Etsy: Suze Loves Expresso-Self A-Latte! & Giveaway

I love Expresso-Self A-Latte. The owner, Wendy, sells beautiful polymer clay jewelry.

I like the beautiful floral designs and the bold colors.

There's plenty to choose from. 

Wendy doesn't only make jewelry, she also decorate pens, business card holders, etc. That's such a great idea.

I've asked Wendy a few questions, so you can find out more about her and her designs.

Where did you learn your craft?

I learned how to do polymer clay by studying polymer clay books, then practicing, and then studying some more, etc. I did take one class on making faux lapis lazuli. In the last two years or so I have been watching videos, then practicing some more. I have had no formal art training. I have been playing with polymer clay for about 10 years.

My background is actually in social work. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker, military veteran, Christian, stay-at-home mom, and artist! I used to do mental health therapy. Now I am my only patient, and my treatment plan is playing with polymer clay.

How did your Etsy adventure start?

My adventure started August 2006. I decided that I would at least try to sell things on Etsy. I would be more likely to sell my creations if people saw them! I started out making brooches, then pens and later barrettes. I had little interest in making necklaces and earrings. Then I discovered polymer clay embroidery (or applique), and now I mainly make earrings and necklaces! I still make lots of pens, but very few barrettes and no brooches.

What inspires you?

So many things inspire me! It is hard to have enough time to try all of the ideas I have. Nature is a big inspiration. Flowers, trees, sunsets, rocks, etc. I also get inspired by clothes, greeting cards, cakes, purses, rugs, furniture... I will see a pattern or color combination and want to try it on jewelry or pens. Other artists are very inspirational as well. I will be looking at something, and one of my daughters with know that I am thinking about how I can transfer the idea to one of my creations.

What are your plans for the future?

 I would like to grow my business in the future. My kids are finishing elementary school, so I feel I have more time to spend on this. By the time my kids are in college I would like my business to be steady and bringing in enough income to work four days a week. I would like to continue doing new things with polymer clay embroidery with necklaces, earrings and pens. 

Is there any good advice you'd like to share with my readers?

It has just been in the last few years that I have thought of myself as an artist. I can not draw. I am not even very good at stick figures! I always thought being an artist meant you had to be able to draw. I have discovered that this is not true. This was very freeing and powerful for me. I want everybody to realize that they can be an artist in their own individual way.  

I love that Wendy is always trying something new and that she's constantly developing her skills.

Wendy's shop is amazing and she's such a friendly person.

Enjoy shopping!

One very lucky reader of my blog will receive a wonderful prize:

The winner of this giveaway will receive this beautiful sunflower necklace. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  I will contact the winner via email. If I don't get a reply within 60 hours the prize will go to someone else. All of my giveaways are international.