelry for unique gifts for friends and family and very soon had a client base develop by word of mouth.
Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
I have a background in business communications, video and film and I am an entrepreneur. I found it very helpful to have business knowledge to apply to my art business. When starting a business in the art field it is important to remember that many general business principles do apply.
Girlposse.com: How does the internet play a part of your business?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
The internet plays a large part in my business. I sell all over the United States and overseas. My jewelry is unique and many of my clients want jewelry that is different and interesting. The internet allows me to reach a wide range of customers who would not normally see my work.
Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
Individually handcrafted art and artisan work is a challenge to sell. With a large selection of low priced, imported items coming into the US, an artist must strive to differentiate themselves and their products. Superior customer service, high quality materials and workmanship, customization and attention to detail are how I differentiate my products.
Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
I really enjoy bringing a smile to people's faces with my game piece jewelry, but I'm always thinking of new designs. This year I will begin to develop a line of equally unique Sterling Silver art jewelry.
Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
The creative process is a wonderful way to get through a bad day. I can open up a box of supplies and "play" and my mood lifts very quickly. I feel it is important for an artist to remain focused on their creative process. From that mindset they can apply their creativity to other aspects of their lives and business.
Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
I enjoy shopping for individually handcrafted art, so I frequent art shows, galleries and art fairs. I also enjoy finding treasures online.
Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
Don't sweat the small stuff!
Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com:
Enjoy your work, enjoy your life. Success should be measured by you, not by other people and their expectations or preconceptions. It is your life, time and energy so do what brings you contentment, fulfillment and joy.
Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know
about?
Sam of eclectic-elements.com: My friend and associate, Thea Kolosseos-Kendis of Sparkle Plenty online at www.sparkleplentyfinebeadedjewellery.com. Thea's work is amazing and she has an incredible eye for color and design. Her needlewoven jewelry is stunning. She combines beads, crystals and semi-precious gemstones into contemporary and vintage-inspired designs that are out of the ordinary and engaging. Thea offers something for every jewelry lover.
~April 2005
**********************************************************
Your Chance to Win!
**********************************************************
 
From now until April 30, 2005 Sam of www.eclectic-elements.com is giving you a chance to win! We have 2 gorgeous prizes for 2 lucky Girlposse.com readers. Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!
****************************
Are you a Crafty Diva and Entrepreneurial Empress? Or do you know one that should be featured in a future Girlposse.com issue? If so, visit our Crafty Diva Info Page for the details.
****************************
send this review to a friend
2005 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame
2004 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame
2003 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame
|
|
Printer Friendly Version