Re-Creation at It's Best-Purple Toes Jewelry

Lately, I have been seeing a great deal of this steampunk type jewelry when I search around Etsy and explore other sites. To be quite honest, I'm still not sure what steampunk is, which is why I went and looked it up, just for this feature(and for personal curiosity). To my surprise, the steampunk genre doesn't only apply to jewelry-It's a whole lifestyle! So, as the old saying goes, 'You learn something new everyday.'

And for you guys today, your learning about our featured artist, Donna of Purple Toes Jewelry on Etsy! If you aren't familiar with her shop name, she also goes by Dryan327 (her Etsy username).

Donna is a native of the big state of Texas, living about 25 miles north of Dallas, in a town called Frisco. She started crafting because of her daughter-Apparently, her daughter has somewhat of an eclectic taste(something I can fully appreciate!) and Donna was constantly trying to re-create versions of the expensive and vintage jewelry sought by her daughter. "She loves antique & very expensive jewelry; I wanted to do this so I could give her the style in jewelry she loved."

As for Donna, she was forced to retire two years earlier than planned from a corporate job, but there is always a good and a bad to each situation! Because of her retirement, she stumbled into her love of crafting and just a little while later, discovered Etsy by accident, which, of course, was love at first sight!

As you can see from the pictures and the posts introduction, Donna specializes in creating one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, focusing around the steampunk look. She likes to re-create old antique pieces into new modern, more eclectic, looking creations. With her unique, steampunk creations, Donna uses anything she can find in her pieces such as antique ladies watches, brass filigree stampings, hearts, roses, charms, lockets, flowers, animal pendants and many other antique found items.

When I asked Donna about her inspirations, she said the sweetest thing: "My daughter-definitely. She is my avatar, the inspiration for the name of my shop (I always tell her I love your purple toes, when she paints them lavender (a favorite color) and she is the reason I do the jewelry, because she loves it so and always looks so cute with it all on."

Some things to know about Donna and her shop:

*She has a supply shop! Check it out HERE.

*Besides Etsy, you can find Donna on Myspace and Facebook.

*For payment, shipping, and other information, view her Shop Policies Page.

Donna is a seasoned Etsian(member since January of 07'), so I asked her what advice she could share with us. She had this to say: "If you have a love and a desire to create and you are patient and ready to perfect your craft, your pictures, and promote your business, then jump in with both feet. If you hesitate on any of the above, this may not be the venue for you."

I had the great pleasure of meeting this wonderful lady and I know she is going places with her designs! Steampunk is the newest trend today and I can see it getting bigger as time goes on. I for one find myself drawn to it and can't wait to get a few pieces for myself :D So if you find yourself drawn to this unique jewelry like I am, you should check out Donna's store Purple Toes Jewelry.

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

17 Ruby Jeweled Watch Component Rhinestone Brass Floral Steampunk Ring

Sterling Silver Antique Lace Edge Steampunk Jeweled Watch Part Earrings

Silver Heart with Wings Black Celluloid Rose Charm Necklace