Artist Feature and Giveaway: Lillyella

Mercury, the Roman messenger god, rules Wednesday and all things relating to the planet Mercury. In Greek mythology the equivalent of Mercury is Hermes. Thus, on this auspicious day of tidings I bring you a new series featuring Etsy artisans. Etsy is a community where one can find handmade items created by individuals all over the world. As a fellow artist and creator this is a community I feel greatly connected to. I would much rather support and empower an individual than a large corporate entity.

With tremendous pleasure I begin this series with an inspirational muse I came across on Etsy. Her name is Nicole Morinec and her company and shop on Etsy is called Lillyella. Nicole creates gorgeous jewelry with a vintage flair. She joined the Etsy community in February of 2008 and already has over 2800 sales!!! The girl is a talented artist AND knows how to run a business, the perfect equation for success. Nicole has been spotlighted in the Etsy Handmade Blog called the Storque where she shares fabulous tips.

Besides being a highly talented jewelry artist she also has a very fun and informational blog. It's become quite clear to me that those with a background in the arts have an edge when they begin a business venture. Before launching her Etsy shop, Nicole was a graphic designer. You can see this in her attention to detail in both her jewelry creations, her website, product photos and packaging. In fact, I discovered Lillyella while building a treasury on Etsy. It was the beautiful photos of her wares that lured me in, just like a bee to honey.

If you are a regular reader of this journal then you already know that I have a little obsession with beauty. Lillyella exudes beauty on all levels and I feel blessed to have crossed paths with Nicole, I hope you will too. Here are a few of my favorite items from her shop, which one day I intend on owning.

The Bee Charmer earrings pictured at left I own with little topaz brown flower beads, instead of yellow. I adore them.

Starling Plume Bracelet

The Secret Life of Bees, winner of the Etsy Spring Gift Guide vote!

So, lets begin with a little interview:

1.) What is the one thing you find most inspiring to feed your creative spirit?

Oh boy, why am I struggling so with this question. I think the reality is that my creative spirit never really needs feeding, it's always overpowering everything else in my life. What is most hard for me is trying to shut it off for even a minute - if I have something else to do or when I'm trying to fall alseep especially. It's nearly impossible for me to focus on anything that doesn't involve creating - my mind just wanders to thoughts of the next project. I love it, and would never change that about myself, but it can be exhausting at times.

2.) What is your favorite scent from the natural world?

I'd have to say grapefruit. Does that count? I never eat the darn things but the smell - I've always loved it. Another would be lily of the valley. Reminds me of my mother and grandmother and days when life was 'simpler'.

3) If you were queen of a village what would you wish for your kingdom?

Wow, these questions are tough! I'm no beauty queen so I won't say world peace, though of course I think every queen would wish that. The one thing I keep coming back to is justice. I'm not sure our 'system' provides enough of that. True justice - getting what you deserve for what you did - plain and simple. And of course, I would be the one deciding what you deserve, since it is my kingdom and all.

4.) You are obviously both a very creative individual and business savvy, how do you balance both these aspects of yourself and your business?

Balance - that's a great word. Everyday I find myself wishing for more balance, though mostly with time and trying to fit in 'leisure'!

In regards to balancing my creative spirit with my business savvy, I'd have to say practice, experience and dedication.

I have really great parents who taught me a strong work ethic since the time I was young. They also allowed me to be creative and fall into what I was meant to do. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to pursue an artistic career (graphic design) which I was truly passionate about it. And because I was so passionate about it, I worked really hard to advance my career and get to a place I wanted to be. To do this, I really had to learn what it takes to make it in the business world, but still be a good artist, and it all just stuck with me. I feel lucky, actually, that I have both skills - I feel like it's a gift - and I know it has directly affected my success.

5.) Who is your favorite artist?

I've always had a few favorites:

• M.C. Escher. Not only did he have an amazing eye for pattern and composition but an amazing talent with his woodcuts

• Georgia O'Keeffe. I think this love needs no explaining.

• Salvador Dali. I generally lean towards realism which is why this is an odd favorite for me but I think the extraordinary lack of limitation in his imagination and how he translated it to paper is what always drew me in.

Now, onto dessert...the Giveaway! Please know that this has been completely inspired by Lillyella who, in my experience, is the QueenBee of the Giveaway.

The winner will have the chance to choose a piece from Nicole's shop, excluding limited run items

Here's how to enter:
Begin by leaving a comment on this post mentioning your favorite Lillyella design and some suggestions on what you would like to see more of in her shop. You can enter once per day and you must include your first name -and- etsy username or email address with each entry or it will not be included.

For additional entries, you can do the following and post in the comments to let me know:
(2 extra) Twitter this Giveaway
(3 extra) Follow my blog (if you already follow, just let me know)

(3 extra) Follow Lillyella's blog (if you already follow, just let me know)
If you do any of these you must let me know for your additional entries to be included.

You have until 9 am (pst) on Monday, March 30th to enter. I will announce the winner that Monday afternoon. Good luck!

Note:
My daughter Eve is a huge fan of Lillyella as well as a blogger, thus, I am allowing her to be join this giveaway contest. Instead of Eve picking out the name, this time we will have Maestro Gregorio choose the lucky winner.