Twisted Sister Arts

I am so excited to introduce Jill Lawrence of Naperville, Illinois from Twisted Sister Arts. She sells handwoven Wire jewelry, with gems and embellishment. I do wire work myself and I am in awe of the work she does. As a special treat she has sent along photos of herself in the process of making a piece.

What is your “real” life like?
Real life, past owner of Top 500 flower shops, currently employed as a blooming and plant buyer for Top 10 Flowershop chain. No children, Loving husband who dotes on me, two cats.

Interests, Wire, Cubic Zirconia, Silver, Glass Fusing, Pearls, and combining all these materials into a piece of art.


What is your process?
I currently use Parawire non tarnish silver and gold wire. I weave the wire freehand, and only use flat nose, needle nose, blunt cutters and an occasional tapestry needle (sharp) to achieve my weaving. I usually start with an idea, and weave to accomplish it. I think anything that is made of metal, I can weave to match it. I'd love t o be able to afford to go to solid silver, and gold plate, but the expense keeps me back. I want my customers to be able to afford my work.

What are your goals and vision for your business?

Short term, selling a huge loom that occupies the studio. Medium term, turning the studio, into a full studio. Setting up a business plan to achieve my long term goals. Long term, being able to hold classes to teach my work, being able to sell enough to support my husband and me.

How and where do you market your business?
I sell my work on Etsy,
http://www.twistedsisterarts.etsy.com
http://www.twistedsisterarts.com

I kept my personal twistedsisterarts.com web page even though it's not current, because I want to learn to load my own script and pictures. I also sell my work at the Wheaton French Markets in Wheaton and Chicago, Illinois. Next year, I plan to start working the art fairs.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?

http://www.etsy.com/storque/

What inspires you?
A beautiful cubic zirconia stone, a Watch movement, Cracks in concrete, Leaves on trees, Leonard Bernstein, My couch, Roast chicken. My best ideas come in the night, when I can't sleep. Right now, I've got a copper etching I want to do, 12"x12", and use leaves from our trees, to imprint with paint and then use etching solution to leave the imprint on the copper. Until I make it, I don't move on to the next idea.
I also use an "idea book" which I carry in my purse. I get inspired sometimes at work, and to keep from loosing it, I write/draw it out. When I'm uninspired, I look at it, and get the "bug" all over again.

My favorite artist... (click on artist name to link to a video)
Andrea Bocelli.

I am a fan of...

http://www.annerush.com for her inspiration and direction in jewelry trade. http://cageycrafters.invisionzone.com for starving jewelry artists
www.artjewelrymag.com
www.etsy.com
www.ganoskin.com for more inspiration and direction

Find me...

www.twistedsisterarts.etsy.com