We're starting this weeks "Spotlight" off with a bang! As I mentioned earlier, a free giveaway contest will now be part of the Artist "Spotlight" weekly features. You can find details on how to enter the contest at the end of this article:)
Today's "Spotlight" Artist is Nicole Wilson of Sativa Studios. Nicole is a fellow Polymer Clay Artist and also a fellow member of the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy!
Well, first off, how did you come up with the name Sativa for your Studio? It's very catchy!
Well Sativa Studios just rolled off my tongue one day. Sativa is Latin, and it means cultivated. Most people when they think of something being cultivated they think of tilling the farm, which is true as well but it also means anything that you bestow attention, care, and labor upon, with a view to valuable returns. That is how I feel about my work so the name just seemed to fit, and I think it's easy to remember.
How did you get into making Polymer Clay jewelry?
Let's see, I actually started
making jewelry for these fashion dolls 8 years ago. My friends mother
had 
this crazy doll collection and they were apart of this series of
dolls that apparently a lot of people collect, and she made jewelry
for them and sold it, so I started doing that with her. I am self
taught though, I have made jewelry in almost every different medium
there is, except fused glass as that darn kiln is so expensive.
Finally I found my way to Polymer Clay and I just can't get enough of
it.
What would you say is your most favorite thing about making jewelry?
The ability to make something from nothing, which is especially true with Polymer Clay. Also that fact that jewelry has no boundaries, you can go all the way to the craziest abstract piece you can think of to the most refined and demure end of the spectrum.
What is your least favorite thing about making jewelry?
I guess right now I'd have to say that Polymer Clay is very time consuming, which a lot of people don't realize. I have a year and a half old daughter and finding the time and balance is difficult. Also being able to price my work is tricky, because there is so much time involved it's hard to pay myself accordingly and also to have jewelry that everyone can afford, which is what I strive for.
What do you think makes your jewelry stand out from the crowd at Etsy?
I think I have my own unique style, I looked hard all over Etsy before I opened shop to see what was out there. Right now, I have 2 main techniques that I use. One is a silver leafing that I do and, unless I'm blind, I haven't seen it here. The other technique I use is a distressing and antiquing method.
Where do you find the inspiration for your jewelry?
Mainly nature and colors.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into jewelry making?
Well, it's not like I'm over the top successful at the moment, but I'd have to say just do what you love. Make things that inspire you, don't worry about following current trends because that's what they are, trends that never last. And just be true to yourself.
If you could work or study with anyone, who would it be?
Well, this couldn't happen for
a number of years, but I hope that when my daughter gets older, she has the same passion for jewelry making that I do, and that we
could sit side by side making and designing jewelry.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your jewelry making business?
Well, I try not to look to far
ahead, because I like to just be in the moment but, I would like to
see 
myself as being more established. Hopefully in that time frame me
and my other half will be buying a house and in my area I am planning
to find one that is business zoned as well and to have a little store
in the front. My daughter will have been in school by then so I will
be able to seriously devote my time to jewelry. I guess I just hope I
am still doing what I love and have relative success at it.
Any current projects you'd like to fill us in on?
Wow I have so many. First of all, I'm working on my website http://www.sativastudios.com and hopefully that will be up and running within a month. Then I have about 5 different collections in the works that I'd say will be out in the next few months. Right now, I have my store separated into categories by type, necklace, earrings etc. Once I start finishing my collections, they will be categorized by collection. The first new collection that I will have coming out will be my Color Coordinates Collection. This will feature different shades of my already yummy colors together. Then will be my Quotable Quotes Collection that will feature really cool famous quotes within my designs. Well I don't want to give to much away, so you'll just have to check in to see whats in store.
- Etsy Shop - Sativa Studios
- Personal Website - http://www.sativastudios.com
Sativa Studios Giveaway Contest
Nicole has graciously offered this beautiful polymer clay Ladybug Flowers Antiqued Pendant for the giveaway contest. Now, if you'd like to win this Pendant from Sativa Studios, take a look in Nicole's shop and then let me know which piece of jewelry is your favorite. Please leave only one comment per person on this post along with your valid email address. If I am unable to get in touch with you, I will draw a new winner.
This giveaway contest is open worldwide. Your deadline to enter the contest is Tuesday, April 15th at midnight EST. The winners name will be drawn on Wednesday, April 16th.
I love the blossom among the vines necklace.
Posted by: Tara R | April 14, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Wow - her work is amazing! I haven't seen polymer clay done like this before - you wouldn't even know it was clay from the pictures! I have always loved polymer and would like to try working with it someday - love how the antique patina makes the pieces look vintage and earthy. Here is my fav - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9913110
Aloha Flower Antiqued Doughnut Bracelet...16 Colors Available...
Love the colors together and the intricate details blow me away :)
Posted by: Marla Kunselman | April 11, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Hi, thank u for replying my entrecard drop. i have blogroll your site in my serious droppers list. I visit all the sites in this list almost everyday plus most of my visitors too. We all have the same idea of getting return drop cards. Hope that you can blogroll my site back in your web too.
Thank you,
Reena
Posted by: Reena | April 11, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Nicole of Sativa Studio is right in her opinion that she has a unique look to her offerings. They are lovely!
While the ladybug bracelet is just adorable, and it's very difficult to choose a most loved out of such an array, I'd have to say the Little Bird Antiqued Necklace. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10514987
So much of her jewelry would be perfect for wearing on so many occasions, on so many different looks!
Thank you for introducing me to her work. And thank you for the drawing!
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie G | April 10, 2008 at 10:52 PM
What a lovely feature!
Its hard to pick a favorite!
I like the Little Bird Necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10514987
And also the Vines Necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9793537
tigerlillyz22501@aol.com
thisoldhenhouse.etsy.com
Posted by: Amanda | April 10, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Gracie bird is my favorite! But I really love them all!
Posted by: Helen | April 10, 2008 at 06:01 PM
oops! forgot my email address: tatsuko.craft@gmail.com
Posted by: tatsuko | April 10, 2008 at 10:20 AM
All of her work is wonderful, but this is my favourite:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10848065
Great interview, and thanks to you both for offering this give-away!
Posted by: tatsuko | April 10, 2008 at 10:19 AM
This is my favorit, tulips and spring goes together for me.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9793571
Posted by: Maria Nyberg | April 09, 2008 at 01:54 PM
great interview! Such pretty beads and jewelry!
Posted by: marlena | April 09, 2008 at 01:00 PM
This one is lovely...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10797195
It reminds me of a film I watched when I was a child.
:)
Posted by: Marie | April 09, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Great interview. I love how she talks about her jewelry. Since I'm a quilter, this is my favorite piece
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10208309
Posted by: waterrose | April 09, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I think this one is beautiful:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10418909
I've always wanted to try my hand at working with polymer clay, I but I don't think it would go over that well for me...
- Brit
bohemiankitty@gmail.com
Posted by: Brittany | April 09, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Hi there, I saw your blog link in Etsy. I love your art, truly unique. I will be linking you to come and visit more often.
Posted by: Laura | April 09, 2008 at 10:52 AM