Creating stamped jewelry is something I love to do. I enjoy the uniqueness of each piece of metal and that no two stamped creations are exactly alike. The rustic feel of working with metal and stamping by hand gives me something to focus on winding down from busy days chasing after babies.
An Interview with Elizabeth of Lucky Goat Designs
When did you first start your craft?
I began making jewelry 10 years ago and have been stamping metal for about two years.
What made you decide on jewelry?
I love jewelry but consider myself an outdoorsy cowgirl. I wanted jewelry that fit my rustic style and jewelry that I could wear everyday. It just kind of went from there...I started dreaming of everyday staple pieces and began creating!
How did you discover your talent?
I don't know if it is so much talent as it is wanting to have the jewelry to wear that I visualize in my head!
How did Lucky Goat Designs come about?
One year my sisters and I decided that we should give hand made Christmas presents. I knew that I wanted to give personalized stamped metal gifts that would be extra special and say what I wanted. I bought my first metal stamping set and got to work hammering dog tags, key chains and mama necklaces to give as presents!
The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?
I wanted a unique name that represented a little bit of me. We rescued a blue eyed Pygmy goat named Lucky who is full of spunk and the name grew from her. In fact, one of the first things I hammered was an ID tag for Lucky!
What drives you to create?
I guess the desire to make things for others that I would enjoy. It is really fun for me to watch my ideas take form and even more exciting that people enjoy them! I love that personalized jewelry can represent such special times, memories and people. It means a lot to me that people choose Lucky Goat Designs to be a part of those special things by creating a piece that represents those moments and people. One customer ordered necklace tags to give out at Christmas when she announced to their family that they were expecting their first baby. I loved stamping each of those pendants and imagining the joy they would bring in the announcement they brought. Every order is special and I really feel grateful to be a part of each of them.
How do you get inspired?
By thinking of who the piece is for and what they represent inspires me. Because my jewelry is so personalized I also get inspired by my own life events. For example, the "always with you" pendants were created when a friend suffered a miscarriage. I wanted to give her something to represent that special life and comfort her and that necklace was created. Most of my work is initially inspired by my own life events or by my friends and family.
What is your favorite part about your creative process?
Watching each piece become its own unique design
What are your favorite items?
I love the mama charms and running charms. I wear them both daily!
What environment do you like to work in?
I am blessed to have the most amazing San Juan mountain view out my window where I work in my home. It doesn't get any better than that!
Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?Being at home with three kids under four I have plenty of noise throughout the day! I like working in the quiet and listening to my own pounding of the hammer!
How much time do you spend in the studio?
It really depends on my orders...since my days are filled raising three funny babies I spend a few hours or so every evening...sometimes more.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
To live a creative life we must lose the fear of being wrong.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Um, I hope Cameron Diaz with a little bit of Ellen Degeneres to make it extra funny!
Describe your work in three words.
rustic, personal, genuine
I love the guitar pick necklace!
ReplyDeleteI love the a love without end necklace!
ReplyDeleteLove the name of your Business, fist of all. Very cute. I also love your work.
ReplyDelete