Name: Isis Sturtewagen
Age: 20
Location: The first five years of my life, my parents and I lived in an apartment, in an old house, in the centre of Antwerp (Belgium). After that we moved to a small, slightly boring, easy-going village in the middle of Flanders, where it often seems as if the time is standing still.
Design background: Studying free arts for two years, I have learned a lot about how to use and combine different colors and textures, and create good compositions. When I was eleven years old, my dream was to become a jewelry designer. When going to university to study Archaeology, I missed the creating I otherwise did in class so much; I needed to find an alternative. I started making jewelry and accessories on a more regular basis. That is how Paper Flower Girl was born.
Where do you get your inspiration from? I am always being inspired by historical jewelry and costume, especially of the medieval period, early to late 19th century, and art nouveau. I have a whole collection of books on historical costume and textile work and visit museums whenever I can. Apart from that nature is an ever important source of inspiration: color, fauna, flora, forms, textures, details...
Making jewelry is a very thankful art form to me. I can fuse my love for poetry and proze, with my love for color and textures, forms and designs all together.
In my jewelry I can combine all my favorite materials: fabric and yarn, buttons and beads, metal and chain. Through my creations I can tell stories. That to each person a pair of earrings made by me will tell another, unique story.
Is this your full time job? No. As I said above, I study Archaeology. I am now in my second year, still two more to go. I hope I can keep combining these two passions for the rest of my life and that I don't have to let one of them go in favor of the other.
Are you involved in any other crafty projects or organisations? I am a member of the European Street Team on Etsy. The European Street Team is a group of artists and crafters who sell on Etsy and live in Europe. Our goal is to promote European Etsy shops and to share information and knowledge. The members of this group come from many different countries and offer a diverse range of arts and crafts to anyone looking for a unique handmade item.
Where can I find you in real life? Currently I am only selling through the web.
Any tips for someone who wants to start making their own stuff? Try to find a balance between not wanting too much at the same time and keep dreaming of all the things you want.
What music do you listen to whilst you work? I rarely listen to music while working.
What is the nicest comment you have ever received about your work? I consider it a huge compliment to have repeat buyers. When buyers come back to buy another piece, for themselves or as a gift, means they really like your work. I count myself lucky to have had several.
What is your favourite item that you have made? My favorite thing I ever made must be a monotype print from a drunk woman I did several years ago. Picking a favorite jewellery design I find much harder. Maybe it is my Sleeping Beauty necklace.
Can you recommend another designer? I love Ten Little Fingers clothing, adore foundling accessories, jewellery and home wares, and Queenthings jewellery takes my breath away!
Anything else I might be interested in?I have a weblog.