Indie Designer Interivews: Marie Cristine
I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.Today's interview is is with Cristine, the jewelry designer behind Marie Cristine. She creates beautiful handcrafted bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces using sterling silver, 14k gold and high quality gemstones.
Tell me a little about your work. I've always enjoyed creating. I've done everything from concrete garden art to papier-mâché. There is something very satisfying about taking an idea and working it through to the end product, sometimes with amazing results and sometimes not-so-much, but the process is always gratifying. I turned to making jewelry a few years ago and it's been an obsession ever since. Most of my work consists of sterling or fine silver and stone. Many of the stones I cut and polish myself. I love been able to take a pile of raw materials and turn it into something fabulous!
What inspires your work? Life! Everything! I don't find inspiration in any one place, it's just something that hits me. Sometimes if I'm feeling "blank" I just sit at my desk and start touching various materials and things just start to fall into place. I don't try to force creativity, just let it happen. What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I finally tried mineral makeup, I like it, and mascara is a must have. Oh and did I mention great jewelry, definitely a must-have!
Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? If it's something you love keep trying, work hard and ask questions!
Where can people find your work? www.MarieCristine.com
Anything else you'd like to add? I had the opportunity to start two online directories to help promote indie designers and artists. It's free to be listed, so just email me.
www.handmadeboutique.com and www.indiecrafters.com
