diydivas.myfastforum.org

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:47 pm

Tell me about yourself (where you live, your name, who you are, how would you describe yourself to others, and anything else you can think of)?

My name is Jo. I live in England, UK. I am an independent crafter. I am "complicated". I swing between being friendly and fun, and, reclusive and introverted. I enjoy the weird and the wonderful.

What do you make? What are your favorite materials to work with? What is your favorite color?

I mostly make unsual jewellery. I also love to work with paper, making intricate collages, greetings cards and stationery. I don't have one favourite colour - I'm well known for my rainbowness (but, if my life depended on it and I had to pick one I suppose it would be purple).

Where can people purchase your goods?

Etsy: http://rainbowmermaid.etsy.com
eBay: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/rainbow-mermaid-shop
In the "kitsch and fun" section of the jewellery boutique of http://www.boutiquetoyou.co.uk
My creations will also be available on http://www.demonicagifts.com later this year.

What is your favorite thing you have ever created?

I don't think I could answer that. I am quite prolific... My current favourite out of what I have for sale would be either my "Super Geek" charm bracelet

or this pastel coloured kilt pin brooch

What is the worst thing you have ever created?

Again, I don't think I can answer that. I hardly ever dislike my creations. I am rather sick of making dolly mixture and liquorice allsorts beads. They were really popular until recently and I spent so much time and effort making endless piles of the things... ugh.

What inspires you to create?

Usually it's the materials themselves which speak to me. Or often I'll dive straight in with just a colour combination in mind. Other than that I spend a lot of time considering whether various single small objects I see in every day life, could be turned into beads or charms. I love to recycle and repurpose all sorts of things.

What is your favorite film/music/book/artist?

My favourite film is Labyrinth. Music - I love electronica stuff from all decades, but especially the 80s. I also like Glam Rock and stuff like Pink Floyd. I like to read science fiction and historical fiction - I particularly enjoy the authors Jean M. Auel, Stephen Baxter, Anne Rice and Justina Robson. I love colourful art by the Fauves and Post Impressionists. I like images with clean lines and a graphic feel to them like Art Nouveau, and illustrators like Arthur Rackham. I like a lot of "outsider art" - naive art, art of the insane, folk art...

Who is the most important person in your life?

My love, Daniel.

Who is your favorite DiY designer?

Lady Luck Rules OK has been inspiring. Nowadays it's... me!

Do you have any advice for other DiY designers?

Make things which you enjoy making - disregard any of those little voices in your head that might say your idea is silly or weird etc. It's also good if you can make something which is both unique and attractive and/or useful. Have FUN!

Check out Rainbow Mermaid's DiY Divas profile!
Rainbow Mermaid

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:03 am

Your stuff is amazing! I'm a fan of alternate jewellery and love that geek bracelet. I've hearted you!

Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

excellent braclets. They look like fun to wear. You have great pictures too.