Artists In The Garden XI: Sandy of PunkyJane

Today's interview will be with Sandy of PunkyJane.

http://www.punkyjane.com/

http://www.punkyjane.etsy.com/

http://punkyjane.blogspot.com/

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I create hand stamped and personalized jewelry and accessories. I was in search of a necklace for myself with my daughters' names on it after seeing a friend wearing one. I was never able to decide what to order... and decided to start making them myself. I have such a love of typography...I've been a graphic designer for over 20 years. This was a perfect way to use one of my passions in a new and different way.

Click on photo for more info.

2. What is your inspiration?

Making people smile. One of the best things about creating this jewelry is doing custom orders and working with my customers to create their vision to honor, celebrate, remember... creating something meaningful to them. And hearing back how much they love it gives me such a boost!

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

My garden helps keep me calm and helps me remember that beauty doesn't mean perfection. I tend to be a very literal and symmetric type. I think it helps be loosen up!

4. Will you share a few pictures of your garden with us?

5. Will you share a picture of your favorite plant?

No question that lavender is my favorite. Any variety.

6. Do you have any photos of your art in the garden to share?

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7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?
Patience. There is nothing instant about a beautiful garden. You work hard, wait, and enjoy all the little phases. And embrace what is presented to you. Don't force it. What will thrive in your garden might not work for someone else. I believe that's true in life as well.

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?
I like the idea of having meaningful plants in my garden. Might be a favorite from my childhood, or something my grandma grew. I want to ‘feel' my garden and have it be a place filled with memories.

9. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?
I am currently working on personalized garden markers. Customers can order these markers handstamped with special sayings, names, plant names...just about anything.
Garden markers: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27504439

10. Show us your favorite item in your etsy shop.

I wear my Just Breathe ring everyday as a constant reminder to slow down and breath. Sometimes that's hard to do balancing family (I have two young girls) and work. I catch a glimpse of my ring and exhale.

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11. Please share a favorite garden or nature related item from another Etsy shop.

I recently found http://www.herbanlifestyle.etsy.com/. While everything in this shop looks wonderful, the Lavender Chamomile Facial Masque makes me relax just looking at it! I hope to order some soon!

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Sandy, thank you for sharing your garden and inspiration with us today!