Celebrating Crafts and Christmas with Casey!

The "Celebrating Crafts and Christmas" blog party continues with another Etsy shop owner - Casey Herringshaw!

Many of you book bloggers out there know Casey through Writing for Christ... The Audience of One, Casey's personal blog. That's how I first "met" Casey. But I've also had the pleasure of meeting her in person (as shown in the above picture!) - along with the pleasure of being one of her jewelry customers!

Casey is a sweet, talented, and creative person, and her jewelry sparkles just like her personality. =) I've bought some of her pieces for myself and for family and friends, and I've been quite pleased with the quality and the colors of her jewelry! (You can click on the various jewelry pictures throughout this post to go to those pages on her online shop and do some shopping!)

Keep reading to learn more about Casey's crafts - and about her fun giveaway!

***

Amber: Welcome, my friend! One Dictionary.com definition of the word “craft” is: “an art, trade, or occupation requiring special skill…” How did you get started in the jewelry “craft,” and what special skills does your craft require? 

Casey: I got started in making Bug’s Beads when the owner of the company decided she didn’t want to keep upon the time it took to make all the bracelets and necklaces as her daughter was leaving for college. For me, taking the jewelry was a step out of my comfort zone because I not a crafty person, but slinging beads on a wire, fortunately, doesn’t take a great deal of talent and I can play with colors and patterns to my heart’s content. =)

Amber: Sounds like a good deal to me! Please share one of your favorite Etsy shops/jewelry businesses. In what ways does it inspire you to keep working on your craft?

Casey: I think definitely Denise’s Jewelry Designs. I’ve bought a couple things from her and love her innovative style and performance. It takes patience to build a store on Etsy, so I’m slowing working towards at least a consistent business with a well-crafted product.

Amber: What do you hope to share through your craft?

Casey: Fun. Joy. A smile when you put a bracelet, necklace or pair of earrings on. I know it’s only jewelry, but sometimes just that little bit of “pretty” makes a day more cheerful. I know I’ve had days like that. I love to see my jewelry go all across the country—it’s a unique style that points right back to the designer, something I love about it!

Amber: Very nice!

So, your personal blog URL includes the phrase “enjoying the writing craft.” Could you share a little with us about this other craft of yours? 

Casey: I love to write Christian romance with strong women’s fiction elements and share the joy of love and life with other readers. So far, I haven’t had the chance to actually share my writing with the public, but I hope someday, Lord willing, I have that chance. I’m currently writing a story about a hopeless romantic on the journey to find her prince charming and discovering every day is worth living as though it were your last.

Amber: Sounds great!

Since the Christmas season is upon us… Will you be doing something special this season that involves your craft (either your jewelry business or your writing)? 

Casey: I plan to do a big Christmas Bazaar that is always held the first Saturday of December here in my hometown. A great many people come out for this craft bazaar and I love to put together special orders specific to the person’s style and request. Makes me happy and =).

Amber: These next two questions are "just for fun": What is your favorite color? 

Casey: Oh purple, definitely! ;-)

Amber: Bracelets, earrings, or necklaces? (Which is your favorite to wear and/or make?)

Casey: LOL! All three. I love to wear jewelry, whether made by me or someone else. Though I have to admit…I feel a mite undressed when I don’t have on a pair of earrings. Just doesn’t seem right. ;-)

Amber: So fun to host you, Casey! Thank you for joining us!

***

Extras!

Find Casey on:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Blogger (jewelry blog and personal blog)
• Etsy

Giveaway! 

Casey has generously offered to give away a hand-crafted bracelet to one of my readers! The bracelet is size "Large" and measures 7" long.

To enter, just leave a comment with your e-mail address. Please note that you must have a U.S. mailing address in order to enter the drawing. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday, December 7th.