CheapTweet Blog

This week, we talked to Alisa Treasurefield (@treasurefield). Alisa is a jewelry designer who lives in a very small town where she’s a mom to two delightful, teen-aged boys. One of her greatest sources of pride is how they’ve grown to be creative, inventive and resourceful, as well as good-humored! Alisa designs and sells jewelry and other treasures in her Treasurefield Etsy shop. You can also find her on Flickr and on her blog.

How did you get started making jewelry and other kinds of artwork?

I guess the jewelry was just a natural progression for a girly-girl sort like me!  I also like working small, so wearable art is perfect. I started drawing at a young age, maybe following the lead of my mom who is talented and artistic with many media, especially sewing and crochet.  My dad has always had a knack for wood projects and building.  I suspect a little of both my parents rubbed off on me.

Tell us a little bit about your artwork. What sorts of pieces do you specialize in?

For the past few years I’ve specialized in polymer clay jewelry.  I call my pieces “sculptural” because I often start with a lump of clay and just see what it becomes. I also do a lot of sketching that I later turn into jewelry. Lately, I’m getting back to the drawing and painting, and trying my hand at sewing and fabric art. I like to be challenged, so I try new things.  Hopefully, that keeps me and my art from becoming too boring.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Like so many other artists, nature is a huge source.  I’m also inspired by other art out there; whether ancient art or architecture, poetry, literature, my kids’ creations, or the things contemporary artists are doing.  I like to see how these ideas can morph under the influence of my mind and hands. Also, my imagination flows like a river when I close my eyes at night, but I’m not sure where THAT comes from!

How do you market or promote your work?

Flickr and my blog are the places I “Show & Tell” about my newest creations. I’ve exchanged links with other bloggers; occasionally, I place ads on blogs and other sites.

How do you use Twitter to help with your artwork and your business?

I always announce my special sales on Twitter, and sometimes tweet about what I just made.  I’ve been known to ask for input on ideas, too. I love the community aspect of Twitter and the people I’ve gotten to know there, so I mostly use it to connect with like-minded artists and business-owners.  I’ve found them to be incredibly supportive.

Do you have any tips or advice for someone just getting started selling her/his own work?

I would strongly advise anyone who’s selling their own work to be authentic in their creations, and to be positive in the image they convey to the rest of the world.  Tap into that part of you that’s happy and enthusiastic, that very thing that causes you to be creative in the first place.  The world is hungry for that. Never be afraid to share that part of yourself!

At CheapTweet, we’re always looking for interesting sellers, retailers and artisans to showcase in our weekly interview series. If you’d like to participate, send us a note!