Talk to Me Tuesday!

I met Eileen from Dorset Hill Beads through my sister, Lauren. She's a lampwork beader and told me she nominated Dorset Hill's "Day of the Dead–Mr. Stripy the Skull" (top picture) for a Day of the Dead contest on Etsy. I logged on and voted for the skull and checked out HER SHOP. It's filled with beautiful beads and jewelry. Please check it out, as there are too many great things for me to post here!

Why the name Dorset Hill Beads?

Good question...My studio is in my home which was built on land that was once a sheep farm, Dorset sheep to be exact...Thus the name, Dorset Hill Beads...

How did you discover your talent in jewelry/beadmaking? 

I've always been into crafts ever since I can remember...I learned to knit when I was very young by my mother...My aunt was a beader and made beautiful beaded flowers, rings etc...So I think beading and crafting is in blood...I started making jewelry about 18 years ago and found lampwork beads to be amazing...I was encouraged to learn the craft of melting glass and decided to dive in...I love melting glass and creating fun, unique beads...

What is your favorite thing to create?

I go through phases...I tend to lean toward focals when I'm at the torch so you see lots of them in my shop...I've been getting back into making jewelry and creating with wire lately...I find both very enjoyable but there is nothing like being behind my torch and zoning into creating beads...

What inspires your designs?

I'm inspired by nature, color, art and the encouragement of other lampwork artists to try new techniques and tools...

Do you have a favorite item in your shop? 

I love my Littles...Each one has it's own unique look to them...They have a special place in my heart but I sure wish they would all find loving homes...

What was your most unusual custom order?

I wouldn't say this was an unusual custom order but I was asked to make 40 black and white beads which I found challenging since I wanted to splash a little color in them...I got them finished and a satisfied customer...

What is your most productive time of day? 

If you're talking about my creating, I'd have to say at night when everyone is in bed or calmed down for the night...

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

Hopefully, still on Etsy with all new beads and the ones listed today SOLD...I also see some of my jewelry items in a few local boutiques...I'm working on that one...

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

I can't live without my COFFEE and my coffee maker...I have the best, DeLonge...

Anything else you want to share?

I also have a blog in which I share my beads, jewelry and other Etsian crafters work...I really enjoy promoting other people’s work...It's nice to be noticed in such a big sea of handmade goods...I hold a monthly giveaway in which I pick a Theme for Thursday each week...My readers are to guess my Theme or just leave a comment, are then entered into the monthly drawing...The winner gets "something special" from my studio...Not necessarily glass because I do enjoy many other crafts as well...I have lots of fun with my Themes...My blog address is ... http://www.dorsethillbeads.blogspot.com

 

I would like to share with your readers my husband's craft as well...He also creates in our home, the most wonderful smelling and burning candles out there...Handmade by him...I opened an Etsy shop dedicated to his candles... Dave's Homemade Serenity Candles ... http://www.daveshomemade.etsy.com