Discover Artists ~ Joanne Boyer

Joanne Boyer from Girlie's Bling & Things on Etsy is my first feature on Discover Artists.


Living in Central California, she owns a board & care facility for developmentally disabled women and even looks after her grand-kids. And even though her plate is full and sometimes even overflowing -I'm sure - this incredible woman will always find time to create.

Joanne loves all types of crafts from painting and jewelry, to macrame and woodwork.
Here is a very interesting interview with this wonderful woman.

How would you describe yourself?
I am an outgoing woman who never meets a stranger. I am honest and trustworthy would do anything to help a friend, if needed. I may be 55, but mentally I'm still in my 30's :) I love Las Vegas, shopping, kids, going for long walks with my sweetie and breathing :) Breathing is a good thing..lol

How long have you been designing?
I started making earrings in high school and would sell to my friends. I have always been creative in some type of art. I can just about do anything.


Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you created?
.Maybe not the first piece, but I do remember those earrings I created in school. Have to admit, they were pretty ugly..lol..but I liked them and so did my friends.

Do you have any major inspirations or influences?
You know, I really don't have any inspirations or influences. I just seem to go with the flow. I do look at a lot of designer jewelry, magazines, what women and teens are wearing when shopping. I get a lot of ideas that way, but will never, ever, copy what someone else has created.

How did you start making jewelry a business?
In 2007, I opened a website "Girlie's Bling & Things" I had my creations, handbags, commercial accessories. But I know that this economy killed it. So I closed it. Spent a lot of money with that site, but don't regret any of it. It was a ride! :)

What are some of the challenges you have faced?
Biggest challange, like for many, is financial. A lot of things I would love to get are just too pricey. Also, creative block! You sit with your supplies, then go put them away..lol..I know a lot of artisans have this. Very frustrating. Oh and time. I take care of 5 mentally challanged women, and care for my grandkids a lot (5 & 2). Doesn't leave me a lot of time.


What would you like to work with/ or what skill would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
Creating Lampwork beads. I am blown away what these masters of glass create. I've seen some videos of how they're made, and makes me very curious.

What do you do when you aren't making jewelry?
When I'm not creating, I'm doing paperwork for my facility, watching the kids, attending to my clients, (they live in my home), cleaning, laundry, shopping. The usual things everyone has to do on a daily basis. The laundry alone is a full time job. lol Laundry for 10 has that machine going all the time. Any takers out there for putting it away? Ughh!


Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?
Well....just that I do care! I don't talk behind your back, I don't ignore emails, I take a sale very serious and communicate each step of the sale. Afterall, if you don't treat your customers with respect, you'll lose them a second time around. These days, money is hard to come by. If they spend with you, you treat them good and COMMUNICATE! They need to know what's going on!
Where can people find more info on you and your designs?
You can find all of my items at http://www.joanne79.etsy.com

This is my first blog ever about the interesting artists out there... and i plan to blog about a different one every week.