This week's featured artist appeared in our first-ever handmade holiday guide. She's a jewelry maker that finds inspiration in all things, including trash! Let's meet Karen!
Name: Karen Milroy, 33
Hometown: Bohemia, NY
Occupation: Office Manager for WBAB and WBLI
Craft: Hand-crafted jewelry
Web sites: web.mac.com/karenmilroy and www.karenmilroy.com
How did you get into making jewelry?
I have always loved crafts. They provide me with a way of expressing myself artistically that is truly fun and fulfilling. About six years ago, I immersed myself in making jewelry, and instantly I knew that I had found my passion! I got so much positive feedback on my creations that I was inspired to look for new and interesting concepts that transcend traditional jewelery. Recently, I was compelled to take pottery and stained glass classes and found ways to incorporate glass and pottery into my wearable art.
What's your best craft tip?
Try to have patience and keep an open mind. There are so many new and interesting directions you can go with hand-crafted jewelry if you just think about different ways of creating. You can't be afraid to try new things and experiment with non-traditional materials and methods. You take what you've discovered and incorporate it into a new twist on wearable art. I love to watch a new method evolve and to see how each of my concepts relate to each other. Whether it's photos, glass, shells, beads or a combination of methods, every day I feel like a jewelery explorer.
Where do you find inspiration?
I'm inspired by things that are interesting to me, whether its from nature, a store or a pile of trash. My interest in glass creations started when I found an old window frame that someone discarded in a trash pile. I knew when I saw it that I could use it for something, but I wasn't sure exactly what. I ended up creating amazing transparencies that gave the illusion of stained glass. I brought the concept to wearable art, and now I create one-of-a-kind glass photo necklaces that are very unique and have become my signature item.
What craft would you like to try next?
My next step is to try metalsmithing. I am intrigued by the feeling of metal in my hand and how solid and permanent it feels. I know that something I create out of metal will be around for ages. My metallic creations will be the next generation of antiques. It's interesting to me to think about how future generations will perceive the art I'm creating today. Will my art stand the test of time? I don't obsess about that concept, but I must admit that it crosses my mind when I create something that seems to have timeless appeal.
What are your favorite local craft stores?
I mostly shop at A.C. Moore and some local bead stores including Beads & Stitches and Park Ave Beads. I find myself searching for new places to visit each day. I will go to local thrift stores and just walk around until I find something I can create with. I'll even search out bead and craft stores when I go on trips. I love to visit as many bead stores as I can and if I know I'm going on a trip I will google the words "bead stores" in the area to see if I can find new inspiration. I am more into supporting local bead stores and would rather visit them then the typical chain stores.
What's your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is having a full-time job and finding time to craft and build my Web site. I want to get more into selling my pieces and I find it hard with having a full-time job. My Web site is still a work in progress because you can't actually buy from it. I have my e-mail listed on each page and people can e-mail me with questions or let me know if they are interested in anything. I tell everyone it makes my business a little more personal. On the upside, having a full-time job in a business with over 100 employees gives me a built in client base. At least twice per year I put on a sale at work and everyone is happy to purchase a piece or two.
Do you have any advice for beginners?
Stick to it, don't be afraid to try new things and never get discouraged by the occassional learning curve. The most important part of crafting is doing something that makes you happy and inspires you to create. You have to start small but have big dreams and not be in a rush to get there. If, after a while, you feel that you are no longer intrigued by a particular medium, you can always move on to another until you find the one that will move you to the next level. That is how you find your passion.
Why do you love your particular craft?
I love making jewelry because I know that I can always incorporate other media into it. I do stained glass and pottery and I can utilize those skills to expand on my jewelry pieces. There are no limits. I can always learn something new. My most recent discovery is stamping and it has become my new favorite skill. Now I can incorporate different materials, photos and text into any of my pieces, giving new life to an item and offering a way to provide jewelery with a truly unique personality that is inspirational to it's owner.
For more information on Karen Milroy's jewelry designs, visit her Web sites: web.mac.com/karenmilroy and www.karenmilroy.com
Want to show off your creative side? Local crafters are invited to send me an e-mail with pictures showing off your favorite craft and you might be chosen as our next DIYer of the Week!
