I actually discovered this amazing etsy shop through linkreferral. In order to get higher up on the search engines you have to do reviews and I picked CrowsNestMountian. I fell in love with the jewelry here instantly (surprise, I gave the shop a 10). I love featuring this unique, gorgeous jewelry in my treasuries as well. Take a minute to read about Laina and make sure to visit her shop...you won't be disappointed.

Laina from CrowsNestMountain
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6507682


Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts. When did you first start creating things? Have you always made jewelry or did you start out making other things?

I have always loved making things with my hands, when I was a little girl I made tiny collections of miniature animals out of plasticine, and spent alot of time painting on rocks! Later, like most, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and spent years in university working towards a degree I had no interest in. I eventually gave it up, and took a closer look at what I love doing. My mother has worked as a jeweler for as long as I can remember, and I always enjoyed watching her and pestering her with zillions of questions. I started to work with her as an assistant, and then moved to British Columbia to go back to school - this time for Art, Craft, and Design, though my specialization was jewelry. I loved every intense minute of it, and came to realize that my truest passion was gemstones. The funny thing is, I don't care much about designing the jewelry - my favorite part is the construction of it - its surprisingly dirty, (and frustrating sometimes!) but its SO rewarding to have that shining finished piece in my hands! I wanted desperately to attend GIA and become a Graduate Gemologist, so I saved and saved, and moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where I lived for just under a year completing the program. (read more in my Etsy Profile: http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6507682) It was an incredible experience, and the knowledge I gained has been invaluable when purchasing stones and creating jewelry with them.

Heres a photo of me and my classmates at the Chantaburi gem market in Thailand, sorting through a parcel of rubies. Can you guess who I am?

Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?

Currently I work out of my home studio space, marketing mainly online and at various art and craft shows teamed up with my mother. I do projects for her that she doesn't time for, and since she sells such a high volume of pearls, I string pearls with all my spare time. (last estimate was 400 strands strung in the last 2 months!)

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

I also have a small obsession with bath and body products, so when I'm feeling too broke to buy them (often from other Etsians!) I go to my stash closet of bases, butters, oils, and fragrances and whip something up. My tub is so cluttered with products that its hard to get in it sometimes! I would never market the bath products I make, but they're fun to use up myself, and friends and family love the freebies.

How did you hear about Etsy?

I first learned about Etsy from a bath and body forum I frequent, and spent alot of money here before I ever considered selling! Selling through Etsy has been a good experience so far, but I have alot to learn yet!

Any words of advice to others?

My best advice would be to read the forums, theres a wealth of information in there. (and if anyone has advice for me, I'd love to hear it! I need all I can get!)