It is our pleasure to introduce Heather Sanders of PaperGemsbyHEMS as this week's Featured Artist. Heather creates colorful beaded jewelry from her home in Illinois.
Introduction to you:
I am a teacher, believer, and crafter that lives in small town USA and wouldn't have it any other way. In my free time I love to make old things new and that's what I get to do at Paper Gems.
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| Paper Mache Rainbow Beaded Bracelet |
Giveaway: Team members can use CAST10 to get
10% off their purchase from Paper Gems through August 12th.
How did you get your start on Etsy?
Paper Gems began with just a thought. I thought, after
seeing some paper jewelry online, how much fun it would be to make some of my
own jewelry. From there it grew. My younger siblings wanted it and then their
friends wanted it. Soon a friend of mine suggested Etsy and here I am today.
Most of my items are one of a kind and because of that you can know that you
have a truly unique piece to add to your wardrobe or home.
Recently, Paper Gems joined forces with DEESTRONG. DEESTRONG
is a local organization that helps the local towns as well as raises money for
kidney cancer awareness. I now carry jewelry that is specially designed in the
DEESTRONG colors. The proceeds from the sale of these items goes directly to
the DEESTRONG organization. I am excited to be able to help a local
organization as well as the community.
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| DEESTRONG Beaded Bracelet |
How did you choose your shop name?
I chose my shop name because originally all of my
items were jewelry and made of paper. The "Gems" part was chosen
because it rhymes with my initials and gems are used to make
jewelry. I thought it was a perfect fit.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On a typical day I go to work where I teach grades 3,
4, 5, and 6 at a small Christian school in my town. After work you'll typically
find me at home cleaning, crafting, or planning my next big project with the
school.
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| Quilled Paper Bead Ring in Bronze & Brown |
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where
would it be?
If I could be anywhere in the world for one day I'd be
in New Zealand at the set of the Shire. I love that they left it for all of us nerds to go and visit! Besides being able to fulfill my
nerdiness the land looks stunningly beautiful!
What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23. I'm pretty
sure my students roll their eyes every time I mention it because I use it all
the time.
It says, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to
the Lord, and not unto men." I love that it calls us to put our very best
out there. Afterall, we wouldn't do anything halfway if we were doing it
directly for God.
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| Faux Turquoise Rock Paper Bead Necklace |
What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
My current favorite listing is: https://www.etsy.com/listing/106473882/faux-turquoise-rock-paper-bead-necklace I love all of my Faux Rock line.
Where else we can find you on the Internet?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PaperGemsTwitter: @PaperGemsbyHems
Pinterest: pinterest.com/heatherlizmarie/
Comments (7)
Hi Heather - I'm Rita (sammysgrammy). It's nice to meet you. What fun it must be to make jewelry from paper - you never run out of supplies - it comes in the mail every day......
Very interesting jewelry!
Heather, I love your jewelry and your shop is so cute.
Fun shop!
Thanks everyone! I love doing this!
It's amazing what you can do with paper! Your work is so cool!
I'm learning more and more as I make more jewelry. Paper is so fun because you can manipulate it in so many different way!