About Me

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Hello everyone. My name is Nikelina. I am an architect living, studying, working in Paris. I have always been good with crochets, drawing and fixing things. Started making jewelry 4-5 years ago, but only lately I have taken it more seriously. The truth is, once you start you can`t really stop. I became so eager to learn all possible techniques and so far I can do different types of beadwork, wire wrapped and fantasy jewelry. One day I will learn some metal smithing also. I am pleased to share my creations with you. You can follow me on my Littlewomen Etsy shop. I hope you will like my jewelry, post them or buy them. To win in our frequent giveways or just keep updated follow my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Littlewomenbusiness Dont forget to pass the love :)

Monday, April 15, 2013

Interview with the jewelry designer Jonua Besnard

12 April in Paris Today I am interviewing a young talented jewelry designer, who lives in Paris. Jonua creates beautiful fresh, jewelry for women. She is an American girl that moved to France for studies, found the love of her life and decided to stay. I first wrote her because of one phrase in her profile. She says:” I am a friendly person, so drop me a line”. She has indeed a very pleasant personality and we have met many times to discuss about our crafts and inspirations. I want to share our last conversation with you.

Q: Jonua tell us a bit about yourself and how did you started designing jewelry
A: As a child I dreamt of becoming a designer. Later I did my studies in a totally different discipline, but when I found myself in Paris, I decided it was time to go back to my old dream of creating. A friend introduced me to Etsy. At the beginning, my interest to it, was only as a costumer, then I thought “why not me?” That’s how I started creating my first pieces, mostly for myself or my friends and family. So I worked hard, built my studio in the last two years and there is still more to come.

Q: What makes your designs unique? What inspires you?

A: My main inspiration comes from nature and its beauty. I grew up in US where we have a very close relation to nature and big open spaces. My jewelry is inspired from the organic shapes of nature and its colors. I try to recreate with them the sense of freedom that’s comes from my bohemian side.
 
 
 
Q: What are your key materials and why?
A: My key materials are brass and Czech Glass. I love the brass for the way it ages, gaining that old vintage looking that gives you the feeling of jewelry with history. As for the Czech Glass, besides loving their quality and beautiful colors, I also have an ethic reason. It is an art that might disappear with the change of the market balance, and I personally want to help to the preservation of this know-how. I also like polymer clay but I think I will keep it more as a hobby or for very special pieces because it is very time consuming. I often use gemstones, especially the ones with vibrant colors such as carnelian, agate, garnet and chalcedony.


 


Q: Describe us your typical customer
A: I have had all types of costumers, but I would say that the majority are young women from 25 to 40. My typical customer is an independent, dynamic, working woman with artistic orientation. Most of them are Americans but recently I have noticed that I have many followers from Eastern Europe and Russia. I don’t know yet how my designs appeal to them. I need to plan a trip and get to know their culture.

Q: Where do you create, work and sell?
A: I work in my studio. To be more time efficient, I would usually take a day for the creation process and produce the piece on another day. When you run a one-person activity you have to do the designing, the producing, the marketing and the selling by yourself. Since I opened my Etsy shop it has been a learning curve for me. I find the marketing part to be the most difficult for me, and hope to soon hire someone else to do this job.

Q: Tell us a bit more about your next collection.
A: My new collection is very bohemian. I want to use more gemstones in their rough form like druzy stones. I also think about focusing more on metal pieces. I am now experimenting with some metal smithing and bezel setting.


Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: For the future I want to pass my activity to the next step. I am now working on building my online store. I will organize my creations in real collections and be more visible in the market. I hope to expand my business and keep a loyal relationship with my customers.

Thank you to Jonua and follow her on her blog: http://www.jrachelbesnard.com/

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The daily obsession- Green Aqua Blue stone jewelry

Aqua blue stones such as Tourmaline, Chalcedony, Chrysoprase and Amazonite make perfect matches with gold and silver. We are still waiting for spring, but our minds and dreams are already on the beach. So is our jewelry. Enjoy these two selections I created with some of my favorite pieces. The first list is taken from Vogue FR. The second list is made by me, from different artists on Etsy

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Bridal White Leather Adjustable Embroidered Cuff with Fresh Water Pearls Crocodile texture

Beautiful bridal leather embroidered cuff. The bracelet has a brass adjustable cuff inside. It has then been covered both sides with white leather, crocodile texture. No worries though it is goat leather, just pressed into a crocodile print. It has been embroidered with fresh water pearls. This cuff can be perfect for a rock and roll bride or just for every day. Great match for jeans. It is a rock and roll item but still very girly. The cuff is adjustable and it fits most wrists.
To view my creations, please visit Etsy.littlewomenbusiness.com

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Layered Long Necklace Beadwork Turquoise Doublestrand,Bead Embroidered

Ok this one I have made it long time ago, but wasn't quite satisfyed of the result. I added some more beads here and there and I think now is much better. This double strand necklace is a lovely combination of black crystal and turquoise blue. The turquoise stone charms have been beaded into soft felt with black seed beads. The whole look is completed with antique brass chain for a vintage look.
Perfect to wear over some tshirt and jeans for everyday. This necklace measures 22 inches long. The colors are turquoise blue and black for the charms and bronze color for the brass. Please allow for slight variations as each piece is handmade. Thanks! Your order will ship within 1-3 business days and will arrive gift wrapped.
 
To view my other creations, please visit Etsy.littlewomenbusiness.com