I’m excited to present an interview with a new featured artist, Mandy of Beads Me. Here’s a preview from her etsy shop:

Definitely also check out her new etsy venture Radical Glass!

How did you name your shop?

Hmm shop name? I haven’t a clue how I named it. I remember typing a name in and was really upset as someone else had it and it must have been so good (sarcastic here) that I can’t even remember what the original name was.

Tell me a little bit about your process.

The majority of my jewelry is strung on tigertail. I have over the past few months been dabbling with silver wire and wrapping it. I find working with silver wire more enjoyable, you can do almost anything with it. Tools? Round nose pliers, cutters, chain nose pliers, wig jig, fingers!!

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration is from everyday things. Especially colours, a flower or seasonal colour could inspire me. mainly I am a beadaholic who buys any bead, gemstone, finding, etc that she likes and then has to spend time thinking of what to so with it. I will make an arrangement on a beadboard, move and add things until I thin I have something that looks good, then put it together. I do look at a lot of books and mags especially for instructions on how to do something. Like I would love to have a go at chainmaille but need to get some instructions on the various techniques.

Do you have any advice for crafters just getting started?

Advice – be prepared to get addicted. If trying out wire wrapping get some hand cream and have something else ready to do should you cut yourself on the wire, these cuts are like paper cuts and can halt a decent wrap for days.

Do you have any business advice for other crafters?

Be patient. Someone will love your work. Promote yourself wherever and whenever you can. On trips out I have been known to leave business cards in ladies loos (only if they are nice clean ones).

Where else can we find you online?

My work is on sale at http://beadsme.silkfair.com and my website http://beadsmeonline.com as well as Etsy of course. On my blog too http://beadsme-mandyharvey.blogspot.com.