Featured Artist - Kizz Designs

She's bright and funny, super friendly, so creative and very  talented! Read all about Crystal, the artist behind Kizz Designs.

Tell me something about yourself.

My name is Crystal. I have been married for...oh it feels like forever....in a good way...LOL and am a mom of 3 boys....10, 12 & 14. Yikes! Yes, I am a busy girl most days. My background is in social work, but took time off to have kids...and well....am still taking that time off.

 

My husband & I used to farm cattle and about 4 years ago decided to follow a dream....and move from Alberta, Canada to British Columbia, Canada. We wanted to be closer to the mountains, water and sun. Here in the Okanagan, BC is where we wanted to raise our boys. I left my family behind and that is quite hard at times but love the time spent when they come to visit. At about the same time as we moved, I also battled breast cancer... and won. I feel very lucky today and actually believe I am a better person for it all...

  

 

Along side all of that, I started a hobby about 7 years ago that turned into an obsession...a passion. My jewelry designs have evolved over the years from simple beads on stretch cord to semiprecious gemstones and metals. I am always learning about beads, gems and metals and in my next path in design I want to work more with metals. I think the design possibilities are endless when you involve other mediums. I have had the nickname KIZZ since way back when (a teenage thing... LOL), and that's where KIZZ designs came from.

  

Last year I discovered the "handmade" movement online and have not turned back. I am luvin being part of such a world of talent. My goal is to design jewelry that you will want to have and love to wear! I strive to

gain the respect of my fellow artisans.
 

 

What are your sources of inspiration?

Inspiration.....hhhmmmm. Everything! LOL....The materials themselves are really where my inspiration comes from. I see materials and whoosh....my brain starts going and designs appear in my head. I love to

shop for beads and stones...always buying and spending more than....well you know.....make.
 

 

Where and when did you learn your craft? Who taught you?

I have taught myself everything I know...8) I read and watch videos and ask questions of fellow artisans....Always experimenting and trying new things. With metals though, I am going to learn more formally.

  

Aside from your craft, what else do you enjoy doing?

Besides making jewelry...What else is there? LOL I luv people! As a family we spend much time skiing in the winter and boating in the summer. I enjoy my boys and watching the sports they play. Ppsstt...I do have a hard time watching them mountain & dirt bike though....yikes! Sitting on our deck on warm evenings, talking with my hubby is also time well spent. Nothing too elaborate, just the simple things in life.

 

What piece of advise can you give to other artists?

   

Advice to other artisans? Well not sure I am one qualified to hand out advice, but if you're listening...do what you need and want to do in life. If you feel creative inside then let it out! Life is short and you owe it to yourself.

 

Finally....Get someone qualified to do your books and paperwork! Hahaha. Thank God for my mother-in-law for helping me in that department. Office organization is not one of my talents....

I hope you enjoy my handmade designs. They come from within to share with you - Crystal from KIZZ

Check out funky jewelry handmade by Crystal at:
 

  

http://www.kizzdesigns.com
  

Http://www.kizzdesigns.artfire.com
  

Become a fan of Kizz Designs at http://www.facebook.com/kizzdesigns