Top 5 Spotlight: Honey from the Bee
Name: Honey from the Bee
Web: http://www.honeyfromthebee.com
About the shop: I sell handmade Artisan jewelry
What’s your story, how did you get started?
It all began in the rainy northwest town of Vancouver. My husband was traveling during the week and my days and evenings with the dogs were just not enough stimulation. I had always been a needle worker. The bead store in town was advertising this class where you covered a bottle with beaded netting. I think it was just a ruse to get me in the store, because once I saw the bins and walls covered in different shapes, colors and textures of beads I was a goner. A beader was born!
Fast forward a couple years and finding myself creating more jewelry than I could giveaway or wear I could see a life outside my cubicle at art shows. The internet selling followed a year or so later and that’s where I am today.
What’s your muse?
It’s absolutely true that you can find inspiration anywhere. Nature for sure is a muse as I spend a lot of time in it, but I also find inspiration in other cultures through traveling and my books. I read a lot, love going to museums, and sometimes create just from color combinations that give me that “this is so right” feeling.
I know my muse is with me when the world around me disappears for a time and I have only the focus of finding the right beads, method and process to create my next piece of artisan jewelry.
Maybe it’s because I think too much, but I often create stories or attach memories to my statement necklaces. I know that the person who purchases one of my jewelry pieces brings their own memories and stories, but that’s what makes me the happiest! When someone says you created this necklace just for me, because this happened in my life or I love all things orange.. whatever the reason that makes them feel connected… that is the greatest feeling in the world to a creator of handmade goods.
What are your favorite materials when creating?
I love semi-precious stones, because each one is different and gives energy to a jewelry piece whether earrings, a bracelet, brooch or necklace. Found objects and vintage parts bring their history with them and often find they will help me find the other beads and materials in my stash that are needed to tell their story or a new story for the next chapter in their lives.
I use a ton of different methods and processes in my artisan jewelry and continue to add to my repertoire. Not only do I like exploring and learning new things, I feel that gives me the freedom to create that piece in my head the way it was intended. I don’t think I really have a favorite method. I probably go through stages of using one method more than others, but not for long.
What are your goals?
My goals in the next year include simplifying my social networking time, because I want more time to dream and create. I enjoy blogging and meeting people via that avenue, because I feel there’s more honesty or maybe more real interaction than some other routes.
Changes in my personal life have curtailed my participating in most physical shows, but I’m always open to meeting folks and bringing my black bag for face-to-face meetings at coffee shops or wherever. I actually miss part of that connection by selling online, but in exchange I get to reach out to other places in the U.S. as well as overseas. That’s been a lot of fun.
Any advice to share?
I’m in a different time and place than many others in our country. I’ve had a few traditional careers through the high tech era and am now able to do what I love and create the jewelry I love.
To sell online you have to be persistent, patient, particular and popular. And what I mean by the latter is that you can’t just post your work and expect the crowds to come. You have to sell yourself and network. I’m not the best marketer, but I know that’s what is needed. I figure I’ll just be the first three P’s and eventually, hopefully, the Popular will follow.
Want to be featured as a Top 5 Spotlight? Fill out the simple form for crafters or bloggers. Or email me at lillypeadesigns@gmail.com!
