NH Etsy Shop Feature: Lauren Alana Jewelry

Welcome to our weekly NH Etsy Shop Feature!

This week we're featuring a talented jewelry designer from the Granite State.

If you're looking for beautiful, elegant designs, Lauren Alana Jewelry on Etsy is an absolute must see. Lauren writes, "I often go on out of the way trips to find unique stones & crystals to use in my designs to make sure my customers get artisan pieces, not cookie cutter jewelry." And cookie cutter is not something you'll find in her shop by any means. Whether you're looking for a bracelet made with stunning lampwork beads, sterling silver and Swarovski crystal necklaces, or vintage inspired brass pieces, Lauren Alana Jewelry is the place to look.

One of my favorite pieces is this beautiful brass necklace. At only $28, I may have to pick it up for myself.



It's romantic and whimsical vintage styling would make a perfect gift for that beautiful woman in your life.

Another favorite is the Serena bracelet. Lauren says that it breaks her heart to part with such a gorgeous creation, and I can see why. It's simple and sophisticated enough to wear everyday to the office, but the blue lampwork beads give it enough jazz to dress up an evening out on the town. It's a steal at only $70, and I suspect this bracelet will move quickly into the hands of it's new owner.



I had a chance to talk with Lauren about her life and her work. Read on to learn more about Lauren Alana Jewelry on Etsy.

What is your name, and what is your Etsy shop name?
Lauren Boss
Lauren Alana Jewelry

Do you have a blog, website, etc. you'd like to share?
www.LaurenAlanaJewelry.etsy.com
http://www.LaurenAlanaJewelry.com
Facebook: Lauren Alana Artisan Jewelry
Twitter: LaurenAlanaB


Do you sell anywhere else online?
Above & supply shop at: www.MermaidBeadBooty.etsy.com

Describe your craft/art.
Artisan Jewelry, mostly one of a kind or very limited "production". I do a lot with dichroic glass jewelry, which is a timely process, but so pretty! I also do a lot with pearls, swarovski crystals, beach glass, wire wrapping...




Describe your work space. If you could have your ideal work space what would it be?
I have a portion of a finished basement dedicated to jewelry making. I also am lucky enough to have the dichroic glass kiln/saws/grinders set up where I work.

Ideally, I picture in my home studio... a back wall of enclosed glass cases...complete with lights, so that I can see everything at a glance. Everything would have a home & a specific place. Glass jars filled with swarovski crystals, beads, findings, rolls of sterling silver & gold filled wire, strings of high quality pearls hanging in one spot.... Of course there needs to be a place for my music... and a tv to watch the Red Sox on! Great lighing over the desk, a spot dedicated for picture taking... oh the dream goes on!



Tell us a bit about yourself in general.
I run a small family business renting construction equipment, so I deal with guys all day, and equipment. So I always joke around that my jewelry is my girlie thing that I do to keep balance in my life.

Aside from your art/crafting, what is your life like?
Well, I am a mom/daughter/sister/aunt/cousin/friend... I love old Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movies and often find inspiration in the beautiful costuming. I also love the beach, I bring my dog there a lot, he's quite the beach bum, I think he even knows how to read the signs because he starts getting excited while we are still on the highway! The beach is my get-a-way spot that sooths my soul... maybe I was a mermaid in my last life? (haha) Which was the inspiration in my supply shop--MermaidBeadBooty


How did you get into your art/craft?
I love sparkley things! Pretty jewelry with lots of crystals! Years ago I started collecting vintage pins... and then it started to go into bracelets and an occasional necklace. Then I thought...hmmm I can make that. What started off as I can make a couple of things with fishing line and inexpensive beads and crystals grew into an art form for me. A really pretty way for my creative side to be fed. Then of course there is only so much you can wear yourself and give as gifts, so I started to sell it, which allowed me to expand my horizons to better quality and so it keeps on growing...

What do you love most about living and crafting in NH?
I love the etsy people that I have meet the past couple of years at craft fairs, they are all so nice and helpful. You don't get that competitive resentment from peopole doing the same craft, just nice, people!

I also have met a lot of different artsy people who years ago I wouldn't picture myself being friendly with, but I have expanded my horizons and have met some really cool, interesting people who are opening my eyes to a whole new world!


How do you promote your art/craft?
Etsy, website, word of mouth, craft fairs, art galleries....

Are there any local venues where you sell your work?
Maison de la Art in Nashua and Strait Ahead Hair Salon in Salem


Describe a typical day in your crafting/art life.
Typically at night I will do my designing. After working all day, it allows me to relax and put my mind away from work. During the day I sometimes find my muse working over time and have to draw designs and save them for later.
I usually have music on in the back ground, or a Red Sox game.


What are your immediate goals for your work and life? Long term goals?
Like most of us, immediately I'd like to survive this economy, and then grow my day business to a point where it would require less of my attention so I could focus more on the jewelry designing.

If you could be doing anything with your life, what would it be?
Have a nice jewelry studio over looking the ocean in my beach house (see above), but more realisticly, I would like to have more time to spend with family/friends. Do some relaxing--which for me includes designing, my muse comes alive when I'm relaxed, things just seem to flow so much better. I would also like to see my jewelry selling in a few more spots.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
You never know life will take you....Where ever I am I am pretty sure I will still be experimenting with how to make pretty jewelry! :)



Be sure to visit Lauren Alana Jewelry for one of a kind, artistic jewelry pieces. You won't be dissatisfied.

Thanks for supporting NH Artists living and working right here in the Granite State.