Imagine: we pay for this pain! Ow! Ow! Ow!

Ah well, mostly fixed now. Teeth really should be better designed to last. Fillings too. At least it wasn’t root canal work! Phew!

Some of my favorite pieces are:

Saturn Spiral Earrings

Hemlock Wreath Reflecting Mountain Stream

Strange and Wonderful Space Orb with Rhodolite Cabachon

Her shop on Etsy, Giftbearer, is well worth visiting and ogling – and, of course, making purchases from.

Here is what Pippit has to say about her art and business.

Patricia: What do you find most challenging as an artist?

Pippit: In terms of techniques the most challenging for me is following beadweaving patterns. I have never really been able to visualize what’s on paper and know which bead corresponds to the map I put on paper. I have found over time that it’s better for me not to use a pattern and make the design as I go.

Patricia: What do you find most challenging as an artist trying to do business?

Pippit: Probably the most challenging thing in business is never knowing whether I will make the number of sales I need, and for how long. What’s hot today might not be tomorrow, and opportunities often slip through your fingers just when you think it’s a done deal. There are so many variables involved in selling your work that it makes it hard to plan. Sometimes you know what will bring you better cashflow, but lack the money to put it into action, so it can be a vicious cycle, not being able to expand right at the time that expansion is necessary the very financial security you seek.

Patricia: Do you have a favorite medium or technique?

Pippit: I love stone setting and more recently, pmc, and I also enjoy doing circular peyote stitch, as I prefer 3 dimensional pieces. For this same reason I have experimented with a variety of ways to make hollowforms through metalwork.

Patricia: What do you love most about being an artist?

Pippit: I love those times when I’ve really outdone myself and created a masterpiece. I also love the excitement at shows when my work has sold really well and I have a great time buying supplies (except for when I don’t have enough money for what I need and have to obcessively do the math 50 times to come away with enough to work with).

Patricia: What words of advice would you offer to other artists?

Pippit: Don’t just stick with the same level of work year after year, but instead challenge yourself to do something new, bigger and better than the last. Keep exploring new ideas and ways of doing things. Also don’t limit yourself by saying you don’t have time to promote your business. We’re all busy with something and we live in the same 24-hour sequences. If art is what feeds you, you in turn must feed it in order for it to grow. Too often art is put last on the list of priorities after other jobs, children, husband, or cleaning the kitchen floor, but I believe the true artist’s first love must first and foremost be her creation. Only then can the other parts of her life fall into place.

Pippit also has another web presence at Smashing Darling where you can find more of her work.