CY Design Studio: Artist Feature & Giveaway by Verre Luxe

An Interview with Leesa of Verre Luxe

How did you discover your talent?

Curiosity. I found myself looking at various styles and wondering if I could create a more affordable version while making it my own. I started experimenting through tutorials and learned bit by bit.

How did your Etsy shop come about?

Encouragement from friends, mostly. It was a new world to me but seemed like a logical first step into the crafting world. It was also a good fit for my introvert personality to be able to work from home.

The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?

I'm horrible at picking names and probably spent entirely too much time obsessing over it. The shop actually used to be called In Bloom Gallery as I had originally had my charcoal artwork listed too, which is mainly floral themed. Since I've moved sites I took the opportunity to change the name to focus the shop just on jewelry; most of the jewelry I use features glass beads, so my sister suggested the new name which is french for luxurious glass.

What drives you to create?

Anything, really. It could be a certain color I see, a new fashion, or even just a new type of bead.

How do you get inspired?

Most of the time it's visiting a supply store; walking into a store with endless rows of beads sort of makes my eyes glaze over. I think I could - and have - spent hours trying to narrow down my selections.

How would you describe your style?

Modern and versatile. I always focus on versatility so the customer can wear the piece with various articles in their wardrobe. I love the idea of being able to purchase one piece that can be worn in a variety of ways. I feel that it offers customers the most for their money, which is exactly what I'd want.

What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Laying out all my new supply purchases on the table and visually sorting through them, combining things together I hadn't initially thought of. Many times the items I bought for one piece end up becoming something entirely different.

What are some of your most prized creations?

My favorite designs are the multi strand bracelets: specifically the silver one, the silver and gunmetal one, and the silver and rose gold. I have the silver one for myself and wear it all the time.

What environment do you like to work in?

Home, with my dog curled up at my feet under my work space. Warm feet are very important.

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so, what do you listen to?

Sometimes. Mumford & Sons, Muse, Florence and The Machine...lots of stuff, really. But if there's a Walking Dead marathon on TV then forget it - zombies win. What's more inspirational than a zombie apocalypse when you have nothing to think about but the amazing accessories they had to leave behind?

How much time do you spend in the studio?

That depends on what I'm working on. If it's a wrap bracelet then it could be a couple of hours, if it's something else it could be less. It also depends on how many pieces I intend on creating that day.

What are you currently working on?

Right now I'm focusing on new inspiration - I'll probably be thinking of spring and summer a lot and try to find a different way to incorporate those seasons into my designs.