MadArtjewelry

Name: Madelyn Smoak
Shop Name: MadArtjewelry
Shop Link:http://MadArtjewelry.etsy.com
Location: The Triangle area of NC
Ships To:Everywhere

What inspires you?
Objects inspire me. When I get a fresh shipment of found objects or watch parts something will catch my eye and I will start pulling out other pieces from my vast and growing inventory. Then I let these items visit together in a composing area over a few days and they sort of gravitate toward each other until it looks like something I want to make. Although often a trip to the flea market will get me so excited I will come home and have to make something immediately.

How long have you had your shop on Etsy?
I started my shop on November 20, 2007.

Is this a job for you or a hobby?
I would say neither. It is more of a passion. I am driven to make things and have been since I was a child. Many of my earliest memories are of making stuff.



How did you get into your craft?
I am a former Art major (painting!) and have always had a creative side to my life, from fiber to 2-D work. I got into metal fairly recently-only about 6 years ago. I had been making beaded jewelry and wanted to be able to create components for my work. Since then the metal has just taken over.


Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners?
My personal philosophy is that I only list things I would want to buy.



What do you love about Steampunk?
The steampunk aesthetic closely matches my personal aesthetic. Worn brass with a patina of age makes my heart beat faster and
I also love the aspect of it that the simple mechanisms that served us so well in the past can still be appreciated and enjoyed. Getting to play with all the wonderful old found objects to make jewelry is just such a pleasure!

Anything else you would like to add?
Being a member of the Etsy Steamteam has been a wonderful experience. So much energy, support and creativity in one place!!