Look who we found on Etsy?
We found Rhonda of Shadow Jewels :D
Since our entry into Etsy last June, we have made some very lovely friends.
Rhonda has no doubt been a wonderful person to befriend, to work with, to gripe with and to care for.
BUT above all, she does really beautiful gorgeous jewelry that are well made with passion!
And THAT IS what makes her jewelry special in the labyrinth Etsy, because the artist herself is a beautiful person from within and out.
When these sparkling jewels arrive to its rightful mistress, that beauty exudes far and beyond ~ Shadow Jewels, we say!
Come sit with us and enjoy your cup of coffee with Rhonda… Rhonda of Shadow Jewels 
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JR: Describe yourself in under 50 words
Rhonda: That’s easy…I’m pretty simple. I am a nurse, nature lover, and a jewelry maker. I’m a homebody, and spend my days taking care of my cats. I love to do simple things like cooking, gardening, and even doing laundry. When I do go out, I head for the peace and quiet of the mountains.
~ Rhonda’s trips to the Sierra Mountains, breathtaking… ~
JR: What is it about jewelry that fascinates you?
Rhonda: I’m a magpie, plain and simple. Easily distracted by shiny objects!
~ delicious red berry necklace brought to you by a lovely swallow charm ~
JR: When did you start making jewelry and what made you decide to sell them?
Rhonda: About 12 years ago, I got a new computer. Once I got online, unfortunately I discovered cybershopping. I started collecting Victorian jewelry, but that was frustrating for me because the pieces I really wanted were too expensive. Then one day I bought a necklace with a broken clasp~ a bargain! And decided to learn how to fix it. When I found you could buy vintage beads and jewelry parts online, that was the end of my normal life. Zowie! ‘This will be much cheaper’, I thought. Sure! Now I have a whole room full of the stuff. It has not been cheaper than buying the Victorian jewelry, but it sure has been more fun.
~ dripping with divine opulence ~
JR: You have a good eye for colors and matching different shapes/elements in a piece. Do you have a specific “formula” or you just go on an inspiration trip?
Rhonda: Usually I start with some vintage beads or rhinestones that I love, and add complementing parts from there. Searching for vintage pieces I can use is the most fun!
~ love the oriental and french fusion here, ooh-la-la! ~
JR: What usually inspires your creations?
Rhonda: Oh, I’m inspired by everything. A song, poem, or story…pretty pictures from pinterest, or browsing through pages of antique jewelry. What most inspires me though, is nature. When I’m feeling worn down, I know it is time to go camping. Truly, the most lovely color combinations were all done long ago by Mother Nature.
JR: What is your creative beliefs as an independent artist in the world of consumerism?
Rhonda: I find a great feeling of satisfaction in making things by hand in this world of mass produced, disposable junk. Most of all, I love to find some old unused beads and turn them into something new and wonderful, something that can be worn and loved for many years.
JR: Talent versus hard work, what is your take on that?
Rhonda: You need both, don’t you? My Dad told me when I was a little girl, that I could achieve anything, if I were willing to work hard enough to do it. I still believe that’s true. But no amount of practice could turn me into a dancer, I’m just too clumsy.
~ cool off with these ice earringssss… ~
JR: Why do you think women should adorn themselves with jewelry?
Rhonda: The art of adornment is a joyous form of self expression. Too many girls want to be just like models in a magazine. I think original jewelry pieces encourage young ladies to develop their own personal style, and have some fun!
~ art nouveau in rich emerald green ~
JR: Apart from jewelry, what other creative journeys would you love to embark on?
Rhonda: I love art, and I tried many things before I discovered my love of jewelry~ painting, poetry, music, sewing, crochet. I wasn’t very good at any of them. Cooking is another creative outlet for me. I enjoy making up my own recipes, and modifying recipes to make them healthier.
~ dazzling peridots glowing in a gold droplet frame ~
JR: If you had a million dollars now, how would you utilize it?
Rhonda: Oh, I have that one all planned out. I will buy a ranch in the Sierra Nevada, and take in homeless kittens. Lots and lots of kittens.
~ Rhonda’s babies, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww… ~
JR: Complete this quote by Comer Cotrell in your own words – “The greatest inspiration of often born of … “
Rhonda: Desperation? I don’t know! You didn’t tell me there was going to be a test!
JR: *chuckling* No, its not a test but you gave the same reply as Comer did! 
~ hamburger corn pone pie – looks yummy, i want some in my tummy now!! ~
JR: Life is a major roller coaster ride, what is the one best motto you practice to keep yourself going that you love to share with all of us?
Rhonda: Take one day at a time and stay positive. No one will succeed if they are thinking negative thoughts all the time. Banish your worries and replace them with affirmations. Find time every day to relax and refocus your energies. And if that doesn’t work, kitten kisses will fix most anything.
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Bedazzle yourselves at Rhonda’s online shop, or follow Rhonda on Facebook and Blog!
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AND we are hosting a giveaway, courtesy of Rhonda 
Enter yourself a chance to win these absolutely pretty lilac flower earrings ~ just perfect for spring!
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We hope you enjoyed yourselves reading more about the wonderful artist behind Shadow Jewels, we thoroughly enjoyed having this ‘coffee session’ with Rhonda
~ who doesn’t love glowing topaz? ~
Great interview!