An Interview With Team SC's Winner Of The September Creative Challenge: Hawleywood

The winning entry from Team SC's September Creative Challenge: Halloween or Fall
Migration Earrings
by Hawleywood

Team SC's shop of the month is Jessica from Hawleywood! Here are some fun and interesting facts about Jessica and her shop.


Tell us about your winning entry for Team SC's September Creative Challenge.
I was inspired by the Fall/Halloween challenge to create a pair of earrings that wasn't overtly Halloween or Fall-themed, but that subtly spoke of the season. I think migration is as symbolic a Fall theme as pumpkins or leaves, plus I love those brass bird charms! The golden aventurine so perfectly captures the color of Fall to me--the color of leaves turning, early sunsets, and crackling fires--all my favorite Fall things!

Tell us a little about your shop, Hawleywood.
I have been selling on Etsy since June of 2008, making handcrafted jewelry using vintage elements and natural stones. This summer I quit my full-time job to finish school, and I was able to focus more on my jewelry, which was fabulous! I also have another shop, Tin Oiseau, for my art prints and home accessories.




How long have you been making jewelry?
I have been making jewelry since early 2008 - I don't remember the exact date, but I do remember being in the craft section of a big-box store (that rhymes with Tall-Mart) at about midnight and seeing a jewelry-making magazine that sparked my interest. I remember picking it up and thinking, "I can do that," as I think all crafters have at one time or another. So I read the instructions on wire-wrapping, and made my first necklace that night. I haven't been able to stop since!

What is your favorite item in your shop and if you don't have just one favorite, what are your Favorites?
My favorite items in my shop are the pieces that incorporate vintage elements like clip-on earrings or vintage beads and findings. My current favorite is the Spring Fling necklace -- ruby jade + vintage earring + green onyx = heaven in my mind! I am always inspired by the vintage pieces I find at thrift stores and antique shops and by the natural stones I buy. Generally, anything that is sparkly or shiny immediately excites my creativity!



Are you involved in any other crafts or hobbies?
I am an intermittent blogger at www.hawleywoodtales.blogspot.com, and in my nonexistent free time I like to paint, make music, and sew. Some of my pieces are currently for sale at Hip Replacements in downtown Asheville, NC and Mia Alexander Salon in downtown Greenville, SC.

Anything new in the works for your shop?
I am currently working on some exciting new things for the holiday season, but you'll have to check back in November for the unveiling!



Tell us what you like the most about Greenville and/or South Carolina.
I was born and raised in Greenville, so I'm a little biased...I love it here! I think South Carolina is pretty much the best state in the whole country--and the Upstate is the perfect location! Three hours from the beach, just minutes from the mountains, and gorgeous weather 6 months out of the year--what could be better?



Share a bit about yourself.
I am currently finishing grad school to earn my MAT in Early Childhood Education, and am student teaching in a kindergarten class in Greenville. I love, love, LOVE it and am so blessed to be able to do something I love every day (even if I'm not actually making money doing it). I am a newlywed, and I share my home with a wonderful husband, three cats, and four guinea pigs! I love art, music, food, crafting, and cold beer. I sing in the choir at my church and I also gig with a local band every few months or so. My favorite colors are blue, green, blue-green, grey, orange, and yellow. I tend to think and speak in a stream-of-consciousness kind of way, so please forgive my randomness

Be sure to drop by Hawleywood and Tin Oiseau to see all of Jessica's beautiful items for sale!