Interview with the artist - Charlene from Char's Jewelry Box and Holiday Stocking Co.

It's really hard to think of holiday stockings at a temperature of 88° F, but today I want you to meet the lady behind the stockings and behind that pile of beads. All together now, say hi to Charlene.
 

Baby's first Christmas

Tell us a little about who you are and where you come from.

Ah, the dreaded question. Who am I? Well, I'm a work in progress, mom to 3 grown children, gramma of 3 awesome grandchildren age 6, 7 and 9, wife of a really super guy, and I am designer/creator of handmade one of a kind jewelry and holiday stockings.
Where am I from? Now that's a really long story, but I guess I could say New York as that's where I spent my early childhood. At the age of 14 we left there heading west, then north to Alaska, south to Arkansas, then back to Alaska. Currently I live in beautiful Oregon, the southern part about 100 miles north of California.

What's your craft/art and how did you get to it in the first place?

Lately and for the past 6 years I've been making jewelry which began out of what I felt was necessity when I worked for a well known bead company in the customer service call center. It made sense to me to know everything I could about jewelry making and supplies so that I could provide customers with the best answers to their questions. Having experiences in techniques as well as product knowledge would be helpful. I quickly became addicted to this art form which has helped me to relax, stay centered, be happy and give to others.

Asymmetrical copper seed bead earrings

I think this is one of the most asked questions - where does your inspiration come from?

There's no one specific area where my inspiration comes from. Sometimes it's a color or something in nature. Other times it's a song or sound I hear. Shapes often inspire me, too. It's pretty random, but one thing for certain is when the mood hits me I have got to go with it.

Tell us a fun thing about yourself.

Not sure if this would be considered fun for everyone, but I really like kid related movies. My all time favorite to date is "Despicable Me" which I have watched at least 40 times, mostly with my grandkids. They always ask to watch it when they come visit and I gladly oblige. I mean how could I possibly say no?
(Cat's Wire: No chance. I love that movie, too!)

Indigo blue Swarovski earrings

Do you do other crafts, if yes, what?

Yes, I also sew. For as long as I can remember I've had a knack for doing things with my hands. What I mean is I have a keen tactile sense. I love the feel of fabrics and the many things you can do with them. I began sewing as a child making doll clothes. Later on I made clothes for my kids, then on to stockings for the holidays and still do to this very day.

Which one of your pieces is your absolute favorite? Which one was the hardest to make and why?

Oh, I have so many favorites, it would be impossible for me to choose just one. The most difficult piece though is easy for me to say. That would be a wire wrap bracelet I made several months ago. It was my first attempt at something that is totally wire with each link having to be a specific size and shape. Connecting the links was a major challenge to me. The end result was really pretty, but I still need to work on the technique before I call it good. I took a photo of it dangling in a wine glass that had pink pearls in it, then posted it and got lots of positive feedback which was reassuring that I could accomplish a new skill.

Deep red howlite teardrop necklace

Is there someone whom you admire and who inspires you?

Not an attempt to garner any favoritism, Catrin, but I truly admire your work, and nearly every piece I've had the pleasure to view has really knocked my socks off! You inspire me and that's the truth.
(Cat's Wire: Please excuse me while I go hide my red head under a blanket ... thank you, Charlene!)

If you had free choice of just one supply you can use for your craft/art, what would you be dreaming of, no matter how expensive?

That's an easy one to answer, and it would be precious metal wire in different gauges and hardness, preferably gold.

Do you sell online, if yes, where can we find you?

I sell my jewelry online at Char's Jewelry Box on Zibbet and from my Facebook page when you message me. I also sell stockings online at Holiday Stocking Co. where I also have some of the jewelry and my husband's fine art paintings.

Buffalo Shield

Is there anything you feel you need or want to tell the world outside now?

Come visit my shops or any of the networks that I'm on, and please be sure to comment on my posts because feedback is always appreciated and helps me to grow.
I'd also like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

I want to thank Charlene for letting us get to know her a little more.
Be sure to check out her shops and have fun browsing!