Maker Monday: Terra Luna Jewels
Have you been following along with our Maker Monday series? If not, you should be. We’ve been introducing you some really great local makers and today we have an interview with Andrea – the maker behind Terra Luna Jewels. Andrea uses natural elements to make beautiful handmade jewelry.
Tell us a bit about Terra Luna Jewels.
Terra Luna Jewels is a collection of unique handmade jewelry created with natural elements. Many pieces incorporate natural minerals and gemstones that carry different metaphysical properties, as well as preserved organic materials from Northern Ontario forests such as moss, tree bark, dried flowers, etc.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process includes inspiration from many different aspects of my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual experience. An image will come through and I usually end up sketching out a rough design for a jewelry idea. I enjoy the process of having a vision and turning it into physical reality. Often I will envision something for weeks, maybe even months, before I create a piece. There is a special energy in artwork and creativity that I believe comes from the spirit self, and the human self is able to receive that vision under the right circumstances and express it. My creative process includes a lot of self-care and wellness that creates the best opportunity for those visions and ideas to come through, as well as a peaceful and inspiring home environment for creating pieces. This includes eating nutritious foods, meditation and deep breathing, a diligent martial arts practice, spending time with family and loved ones, and setting time aside to be creative in solitude. I feel that my best work comes through when I am most balanced, although the highs and lows of life are great sources of inspiration for artwork.
What kinds of jewelry do you create with your nature inspired jewels?
I create a variety of miniature diorama terrarium pendants, macrame wrapped gemstone necklaces, wire-wrapped stones, druzy earrings, intricate seed bead earrings, and most recently I have started sculpting and plating my own jewelry which has been a very exciting learning endeavour.
Where do you source your jewels and other items you use to make your products?
The majority of my jewels are sourced from the local gem and mineral show, which happens annually at the Carmichael arena in Minnow Lake. The Sudbury Lapidary Society hosts this event and it is a wonderful place to meet local geologists and hobbyists and find great prices for gems and minerals. The moss and bark in my terrariums were collected from Onaping Falls, and the dried flowers all come from my garden. All of my findings and seed beads are purchased from iBead, a lovely local business in Wahnapitae.
Do you do custom orders? What has been one of your favourites so far?
I do enjoy taking custom orders and making terrarium memento jewelry from special occasions using dried flowers, etc. My favourite piece so far was a stalactite amethyst ring that I made from a crystal that was collected at the gem and mineral show.
Do you have any tips for other makers who may be looking to start selling their own pieces of art?
Take time to get involved in local events such as markets and fundraisers. Sharing photos on social media is a great way to connect with other artists and garner a following. Always ask for feedback about your work, and be open to improving the quality of your work. Be appreciative of your customers and thank them for the support. Allow your work to flow naturally, and don’t be motivated to create for compensation. Create pieces with good juju and the financial rewards will follow.
You can find out more about Terra Luna Jewels on their Etsy shop and be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
***Check out our newest Instagram post to see how you can win a beautiful piece of jewelry from Terra Luna Jewels! ***
Emily Franceschini
Emily Franceschini is former full-timer and lover of all things purple. In a past life, Emily worked as a marketing manager and spent her free time searching for the perfect cup of coffee. Now all of her time is free time and she's spending it exploring the world.
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