EFA December Featured Artist - Stars Dreams and Jewels

EFA stands for Etsy for Animals which is a group of Etsy artists who are dedicated to helping our animal friends. We are featuring a wonderful artist this month, Jeanne from the Etsy shop Stars Dreams and Jewels. I really love Jeanne's whimsical bracelets, they are funky, bright and fun!

You can visit Jeanne and her wonderful creations at http://www.StarsDreamsandJewels.etsy.com.

Here's more about Jeanne.

1) Tell us your name and a little about you?
My name is Jeanne and I live in Whitewater, Wisconsin with my awesome husband Michael and my two dogs: Gertrude and Stella, my two cats: Winky and Domino, and my two rats: Stewart and Creme Brulee. I have a BFA in Metalsmithing and Textiles from UW Oshkosh. I have my jewelry for sale on etsy and at three local shops on consignment. I have an awesome part-time job at a beautiful gift shop in town. I am a busy housewife, avid cook, and baker. If you have a recipe, I can make it!!! I have taught art/craft classes through the local Park and Rec and Senior Center. I also participate in the community art projects through the local Arts Alliance.

2) Where can we find your Etsy shop? Are there any other places we can see your creations?
You can find my etsy shop at http://www.StarsDreamsandJewels.etsy.com and you can also view more info about myself and my work at http://jeannejewels.blogspot.com

3) What do you create and if multiple things, what is your favorite?
I am primarily a jewelry artist and have been making jewelry for over 15 years, but have many other art/crafts interests. Including but not limited to: fiber arts,polymer clay,mosaics,floral arranging, and many more. I love collage jewelry style jewelry. I also love to use recycled/repurposed items in my work. I love to experiment with new designs,techinques, and ideas.

4) Who or what inspires you?
I can/have been inspired by anything and everything. I can't really nail it down, it is just this need to create and work with my hands that holds my interest.

5) How many pets do you have and what are their names (any interesting stories about how they came to be your pet)?
My pets are all rescues of some sort. They have all been turned away by others as not being their "ideal" pet. I believed they deserved a second chance!!! They have all had some sort of physical or behavioral problem to overcome. My animal friends have, for the most part, overcome their difficulties. They are my loving friend and companions.

6) How do you give back to our animal friends? What charities do you hold near and dear to your heart?
I volunteer at the local Humane Society shelter (Jefferson County Humane Society, which was the September charity of the month). I help out at the shelter and also help with fundraising efforts by volunteering at the charity events and filling out thank you cards. I published a family cookbook this year and I give 25% to the HSJC. I have sold over 120 books in 5months!!!! Woohoo!!! I make fudge for the holidays and sell it at two local shops in town. I also sell my fudge through my husbands work, my sisters work, and private orders. I have established a fund for the rescued pot belly pig "River" at the HSJC. The HSJC found River on the side of the road suffering from starvation and neglect. It is very costly to house and feed River. I give 15% of my fudge sales towards this fund. River is now comfortable,happy and getting fat at the shelter. He is an awesome pig!!!