Focus On... Sarah B Flanagan! {And A Giveaway!}

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Sarah B Flanagan

{if her photography doesn't reel you in, then her free US shipping will!}

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I’m a midwestern girl, wife of a charming and wonderful guy, mother to a lovely 3 year old girl who has the kind of energy I’d like to bottle, and owner of a loyal, goofy mutt named Flynn.  

One year ago I listened to a persistent daydream: I left my job as a lawyer to turn my jewelry hobby into a full-time gig.  The transition has not been without bumps, but I feel lucky to be doing what puts a smile on my face and I look forward to all that is ahead.

{yellow jade pendant}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I work primarily with fine silver, argentium sterling silver and 14k gold fill wire, coupled with semi-precious gemstones.  I use other materials, but those are my favorite.  I fell in love with fine silver after taking a class with Anne Mitchell (who teaches a lot about low tech metalsmithing).  Fine silver and argentium are tarnish-resistant metals (which is a huge benefit) and I don’t need chemicals, solder, flux, acid, etc. to work with them.  They are both so versatile.

And then there are gemstones.  I always need to keep myself in check when buying because I can so easily get lost in that world of color.  I love the way high-quality gemstones sparkle and I love the endless designs that flood my mind when I look at them.  

{faceted carnelian pendant}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I started getting requests from relatives and friends of current customers who live outside of Milwaukee and I needed a good way to be able to showcase my jewelry for them.  I thought Etsy would enable me to reach a broader audience.  And my hope is that it will be keep the sales going between shows.  

It has been a wonderful way to connect with other artisans - and that is proving invaluable.

{jade orbit pendant}

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everyday surroundings and certainly the materials themselves.  

Nature is full of unique color combinations, different shapes and different textures - all of which can be brought to life in jewelry.  I took my daughter to the beach one day last summer.  She was wearing a bright orange and pink dress and she was having a blast sticking her toes into Lake Michigan.  I was sitting on the beach marveling at the sea of blue with this bright spot of color.  That was the inspiration behind my “Josie” necklace. I have it pictured on my website.

Sometimes the inspiration comes solely from the materials.  It is not uncommon for me to stumble on some gorgeous gemstones and create a design simply to showcase them.

{brushed sterling square earrings}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

My current go to is Joshua Radin. 

When it's cold outside... I like to snuggle under warm blankets and read (or sleep--I don’t seem to do enough of that).

{blue/green crackle agate pendant}

When I'm hungry... I get moody.  

When I need a boost... I go workout.  If there is no time, I grab a Diet Coke.

{kyanite pendant}

I wish I was/were... more patient.  I agree that it is a virtue.  It just doesn’t happen to be a virtue of mine.

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... Jon Stewart.  I think he is an incredibly funny, intelligent guy. 

{tourmalinated milky quartz pendant}

If you were an animal, what would you be?  I was asked this question one time when I was interviewing at a law firm.  I was at a complete loss for a good, quirky answer then...and now.

{white freshwater pearl pendant}

What's your favorite piece of your own?  I love making my beaded orbit necklaces.  There are so many ways that I can bring color and various themes to life in them.  Of the ones I currently have for sale in my Etsy shop, I’d say the sunset orbit necklace.  

{sunset orbit necklace}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

I love Zen Habits.  I’ll never be that organized, but it is a nice goal. I also check in frequently to No Meat Athlete.  I’m not a full-fledge vegetarian, but I flirt with it and really enjoy healthy cooking.

Design-wise: I love Crafting an MBA.  Great info.  Well done.

You can find Sarah 

on her site, 

on facebook, 

on twitter, 

and, of course, on etsy!

Sarah has so graciously offered to give away one small silver orbit pendant (a $36 value!) to a lucky winner!

- 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 Sarah B. Flanagan and tell me your favorite item!

Extra entries (optional):

- Like Sarah B. Flanagan on facebook!

- Follow Sarah B. Flanagan on twitter!

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- 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 September 24, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on September 25, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Sarah will ship anywhere in the world!