2008 Crafty Bastards Vendor Spotlight: Liz Mathews

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Liz Mathews combines gocco, beading, and metalsmithing to create unique, feminine, nature-inspired jewelry. She hand fabricates each piece using artists lucite, and then sets them in sterling. Check out some of this Baltimore artist’s creations in her etsy shop, and read more about her work process on her blog. Because of the nature of her unique process, no two pieces are alike, so get there bright and early to check out all the new jewelry she’ll be showing for the first time!

1. Using just three words, how would you describe your work?

graphic, romantic, and unique

2. What are you doing to prepare for Crafty Bastards? Are there any new products or techniques that you will be trying out for this show?

I’m busy making tons of work, coming up with a new, more hip booth design, and getting new postcards and business info ready. I plan on debuting lots of new work at CB! You will find new patterns, new images, and new kinds of jewelry in my booth. I am also creating new work at different price points that will be debuting at the show, and Im super excited to see how it goes!

3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?

Although jewelry is EVERYWHERE in the hand made craft industry, I believe my work stands out because of the fresh new way I am using my material. Each piece of work is hand fabricated using artists lucite that has been hand drawn, or gocco printed. The lucite is then set in sterling silver bezels that are created using traditional metalsmithing techniques. I have combined many different “DIY” (gocco, beading, metalsmithing) techniques to make something that is uniquely my own!

4. Starting an independent shop takes a lot of dedication, planning and hard work. At what point did you realize you had the chops to start your own indie craft business?

It’s a TOUGH path to take! I am still a VERY new business owner, and everyday I encounter another challenge! I guess it wasn’t something that I just realized I wanted to do one day, its simply the path I have always been on.

5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies?

Anywhere I can find them!! Craft stores, antique stores, mail order companies…. You name it…

7. After seeing your work, many would-be crafters are inspired to start their own creations. Will you have any DIY kits available for sale at Crafty this year? Could you provide any simple how-to’s or tips for readers who want to get started on their own designs?

I would suggest that people look on sights like etsy, or read as many blogs as possible to be well informed about what is already out there. Then try to add something new, or put your own twist on your work. You want to be different! And always make sure your having fun! Its easy to get discouraged or overwhelmed while your trying to make a go of your business. Just keep in mind why you started it in the first place!