Today’s featured etsy artist is Designs by Victoria. Victoria makes beautiful jewelry, as evidenced here:

And now, let’s get to know her:

How did you pick your shop name?

I wish I’d been more creative, but “Designs by Victoria” is easy to remember, you have to admit.

This may be obvious, but what is your medium? What kinds of materials and tools do you use?

I do mainly wire-wrapped jewelry, in sterling silver and brass, but also do some accessories, like my embellished parasols, and the occasional odd bit of sewing.

Tell me a little bit about your process, from a new idea for a piece to the finished product.

For my one of a kind items, they usually start forming in that grey period when I’m half asleep, either right before falling asleep or as I’m waking up. They’ll percolate for a couple of days, and then when I think my conscious mind has a good picture, I’ll give it a try. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but the process is always fun.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists/crafters in your medium?

Practice on non-precious wire first. I was given that bit of advice, myself, and was glad of it, as I wasted a lot of yardage while learning.

I never got that advice, and I did waste a lot of silver. But now I just use my scraps for fused stuff, so I guess it worked out okay.

Any business advice for artists/crafters just starting to sell their work?

Don’t be afraid to promote yourself. It’s a tough market for jewelry sellers, there being so many of us, so you are your own best asset.

Victoria also makes parasols

What is the last song/album you listened to? (I’m just curious, I love music.)

Voltaire’s To the Bottom of the Sea

Do you sell your work anywhere other than etsy?

I do an occasional local fair or convention, but Etsy’s now my main selling venue. I post all my in-person event info to my business livejournal.

Are there other websites where we can find you?

Website: www.designsbyvictoria.com
Livejournal: http://dbvictoria.livejournal.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/dsgnbyvictoria