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On Explore Your Spirit with Kala’s Bohemian Blog, we continue to seek out the most talented and innovative designers of the 21st Century.   Join us this summer as we meet up with bright souls who do what they love and allow the rest to unfold as it should. On this path, we connected with Susie Holladay, who creates custom jewelry. Enjoy the interview here with Susie…  *~Kala~*

Kala: Hi Susie, Thanks for joining us here on Kala’s Bohemian Blog. This summer, we’re featuring Fashion and Design for the Body, Mind and Spirit.  I discovered your work via Twitter, which led me to your jewelry on ArtFire and Etsy.  I find your designs to be mystical and refreshing with unexpected introductions of inspired whimsy, which is delightful. Tell us, how did you begin making jewelry and what do you enjoy most about it?

Susie: Thank you Kala.  I’m delighted to be here.  I have always enjoyed being creative, whether it is music, sewing, painting or gardening.  My introduction to jewelry making came from my love of “rocks”.  It doesn’t matter what kind either.  I can see beauty in the plainest stone.  I’ve collected rocks for years and used them in various ways. I gradually began to want to make something “pretty” to wear and I was hooked.  It has been one of the most satisfying endeavors I’ve undertaken.  Each piece is unique and special.  When I work I seem to go somewhere else and become completely at peace.  Hours can pass without realizing it!  Usually when my stomach growls I know it’s time for a break!   The thing I enjoy most about jewelry making is the creative aspect of it and the peace within that comes from each experience.

Kala: When viewing your work, I was immediately attracted to one particular piece, this beautiful amethyst bracelet which was described as a bohemian design, of which I am now the delighted owner.  What was your inspiration for this piece?

Susie: The amazing thing about this bracelet was the fact that as I was working with the stones I actually had you in my mind which caused me to give it the name of bohemian after your blog!  I never dreamed you would be the one who would buy it!  I guess this is a perfect example of how the Universe works.  I couldn’t have been more delighted when you found it!  It truly was meant for you.

Kala: I love that too, so synchronistic! I am delighted that you are a fan of the show and the blog and had made this piece with me and the blog in mind! I had no idea, I saw your general Tweet sharing your work and went to look and fell in love with this bracelet. I agree, the Universe works in many powerful and mysterious ways and it’s so fun to watch it all come together.

Looking at all the stones you use in your designs Susie,  I see that you work with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise in some of your designs. What are the unique properties of this turquoise?

Susie: These turquoise stones are world famous.  I did some research on them and found that they are highly prized and some of the best turquoise available!  The one’s I have are just like they were when they were mined back in the 70s.  They have no need for enhancement or stablization which is unusual these days.  Turquoise is such a wonderful stone and treasured by many cultures.  It is the stone of longevity and prosperity.

Kala: Do you connect with the gemstones when you work with them? Do you have a design in mind when you begin or do the stones lead you to the design?

Susie: Yes I do connect with the stones.  I just love to handle them.  Sometimes I have an idea in my mind but usually the stones have the final say about it.  It’s amazing how things come together!

Kala: You’re a musician, artist, jewelry designer and love to travel. How have your travels inspired your designs?

Susie: Just being in nature and different cultures seems to inspire me to try different things!  I just love the wonderful designs in nature.

Kala: As a creative person, you’ve found many outlets to share your talents with the world. How do they differ and how are they the same when you are expressing yourself?

Susie: I guess music was my first real passion.  I love people and this allowed me the privilege of connecting with them.  I love bringing joy to others and letting them know just how special they are.  The pleasure and satisfaction of bringing joy to others is always in my heart.  I am older now and seem to be less active in the world and I am finding jewelry making is giving me another outlet to connect and hopefully bring happiness to others in a different way though my desire remains the same.

Kala: Your work is beautiful with the introduction of copper in many of your pieces. I have to wonder if you are connecting to past lives in Egypt, as several pieces you have designed include spirals and sacred symbols and appear to call forth an ancient energy. What inspired you to use copper in your creations?

Susie: It is interesting that you bring this up.  I do seem to have a special connection to spirals and sacred symbols.  I have often wondered if I might have been a musician or artist in another lifetime in some ancient culture.  I am very interested in ancient symbols.  A few years ago I became fascinated with indian symbols and began painting them on rocks.  In jewelry designs, especially copper, I love to use lots of spirals and coils in the designs.  Copper is such a warm and wonderful metal and is used by many people for health benefits.

Kala: Do you accept custom orders? What has been your favorite piece that you have designed thus far?

Susie: Yes, I would be glad to do custom orders.  I will do my best to fill any request.  If I find I can’t do it then I will gladly give a refund.  To date I guess my favorite piece would be the Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace but it’s really hard to say for I like them all.

Kala: I love the work you do with freshwater pearls. There’s something so light and soothing about these pieces. Pearls seem to embody the essence of every woman. What do you feel when you work with pearls and can you describe your inspiration regarding this particular piece…

Susie: I love to work with pearls.  They seem to embody all that is feminine….. graceful, beautiful and lasting.  I think every woman should have a string of pearls!  This necklace is especially interesting.  The pendant is rather unusual in that it can represent something different to each person.  I can see a dolphin, a seal, and a cross in this pendant.  Someone else might see something different.  The small freshwater pearls with the purple quartz seen to combine land and water.  The pendant was the inspiration in this piece and I just worked from there.

Kala: Who is Susie Holladay? If your friends and family were to describe you in five sentences, what would they say?

Susie: I think they would tell you I am a very optimistic person, always trying to look on the bright side of things and that I value my family and friends and can be counted on to lend a hand when they need me.

Kala: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to connect more with their creative side?

Susie: Just begin.  Find out what really interests you and experiment.  Don’t be afraid to try.  Something will come along that will grab hold of you.  Life is a journey so fill your life with things that give you happiness, then you will be able to share that happiness with others.

Kala: Beyond your artistic creations here Susie, what inspires you? How do you Explore Your Spirit?

Susie: I love to listen to the view points of others and studying things I’ve never known.  I have an avid thirst for knowledge and understanding.   I try to keep an open mind and heart and have found by looking inward we already have the answers.  We only need to seek.

Kala: It was a pleasure speaking with you Susie. Looking forward to seeing more of your work and best wishes for your continued success.

Susie: And thank you Kala.  It has truly been a pleasure being here with you.   So many of us look forward to your podcasts and blogs.  I learn something new every time.  You are an inspiration to so many people.  Keep up the good work!

More about Susie Holladay…

Hi, I’m Susie Holladay and I love rocks!  My husband and I have spent many years traveling out west looking at all the natural wonders available to us.  The first part of my life was spent in music which has been a passion all of my life.  Now I am taking it easy and just enjoying life.  I have had various jobs over the years from substitute teaching to being a post master relief in our local post office.

My husband retired in 2000 and I worked on for another 6 months.  One morning I woke up and just knew I was ready to quit too!  I haven’t looked back since.  From our travels I have developed a deep love of nature and rocks.  It was only natural that I would eventually make jewelry which I absolutely love to do!       (Discover Susie’s jewelry at ArtFire and Etsy.)

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Recently, I’ve discovered some very talented artisans who are designing unique, one of a kind jewelry using natural gemstones, crystals, and geodes. I’ll be featuring interviews with them about their designs throughout the summer on the Bohemian Blog, as we focus on fashion that nourishes, harmonizes and enhances the body, mind and spirit.

First up we have Ginny O’Shea from New York. Her jewelry can be purchased on ArtFire.  Enjoy!

Kala: Hi Ginny, Thanks for doing this interview. I’m the proud and delighted owner of one of your beautiful pieces, a rose quartz necklace. What drew me to your work was your extensive use of natural stone work and gemstones in bold designs. How long have you been making jewelry and how did you get started?

Ginny: Hi Kala, I’ve been making jewelry for just about two years now. When I lost a bead to a pair of earrings that a friend had made for me, I went to the local craft store to find a replacement. Couldn’t find the exact bead, but what I did find was a whole new way for me to express myself through making jewelry. I bought a few tools and beads and that was it!

Kala: You mix a variety of gemstones together and the colors and dramatic designs are eye catching and make a statement. It’s what attracted me to them as I felt the energy in each piece and the confidence in the message it was trying to convey. How do you connect with the stones you work with and what is your process for creating each design?

Ginny: I start by purchasing gemstones that appeal to me. I tend to like a rustic chunky look for my necklaces. The stones just jump out at me and I have to have them! Sure, you can make a necklace to go with a specific outfit, but for the most part, I randomly lay the stones that I think will work together out on my work table. Then the colors and textures that belong together become clear to me. Those are the ones that get played around with until the design is decided upon. Eventually there’s always a necklace in my house that will go with any given outfit!

Kala: You’re also a musician. What commonalities have you found between music, art and design?

Ginny: That’s a great question Kala. I would say that when you create things that you like, the sense of accomplishment and joy is something that you want to experience again and again. It never gets old! So whether you sing a song, design a piece of jewelry, or decorate a room, you are expressing yourself in a unique way. There’s real satisfaction in that.. I’ve read that when the brain experiences anything new, whether it be a beautiful view, or new book, or even a new scent, it stimulates your whole being and lifts you to a state of enjoyment that fights depression. I really believe that’s true.

Kala: Do you accept custom orders? What has been your most favorite design of all to date?

Ginny: Oh yes definitely! My favorite piece to date would have to be this geode necklace.

I love when a necklace features one geode as a pendant, but this one has five! That’s five sparkly amazing miracles of nature glowing around your neck.

Geodes or Drusy is when a crystal formation occurs over time on a stone, and each one is beautifully unique.

Kala: Are there any limits to what can be used when making jewelry?

Ginny: I believe there are no limitations when it comes to designing jewelry. I can honestly walk into a hardware store and find a lot of possibilities! But I know my heart belongs to gemstones. They are each so unique and beautiful and earthy to the touch.

Kala: Looking at another one of your designs here, this is the rose quartz necklace that I fell in love with. Describe this for us… and how did you decide upon this layout?

Ginny: This design came from the stones themselves. The sugar candy looking Rose Quartz stones just spoke for themselves, leaving me to keep within a simple design. They are so soft and feminine and perfect. It’s Rose Quartz at it’s best.

Kala: You’ve followed your passions in life, from music to design. What advice would you give to other women who are thinking about following their passion and embarking on a new career?

Ginny: My advice would be, and it’s so simple, to quote Earl Nightengale, “just do your work”. That’s it! Do your thing. When you have a passion for something and do it day after day, something marvelous happens. Your positive energy comes back to you. It happened with my music, and I’m so excited to be in this place in my life. When you love what you do, it shows and people connect with that. Yes, it takes time, but all successes take time. Don’t look back, just do your work.

Kala: Do you have plans for expansion? I’ve seen jewelry and stones now being woven into bridal veils, clothing, purses and home decor. Where do you think your work will take you?

Ginny: I’ll go wherever this takes me! I don’t mind being challenged, because that’s what makes us grow. Right now I’m working on an instructional DVD about getting started making jewelry. I’d like to help people save time, money and hours of frustration that get wasted when you’re a beginner and you have no idea what a crimp bead is or what kind of stringing wire you’re supposed to use. It’s all very confusing!

Kala: This next piece here is most intriguing. Tell us about it…

Ginny: This is one of my favorites! The blue Lapis beads I knew needed a bold pendant. I found this slice of drusy Agate and knew they should go together. Then I added a second row of Lapis because I felt the size of the pendant required a more substantial row of beads.

Kala: Who is Ginny O’Shea, if you had to describe yourself in three sentences or less, or if a friend were to describe you, what would they say?

Ginny: Ginny O’Shea always sees the glass half full! I’m positive, hopeful and grateful for all the good things in my life. My daughter says, “Mommy always needs a project” I guess she’s right.

Kala: Beyond the jewelry, What inspires you?

Ginny: Songs written in minor chords
Spending time with my daughters and appreciating what truly caring, responsible and intelligent young woman they’ve turned out to be
Random acts of kindness
My husband’s huge heart that’s equally matched by his depth of integrity
Watching my two dogs greet guests at the door sporting , yes , doggy jewelry!!
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Ginny’s Bio: I grew up, one of seven children, on Long Island, NY. My mom was always doing creative activities from making our Halloween costumes to writing articles for the local newspaper! She set a great example for her kids to not be afraid to go for whatever you want to accomplish in life. I’m married to a wonderful man and have two grown daughters. I’ve been a singer/songwriter for 20 years, and am now enjoying this new adventure. I feel so blessed to find such joy every day in my craft. I’m honored to share my creations with all of you. Thank you!

Discover the artistic vision and jewelry of Ginny O’Shea on ArtFire

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