Meet Lauren of Lapis Beach.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
A little bit about yourself. I have always loved to create and have been knitting for over 15 years. About 3 years ago, I visited a knitting convention, picked up rayon, beads and the tiniest needles I have ever seen...and I never turned back. I made hand knit bracelets for family and friends...and due to inquiries about the unique bracelets...lapisbeach was born. I love to create different color mixes for my pieces and I try to add new designs often.
Apart from creating, what do you do?
Apart from creating - I am a mother who is constantly "on call" due to one of my son's having epilepsy. I feel very fortunate I can be a stay at home mother who is able to offer my creations through etsy.
What first made you want to become an artist?
I think deep down I always wanted to be an artist- but shyed away from the idea in college. I took many art classes - but thought to be successful, I needed to focus in other areas. A Masters degree and a PhD degree later- and I am back to what I love to do...art! Hindsight is a funny thing;)
Please describe your creative process.
My creative process comes from many things. I am inspired by color and nature. I used to write all of my knitting patterns from scratch and have done the same with my knitted line of jewelry. I see a piece in my mind, and I take the needles and start to create....sometimes it works out...sometimes it does not. I constantly tweek my designs and color combinations.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
Hmmmm...I would have to say a book one of my son's made. There was such effort put into that handmade book...I will always cherish it.
Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.
My husband and I love to watch movies and I am usually knitting a piece every time- so I will go with movies I love for this one.
Overboard
The Princess Bride
So I Married an Axe Murderer
Forrest Gump
Silence of the Lambs
A Christmas Story
Music- My taste is too eclectic to desribe...I can listen to everything from classical to modern top 40 hits.
Books- I love a quick beach read...anything from James Patterson will usually do.
Websites- I guess there are a few- but when I steal moments on the computer- most are spent on Etsy.
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Advice....I am not sure I could give advice, as I am somewhat new myself. I guess I would encourage them to list new items often. Have really good photographs and even when you think they are wonderful- re-photograph items often. You would be surprised at how much better a photograph can be. It is about time for another re-shoot on my items again. I would also encourage them to read Etsy's blog. Read the marketing emails, they can inspire new creations fitting themes and color schemes.
How do you promote your work?
I stink at promotion- no matter how hard I try. I am much better promoting a friend's items- then my own. I do have a twitter account, fb account and I am considering a Kaboodle account- but I am not sure where I would find the time to fit another one in. Thank goodness I have met some wonderful friends through Etsy - who help me promote my work.
In ten years, where would you like to be?
In ten years I would love to still be creating. I would love to grow my business every year. It would be a dream come true if lapisbeach could become a full time business. I am passionate about my work and for that to be my "job" would be amazing.
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Visit Lauren's Etsy shop at http://lapisbeach.etsy.com
Follow her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001218641369&ref=ts
Cheers,
Fen Li
Bead Flora and Jewels
