Weekly Featured Artist - Jeannie of Grey Frog Designs

Thank you to Jeannie for being this weeks Featured Artist. You can pop past, say hi to Jeannie and take a look at all her gorgeous pieces of hand made jewelry at www.GreyFrogDesigns.etsy.com. Jeannie writes in her shop profile "I am a stay at home mother of 2 beautiful boys and I have always had a passion for jewelry. I love everything that sparkles and always use the highest quality crystals and findings."

Tell us all about yourself and your craft?
I'm a FL native currently living in AZ. I've been married for almost 12 years and have 2 boys, ages 5 and 1. I'm a former professional cake decorator and would love to one day have a bakery/bead shop. Messy, but fun!

How long have you been creating your craft?
I come from a big southern family and I remember as young as 6, I would sit at my Grandmother's big dining room table with a bunch of my Aunts and Cousins and bead. We had great craft stores in the area and we would get those big spools of gold stretchy cord and plastic beads and just be in heaven! I learned how to create "real" jewelry 5 years ago from my former boss.


What is one of the biggest lesson you have learnt about your craft & selling it?
Patience. The jewelry market is so saturated that no matter what you do, you need a lot of patience.

Which of your items did you have the most fun creating & why?
My new Halloween scrabble tile pendants. I know they're everywhere, but I have a store in town that commisioned a special design for wholesale, so I had a bunch left over, and I have an absolute passion for Halloween!

Do you have any training in your craft?
I wish! I was just accepted to the metalsmithing program here in Phoenix when I was 7 months pregnant. So, it didn't happen. But hopefully one day.


What is your favourite candy bar & why?
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. I have always loved the chocolate/peanut butter combination. I ordered them fresh from the factory one time and actually ate the entire jar in 2 days! If you haven't tried that yet, go to the Hershey website, it is SO worth it.

If money, responsibilities, and time were no issues where in the great wide world would you go & why?
I would go to England because I am absolutely fascinated with everything British. I don't know why, I just am! My husband and I want to retire on one of those narrow boats and have a country cottage.