Featured Artisan

Linda of LamoreAllure.Etsy.com - Handcrafted Jewelry & Art.

Jewelry Artisan: Linda of LamoreAllure.Etsy.com - Handcrafted Jewelry & Art.

Tell us a little about yourself:
I grew up in a home environment where creativity was the norm. My parents were always making something neat. My first lesson in creativity happened when my Barbi doll needed clothes. My Mom was too busy to make her any. I begged her to let me use the sewing machine and after some lessons I was designing my own doll clothes. Later, I started making my own clothes and I would often sew the same outfit for my Barbi.

I've always been creative. I've done lots of crafts. I used to quilt, and make dried flower arrangements. I discovered watercolor painting in 1999, and began to show and sell my work. I taught watercolor painting for the Adult Education Program for about years in Ipswich.
Now, I've fallen in love with jewelry making. This passion began simply because I was curious and I took a silver wire bracelet class. How could I know I would so quickly become hooked on this form of art? I love working with wire and beautiful beads. I can't seem to stop experimenting and learning new techniques.

Beside, my silver wire creations I using shrink plastic, antique buttons, and fiber in some of my work. I'm also making enameled jewelry. It's all fun and fascinating.

My first piece of jewelry:
I'm not sure what my first piece of jewelry was, but I do remember putting a penny in a machine at the movie theater and getting a copper pendant back from the squashed penny. I thought that was neat. At around ten I started decorating the boxes of jewelry I received with cut up greeting cards. I would coat them with clear nail polish. I didn't know that was decoupage! I kept my jewelry in a dresser drawer. I would look at and admire it way more than I wore it.
When my Mom passed away I received her antique jewelry collection which I cherish. I'd love to know the stories behind these pieces.

What inspires you?
There's much that inspires me. I'm usually visually inspired, and I'm affected by color, paintings, photographs and magazines. I'm always inspired when I'm in nature. I love being in the woods, and taking sunset ocean walks. I'm a inspired by the creations of other artisans. Dreams inspire me, too.

Describe your style:
My style in jewelry making is not shy. The jewelry is bold and fun to wear, but my style is still evolving because I enjoy experimenting. I have so many ideas I want to try - who know what this will lead to.

Who is your harshest critic?
I don't think I have a critic other than myself. I usually show my jewelry to friends and family before I put it up for sale. Maybe, my daughter is my critic. If she likes it - it's a go. So far she's liked just about everything.

How did you come up with your company name?
Coming up with my company name was difficult. I wrote down pages of name ideas -very creative descriptive names. Then, I decided it would be best to use my last name and Lamore Allure was born.

Store: LamoreAllure.Etsy.com

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