Balanced Interview and Giveaway!

1. Who is Balanced?

My name is Rachel. I'm originally from Northern California, but currently living in Dublin, Ireland with my wonderful Irish husband and our baby Ginger, the cat.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

Oh goodness. I've been making things all my life. But, regarding my Etsy shop, I've been making jewelry for about 10 years. I do papercrafts as well, my sold section shows a set of cards I did. I paint also and sell prints an another venue you can find on my blog, http://balancedcrafts.com.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

Everywhere really. Nature, art, fashion. I browse a lot of magazines and read a lot of blogs. I'm inspired everyday.

4. What is your favorite medium?

I haven't met a medium I didn't like yet and I'm always looking for new ones. Right now I'm trying out encaustic painting, but the old stand buys like oil, acrylic, pencils, chalk, etc. are always near. I do a lot of digital painting these days as well. And with jewelry, I would say beadweaving as opposed to bead stringing, though I love that too.

5. Is Etsy/your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

I suppose it is. I'm always working on it in one way or another and I have no other job, so, yeah. :P

6. How did you find Etsy?

Magic.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

I think it was all the awesome people I met.

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

Wow, I am no good at these 'favorite' questions. I love and am proud of every single thing I make to sell, or I wouldn't put it out into the world. I'm very sensitive, haha. I do, however, have a special fondness for the beadwoven pieces as there is more time put into them.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

My head is spinning trying to think of favorites, honestly. There are just so many!

10.Tips for other Artists?

Yes, though it's not originally mine.“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some" by Robert Fulghum.

11. Tell me a secret about yourself!

I know where you live. (If you've ordered from me that is.:P)

12. Any parting words of wisdom? Questions? Comments?

Just a sincere thank you. I'm so glad to be a part of this team and to have met the wonderful people in it. It's a lovely thing.

Balanced is offering this beautiful Pearly Squares Bracelet in our giveaway! To enter, all you have to do is go to her Etsy Shop and come back here and leave a comment telling us which of her items is your favorite! Be sure you leave your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner!

This giveaway is open internationally and will run until Sunday, March 8th at midnight EST.