Focus On... India Blue Jewels And A Giveaway!

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This necklace is what first caught my eye on etsy. I couldn't decide what it looked like: rocks in a river, vertebrae on a back, buds along a vine. It could be whatever you see in it, I suppose. India Blue, the shop behind this piece is backed by Heather, a San Francisco-based artist who uses precious materials to create a sense of serenity and confidence. Or at least, that's what I see in her shop. What do you see?

Read on for an interview with Heather and her generous offerings of a discount code (!) and a giveaway (!!).

{Budbreak Necklace (Pearl Edition)}

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I’m a farm-raised girl from Michigan, and have lived in the San Francisco area for the past 10 years since graduating college. In 2005 I married my sweetie who keeps me laughing and is my biggest supporter. We’re proud parents to a Whippet mix named Cheeto. When I’m not making jewelry or busy with other craft projects I love being outside (especially camping) and "off the grid" as much as possible. Having always aspired to be completely self-sufficient, my handicrafts naturally play into that aspiration.

{Protective Peridot Necklace - on Sterling Openwork Lotus Charm}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

For the past several years my obsession has been beads, gemstones and precious metals… basically anything I can string together and use to adorn myself. My favorite materials are those with interesting, detailed textures, especially crystal-dusted druzy gemstones and hammered texture metals.

{Sweeping Stardust Necklace - in 14kt Gold Fill}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

My stockpile of gems and jewelry was amassing far more quickly than I was able to gift them to my friends and family. If I was to continue my pocket-emptying patronage of the dangerously addictive gem shows, I had to figure out a way to start selling my creations. A day job and busy weekends precluded craft fairs, so I looked online. Etsy offered the best design aesthetic of any of the sites available at the time, and was a perfect way to start out at my own pace, without a huge upfront investment.

{Triple Charm Necklace - Garnet Drop, Om Symbol and Sterling Tag}

 Where do you get your inspiration?

I’d love to say the shape of a cloud, or the fur on a baby’s ear or some other highly creative and esoteric source. But, alas, I must be honest and say my inspiration comes from the materials themselves. While I definitely try to infuse nature themes into my designs, I see the most life in a gemstone’s sparkle or a charm’s texture. I try not to force a design, but combine the beautiful materials in such a way that they speak for themselves.

 {Nesting Egg Necklace, Natural Magnesite Teardrops on Sterling Chain}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

My go-to Pandora station while crafting is Lily Allen – light-hearted, happy-making “chick” music.

{Seaside Senorita Earrings, Sand Dollar Charm and Pearl on Sterling Chain}

When it's cold outside... I light a fire, grab a blanket and snuggle up to my sweetie.

{Sweeping Stardust Earrings - in Sterling Silver}

When I'm hungry... I feel proud that I haven't snacked between meals and have actually made it to "hungry"! Then, I eat.

{Sapphire Skies Necklace - Genuine Sapphire on Sterling Openwork Filigree Focal}

When I need a boost... I head outside. Fresh air beats Diet Coke any day.

{Cabernet Necklace - Purple Pearl on 14kt Gold Fill}

I wish I was/were... taller. I hate hemming pants.

{Crystal Karma Lariat Necklace - Lotus Charm and Crystal Quartz on Sterling}

If I could give one gift to anyone I know, it would be... an around-the-world travel experience to my mom. She's done so much to enable me to succeed and see the world, I'd love to return the favor (with me at her side, of course!)

{Plumbago Petal Earrings - Brushed Sterling Drops}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... Ryan Reynolds. Presuming, of course, it was at a shirtless-male coffee house. Gotta be honest.

{Ivy Crown Earrings, Keishi Pearls on Sterling}

If you were an animal, what would you be? A horse... graceful, running free.

{Droplet Necklace - Aqua Chalcedony in Textured Sterling Orb}

What's your favorite piece of your own? I'm loving my gold collections now. It's been years and years since I’ve worn gold jewelry, but as I've diversified my shop I'm remembering how beautiful it looks against the skin.

{Dove's Perch Necklace in Gold}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? I used to be a massive celeb-gossip geek, reading all the snarky blogs. Now my favorites are less-celeb (but even more snarky) sites like Don't Even Reply. My idea of perfect, ridiculous, milk-spitting humor. I also love Jimmy R. to give me a roundup of all the hot news and other funny tidbits across the web on any given day.

CONNECT:

India Blue on Etsy

India Blue on Facebook

BUY:
Heather has generously offered a 15% discount if you mention you read this interview!

WIN:
One of you lucky readers will win a $30 gift certificate to India Blue!!

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -
- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):
Head over to India Blue and tell me your favorite item!

 Extra entries (optional):
- Become a Facebook fan of India Blue.
- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.
- Add my button to your blog (in sidebar).
- Become a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.
- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time June 25, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on June 26, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. India Blue will ship anywhere in the world!