Etsy? You Betsy!

This feature highlights all the crafties in Maine who don’t necessarily have a physical shop or an online presence other than Etsy (etsy.com), which is like an online open craft fair that allows users to sell vintage items, handmade items that are modified, as well as unique (sometimes downright wacky), handcrafted art.

Jennifer Lisa's punk-elegant jewelry caught my attention last December at the Creatorium and her stuff through Quench Metalworks can be found on Etsy. Here's her take on these "candy" rings that look yum enough to eat:

People are always giving me their old mother of pearl buttons to incorporate into my work.  I had yet ventured into colorful buttons until my grandmother presented me with her friend's cast off sewing notions. In the box was the most fantastic, unused pink buttons. Within a few days, I set the pink button in a lovely sterling ring. I was hooked and scoured flea markets and the Internet for candy colored vintage buttons. The best find was a lot of unused black and white striped buttons. I created what I call my duo button rings... the striped button paired with a solid colored button. The black and white add a bit of extra zest to the ring.

Etsy has been the perfect venue for my home-based business.  It allows me to stay at home with my pre-school aged daughter, but gives me the tools and opportunity to show and sell my work world-wide.  I have customers in many countries including Israel, Japan, New Zealand and France.

For more information about Jen's jewelry:

quenchmetalworks.com

quenchmetalworks.etsy.com