Spotlight on Queer Team member ALTEREDBEAUTY

alteredbeauty interviewed by fauxsure

What sorts of things do you offer in your shop?
Right now I am offering jewelry, but I plan on expanding to altered art items as well. My main focus at the moment is Steampunk jewelry.

For those people not familiar, can you tell us a little more about "Steampunk"?
Sure. Steampunk is very much about steam power, turn of the century technology, victorian style, psuedo-victorian style, and turning modern objects into objects consistent with the victorian era. In creating jewelry, I use vintage watch movements, ephemera, brass, and copper.



How did you first start selling on Etsy? How long have you been selling? Do you sell anywhere else?
I started selling in May. I learned about it online and thought that it would be fun to try! Before that, I primarily made jewelry for friends and family as gifts. I am not currently selling anywhere else, but plan to start selling at craft fairs.

How did you get started making jewelry?
I got started making jewelry when I was working at a domestic violence shelter as a graveyard client advocate. I met a woman (a shelter resident) who was always up late making jewelry. She would come in and talk to me at night, and she eventually taught me the basics of wire wrapping. From then on I taught myself more and more. I started making more things for family, and family friends started asking for things as well. I did all of the jewelry for a co-workers wedding. At that point, I heard about Etsy and decided to get started.

Where do your ideas/ inspiration come from?

They come from all around me. I think a lot of my inspiration comes from the industrial revolution, science, and literature.

Tell us a little about your typical creative process and how you go about making your work. What kinds of steps do you usually go through?

I don't have a very specific creative process; I tend to get inspired by a particular material or item and begin from there.

What are your favorite materials to work with? I love working with old watch parts, vintage ephemera, brass, copper, silver, gemstones, and pearls.



Are there other creative projects you are involved in outside of your work in your Etsy shop?
I am trying to learn needle felting in my spare time...so far I haven't stabbed myself but I did manage to lose the tip of a needle somewhere in my couch.

Besides art/ crafty stuff, what else do you like doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my husband, dog, and reading. I also work full time at a nonprofit organization in addition to running my Etsy shop, so I don't have a whole lot of free time.

How do you make space and time for your creative work amid everything else you've got going on?
I am able to make time for my creative work by using it as an outlet and opportunity for relaxation. My job can be emotionally trying at times, so my creativity allows me to express that when needed and also gives me a way to get away from everything for a few hours.



Does your queer identity come into play in your work?
It does to an extent. Since it is so much a part of me I think it has to, although that may not be visible. I am interested in opening a second shop dedicated to feminist and pride items when I have some more time.

What are your hopes for the Queer Etsy Street Team? What brought you to join?
When I first heard about teams on Etsy I immediately looked for a GLBT team :-D I am hoping to just enjoy the company of other crafty members and become more involved!