I Do Believe in Faeries: An Interview with Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations

Greetings, everyone!  Today I have a little interview with the multi-talented Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations.  I have been a fan of Theresa's art for some time now and just recently released a perfume featuring her sweet and gorgeous art that she created just for my perfume.  Now let's read on about Theresa and take a look at some of her magical art and her whimsical, and romantic jewelry :)

Original mixed media art was created to benefit The M & L Hockman Ranch

What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always loved art since I was a child. I entertained the idea of becoming an artist as a teenager, but life took me down a different path. It wasn't until several years ago that I had the urge to try again – but offering original art and jewelry on etsy.

Red Paper Rose Earrings

What are you favorite art mediums to create with?

I love working with acrylic paint and colored pencil. When I was younger, I was actually afraid of color...but now I embrace it!

Blue Wooden Butterfly Necklace by Faerie Moon Creations

What is your favorite theme to create around?

My favorite themes are whimsy, nature, and faeries.  

Red Haired Butterfly Faerie Fine Art Giclee Print

Can you tell us how you begin creating a piece?

When creating an art piece, I will usually have an idea in my mind of how I want it to look. I'll begin sketching the main image and take it from there, I especially love to work on faces. I adore creating beautiful eyes – because I believe that's where stories are told.

Cinderella Mini Art Print Necklace

You also make a lot of lovely jewelry, tell us a little about the pieces you make and what inspires them.

I enjoy making jewelry that I, myself, would like to wear. I often create one-of-a-kind pieces but sometimes will duplicate a design if I find it is really popular. Our jewelry designs are whimsical and pretty and nature-based. My husband is my jewelry partner-in-crime. He works on the metal designs – he enjoys manipulating silver and copper and turning them into interesting, unique jewelry pieces.

Silver Beaded Calla Lily Earrings

What is the most unique piece of art or jewelry you have created?

A bracelet we call “Mystic Moons” is one of our more unique pieces. I love the natural look of the earthy colored beads along with the copper washers and silver spirals. A lot of work went into this piece. My husband had a great time working on it.

Mystic Moons by Faerie Moon Creations 

What other hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?

I love reading, photography, hiking, baking (especially cupcakes) and knitting.

Dorothy and Toto Art Print Bookmark by Theresa MacNaughton

What handmade possession do you cherish the most?

My favorite handmade possession actually came from my husband. He actually found this lovely smooth large rock that was in the shape of a heart. He beautifully painted in delicate shades of red and inscribed it with “My love for you is as solid as a rock.” I simply adore it. He often makes me little handmade trinkets from nature findings.

Where can we find your sweet, lovely artwork and beautiful jewelry and read more about you?

Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/faerymoongoddess
Blog faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/FaerieMoonCreations
Pinterest pinterest.com/faeriemoon
Twitter twitter.com/faerymoongodess
 

Thank you so much for sharing, Theresa!

 

Now, here is the artwork Theresa, created for my newest perfume oil, Naenia.  The first TEN people to buy the perfume will get one of ten special LIMITED EDITION art print bookmarks of this artwork by Theresa.  This art will be found no where else, so only ten of you will have a chance to own an art print of it as a large format bookmark.  They are protected in plastic and come with a tassel. Theresa has made these very lovely for you :)

NAENIA: PERFUME Oil by Deep Midnight Perfumes, art by Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations

 

 

See you again soon!  XOXO  Cat

 

**Photographs courtesy of and copyright of Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations.

** Perfume listing copyright of Cat Marx of Deep Midnight Perfumes, Artwork Copyright of Theresa MacNaughton and Faerie Moon Creations, for use by Deep Midnight Perfumes Only.

An Interview with Ally of Feral Strumpet: "Wanton whimsies for wildlings"

I have quite a few favorite shop on etsy, and Feral Strumpet is one of the shops that first captured my wandering, jewelry-addicted eye.  My friend Ally has taken the time to answer these interview questions so we can all learn a little bit more about her and her stunning jewelry :) Here is a chance to take a look and find something special for yourself or a loved one for Valentine's Day as well!

Valentine Wine Red Fairy Flower Earrings

 

What inspired you to become a jewelry designer?

Ever since I was a teenager scouring thrift stores, I have refurbished vintage jewellery making it into something new, but it wasn't until I moved to Yorkshire from London that I became serious about it. I was jobless, a bit desperate and a friend said, "Why don't you sell the jewellery you make?"

 

      Feral Valentine Red Sacred Heart Earrings by Feral Strumpet

How do you begin your design process and what are your favorite materials?

Most of my designs start from stories, myths and archetypes that surface in my reading and research on the history of Witchcraft in Europe. I love to go hiking on the moors, and often things will come to me suddenly while taking in that vastness. Characters arise and I know what they are wearing-- and then I make it. My favourite materials right now are raw crystals. I have pounds of them which have come to me like wayward children. I've cleaned them-- literally and ritually. Working with them has given me vivid dreams.

You have a lot of wonderful fantasy themes in your pieces. What is your favorite theme to create around?

I think of all the forgotten wise women throughout history, and sometimes I fancy they whisper to me while I work. Also, there is the indulgence of childhood in many of my pieces. I have always loved fantasy literature since I was a child. I used to dream of riding dragons and visiting enchanted places. I guess I haven't changed that much!

Describe the very first piece you created?

My first jewellery I ever made were strings of beads to wear on my wrists. I was covered in bracelets--it was the 80s. But the first piece that marked the particular design that led to me making jewellery professionally was the Black Hearted Love Rosary Necklace:

Black Rosary Necklace and Carved Cinnabar Heart by Feral Strumpet

Versions of this necklace have become a best seller; it has been featured on the front page of Etsy. I made the first one 10 years ago and wear it all the time-- now, I listen to the rosary fragments that come to me. If they want to be black-hearted, that's what I make them.

Tell us a little about the shows where you exhibit and sell your jewelry and creations.

My favourite place to sell is Eastercon, the British Science Fiction convention. There is a great sense of community, enthusiasm and wacky fun. I feel as if I am with my people!

What piece of jewelry remains your favorite?

My current favourite is the Spiral Promise Ring.

Most of my designs are marked by Victorian excess, and it was a delight to make something so simple, meaningful and well-made. I had been perfecting the design for a long time. I wear mine every day.

Spiral Promise Ring by Feral Strumpet

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My secret identity as a tribal bellydancer has recently been revealed. I also love knitting, brewing beer and reading. I have been known to write a novel or two.

 

Hot Air Balloon Bookmark by Feral Strumpet

What handmade possession do you treasure the most?

This is the hardest question to answer! I live with handmade things all around me. I will always buy handmade things before I will go to the high street, whether it be perfume (yours!) or tea towels. Is it the Edward Gorey quilt my mother made for me? My new teeshirt by Raintower on Etsy or my constant companion, the Ring of Brodgar ring by Steven Cooper?

www.aurora-jewellery.co/steven-cooper-master-craftsman/ I can't say!

Black Sacred Heart Earrings by Feral Strumpet

 

 

Where can we find your jewelry and wanton whimsies for wildlings?

-- www.feralstrumpet.com (blog)
-- www.facebook.com/pages/Feral-Strumpet-on-Etsy/194855940556056 (facebook)
-- @feralstrumpet (twitter)
-- feralstrumpet.tumblr.com/ (tumblr)

 

Art Nouveau Heart Rosary Necklace by Feral Strumpet

Thank you so much, Ally!

*** All photographs courtsesy of and copyright of Ally Shaw of Feral Strumpet