Interview with Darling Dilemma

Emma of Darling Dilemma has so kindly provided a piece her work for a blog giveaway! Read below for a little background on Darling Dilemma via an interview with the feature artist:

1. When did you first start creating your own jewelry?
Back in high school I would make myself long strings of tiny seed beads, in various colours to match specific outfits or wardrobe pieces. As time went on the strands got a bit more advanced, as did my understanding of colour & before I knew it friends would ask me to make them one & strangers would compliment me on the street & in shops. When I first decided to sell some on Etsy it was intially because I had too many beads building up & I couldn't figure out how to ship my paintings, but it quickly took on a life of its own (& now I have more beads than ever!).

2. What type of materials do you work with most often?
Semi-precious stone & czech glass, I source my beads from all over! I never miss a chance to check out a bead shop & then I constantly hunt online for unique beads to fill out my collection.

3. What are the sources of inspiration for the pieces you create?
Gee... it can be really anything! I often find that the seasons guide me to colour choices, which is why I named several of my lines after them (currently 'Fall in Love' & 'Winter of Content'), but also my favorite colours currently in the stores (I love to shop!) or my own favorite article of clothing. Of course I also do a lot of custom pieces or take requests & that extra bit of challenge to create something in someone else's favorites really inspires me!

4. Do you sell your jewelry anywhere else besides your Etsy site?
Currently I find that Etsy meets my needs & I like the community of it! I also do a lot of sales directly thru the networking of my facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/DarlingDilemma taking most of my custom orders there. I try to make it out to some local craft shows as well, but being a mother & having two jobs besides Darling Dilemma, keeps me pretty busy!
My next show/sale will be at the New Maryland Christmas Theme Craft Show, this Saturday (November 20) at the New Maryland rec centre from 8am-4pm

5. How often do you typically produce a new piece?
I try to bead nearly every night. Some pieces can take one night, some several. Of course motherhood & sleep sometimes win out over beading....

6. How would you describe your personal style?
Mostly business casual I suppose. I spend a lot of time driving & then working with children so I need to be comfortable, but I really can't resisit making an outfit 'mine'. I have huge amounts of jewelry (imagine that!!) & plenty of colour. These days I've been rocking the mid length denim skirts with chunky shoes, tights (in colours or patterns), a great sweater & chunky jewelry. I also bought amazing legwarmers on etsy that were hand crocheted.... oh gosh they are gorgeous! I sell on Etsy but I am also a complete Etsy addict!

You can find out more on Emma's lovely jewelry and other works through Darling Dilemma's...

Etsy site

Facebook page

Blog

If you haven't already, be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the Autumn Gold necklace!