Featured Etsy Artist: A Rose By Name

As promised, every day this week I will feature one of many of my favorite Etsy artists. Each artist who I contacted was kind enough to answer a few interview questions for me and I truly appreciate everyone's cooperation. Please make sure to check out each of the Etsy stores that are featured, as well as the artist's blog, if applicable! Enjoy!

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Artist: Anna Neff
Etsy Store: http://arosebyname.etsy.com/
Blog: http://arosebyname.blogspot.com/

Being Particular's favorite items:
Pomegranate Seed Lip Balm Holder (This is so clever, especially for a lip-balm-aholic, like me!)
Curls of Gold Cuff Bracelet (So creative, yet classic! Beautiful!)

How did you get started in your craft/business?
When my daughters were in elementary school, the bead critters were very popular and they wanted some to put on their backpacks. So, we bought the supplies and I figured out how to make them...it was obsession from that point on! I've just gone from plastic pony beads to high quality beads in much smaller sizes and have created my own designs for jewelry and accessories.

Are you a full-time artist? If not, what is your day job?
It's hard to say that I'm a full-time artist because I spend so much of my time online either promoting and/or learning about marketing. I'm also trying to build another online business and that keeps me very busy. I usually take several hours, late at night, to work on my pieces.

How has the current economic crisis affected your work?
Well, I may have to get a day job if I can't get my businesses up and running and I'm not buying a lot of new beads right now, but I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling the pain.

What inspires you to continue your creations?
I have too many ideas in my head to stop creating any time soon. I also have a list of new techniques and styles I want to play with, so I have a feeling that I will be beading for the rest of my life. I just can't imagine not creating with my beads!

If you had only one item to showcase, which would it be and why?
That's a tough one. They are all my "babies". If I was forced to choose just one that said something about me as a bead artist, I guess it would be "Stars of the Sea," a piece I created for the Etsy Beadweavers "Art Deco" Challenge. It has the geometric designs that I love to use and it's in the colors of the ocean which is another love.

What is on your Christmas list?
Nothing. My husband and I decided not to exchange gifts this year, but I do have a favorites list of Etsy items on my blog! :)

Make sure to vote for A Rose By Name in the Etsy BeadWeavers December Challenge. Anna has submitted a piece entitled Ice Crystals Holiday Bracelet and it is gorgeous! Voting ends Monday, December 15th at Midnight EST.