"I adore making jewelry that reminds me of a movie or book or emotion so I aim to bring that out in what I sell. Everything I have in my shop I would wear myself".
A musician, artist, jewelry maker, and lover of classic and romantic styling. This weeks interview is with a wonderful and gifted artisan who's passion for her craft is reflected in her lovely and unique works. My conversations and chats with her have proven to me that she is not only talented, but more importantly, authentic and enchanting. Having allowed me the honor, I'd like to introduce you to....
Anna
She owns and operates Etsy shop
We hope you enjoy her interview.
Who is the woman behind ClassicallyRomantic? Share with us a little about yourself.
******************************
How long have you been crafting/creating?
"The earliest memory I have of making something was finger-painting in my basement when I was three or four. It was definitely my “thing”, but I soon progressed on to meager water colour, Crayola washable paint, stamping, beading with pony beads, then seed beads and rice-filled bean bags, and then I started to plateau around the age of 16. I need something new, something pretty, something I could share with others… I was introduced to Etsy in college and haven’t looked back since."
******************************
Who or what has been your greatest influence?
"My grandma and my mom are my biggest creative influences. Well, them and this one lady on TV who had a “Donna’s Day” craft show after school.
This Donna? Teehee >>>>>
My grandma crocheted her whole life and made beautiful crochet-accented pillowcases, towels, dresses, and little crocheted cross bookmarks. She was always trying to make something new to inspire or catch the eye of the younger generations as well as stay true to the craft. This push towards combining a hobby and business skills is a model I use now. My mom on the other hand never crocheted, instead she sewed. Sometimes it was clothes for school, sometimes it was an attempt at a quilt, other times it was skating dresses (I used to be a competitive figure skater until college). Purely making things and inventing new patterns is something I learned from her."
******************************
Where do you gain your inspiration for new creations?
"I like to see my work as impressionistic. Not in the exact way that paintings are but what I make comes out of a feeling or emotion. If I watched a BBC romance last night I’m probably going to make something classic and romantic today (see where my shop name comes from? Haha) But if my life is a bit unstable or stressful, I might use dark colours. I suppose a lot of people work this way too. How I view the world is very much reflected in my shop."
*******************************
When and what was your first ever
sale online or off?
"Offline! I have been selling my creations big and small at my family’s garage sales since I was a kid. I don’t know exactly what I first sold but I have a feeling it was some sort of ribbon and snowflake pony bead bookmark."
*******************************
Which of your creations is your favorite?
"Oooooo that is a tough question! I think in my shop right now, and asking me today I’d have to say I’m really fond of the jewelry that incorporates fabric as well. I like the mix of textures and patterns."
*****************************
Where can one go to find and learn more about ClassicallyRomantic?
"I have a Facebook page called Classically Romantic where I post new things and occasional coupon codes. I think the best way to find out about me would be to continue reading this post and read my profile on Etsy. Congrats, you’re halfway there!"
*******************************
Let's have a little fun....
Name one word that best describes you?
"Hopeful"
*****************************
If you won the lottery today, what would be your first purchase?
"I’d purchase the payment of my student loans, but since that really isn’t a “purchase”, I’d have to say a purple or green PT Cruiser
or a Prius.
Not because I’m a “green” person, just because I think I could save some of that money I won on gas....
because gas prices are freaking annoying right now!"
******************************
Who, living or not, famous or not would you like to meet?
"This is always a tough question, do I go with someone historically important, or someone who I think would just be good company, or a celebrity?? It I think for today I shall choose my uncle who passed away before I was born. He was my mom’s brother and from what I hear he was a great guy and a good, fun-loving musician who sadly died waiting for a heart transplant. I would really have loved to have known him."
One of the best answers to this question I've ever received! :o)
******************************
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
"When I was skating I stepped onto the ice with my guards on once…
You’re really not supposed to do that because you end up looking like Bambi on the frozen pond and falling down awkwardly…"
******************************
Aside from crafting/creating, what other activities do you enjoy?
"Reading, writing, ‘rithmatic…no scratch that last one. I love British television and most Brit culture. I am currently enraptured with Doctor Who. I also love spending time with friends and playing cello in the orchestra, playing board and card games, and watching movies, (love dramas and adventure but hate romantic comedies). I also enjoy learning, sincerely. Though I have ended my school years I pledge to never stop learning. Whether I learn from doing or listing to neuroscience podcasts, I will pursue knowledge."
"And that seems to be it!"
*****************************
It appears as so! Anna and I hope you've enjoyed and learned a little about the woman behind the scenes at Classically Romantic and we invite you to stop by her Etsy Shop for a browse or catch the latest by visiting her on Facebook.
