My featured artist for this week is the talented Helen of Beadevolution. Helen is a fellow Australian and DUST member who creates bold and edgy pieces for those who love chunky jewellery. So let's find out more about Helen and her wonderful creations.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am originally from South Africa but have been living in Melbourne for the past three years. I have a background in Human Resource Management as well as having trained as a chef but I am pretty busy being a mother to my three young children at the moment and so am keen to avoid the corporate world. As well as my business, Beadevolution, I import and sell furniture on ebay (interiors are another passion!)
Describe yourself in five words.
I asked my husband to come up with five words to describe me - I think he is pretty accurate:
passionate, focussed, creative, caring and MESSY - I won't argue with the last...
passionate, focussed, creative, caring and MESSY - I won't argue with the last...
Blue Feathered Resin Bangle (inspired by the Melbourne Cup fashions)
When and how did you first start crafting/creating?
I have always been creating something - I see myself as a specialist in 'putting things together' - interiors, gardens, food and now Beadevolution is just an extension of that. I have long been a collector of beads and have been making jewelry for friends for a few years. My store Beadevolution is still a new baby and is still 'evolving'.
What do you create and what are your favourite materials with which to work?
I make mostly resin jewelry. Beaded resin creations and chunky bangles, rings etc. I have become so entranced with the resin making process that I can see myself creating all my own beads from scratch - although it is a very time consuming process. I love the uniqueness of each piece - especially the coloring process - no two pieces will ever be the same. It is also an incredibly tactile medium and the sanding of each piece of handmade resin is a joy in itself.
When and how did you start selling online?
I have only recently opened my Beadevolution store on Etsy and am building my own website now. I have been selling furniture on ebay for a couple of years but this is my first online selling of my own handmade products.
Describe your store in 5 words.
Five words to describe my store would be: bright, bold, funky, colourful and tactile.
Who or what are the influences behind your creations?
My influences come from all around me. I am lucky to live very close to the beach and am working on some beach pebble inspired resin pieces at the moment. Some of my colour combinations come from looking at what is growing in my garden or at the colours in a favorite item of clothing or fabric.
Where can we find you online?
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/beadevolution
Website: http://beadevolution.com.au
Special Offer: Helen is offering all Two Cheeky Monkeys readers 10% OFF any purchase in her store during the month of November! Simply let her know that you found out about her store from this blog and she will refund you the difference.
I have always been a huge fan of resin jewellery ever since I discovered Dinosaur Designs. Lovely work Helen :) I ♥ your bangles especially the Melbourne Cup inspired feather one.
ReplyDeleteGreat feature. I love chunky bracelets!
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