Welcome to the weekly Feature and Giveaway! Every Monday, we’ll be featuring a lovely craftsperson, artist, or  artisan – and every week you’ll have the chance to win something from their shop!

This week we welcome Cathy, from Designs by Cathy – maker of gorgeous personalized jewellery…

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Where do you live?

I live outside of Dallas in Plano TX.

Where do you do your work?

During the day I work at the US head quarters for 7-Eleven, Inc as a Product Information Manager in the Merchandising Business Systems Dept…whew!

What’s your favourite place in the world, and why?

Costa Rica- I love the natural state of the country.  It is peaceful, beautiful and the people are great. If I was to win the lotto I would have to move there, or at least buy a place there so I could visit often.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself! Your ‘day job’ or business, family, hobbies…

My day job is hectic…we are moving to a new business model which has been in development for about 2-years and we are getting to the point of roll-out…I’m so glad I have a hobby that I love to help me unwind.  Also, in May I became a grandmother to the sweetest boy ever.  They don’t live far so I get to see him several times a week and every weekend…You can’t miss a week because they grow so much!

What did you want to be ‘when you grew up’?

I wanted to be a designer…and I was thinking the other day what was it that made me change to business…I can’t recall…but I do wish I was a designer full time.  I tell my boys all the time- choose your path wisely as every decision you make counts…

How did you first get into your craft/art?

I would say I come from a family of artist so it came naturally.  As a small child my parents would buy me creative toys for Christmas.  I would wait up and find – paints, easel, sewing machine, Tandy leather kits, you name and I made it as a small child.  I really love them for that..

What do you make?

For Designsbycathy.etsy.com I make Jewerly that tells a story…your story…everyone has one…LOL  Mixed metal personalized jewelry.

What are you most proud of making?

The “We loved you the moment we saw you” piece for my new grandson.  It has so many charms on that necklace..my daughter-in-law wears it almost every day…

What do you like the most/least about selling your wares online?

Well….sometimes I make mistakes and I think that people may wonder who they are dealing with since there is no personal connection…

I love…

my family more than anything.

It drives me crazy when…

people can’t make up their mind…make a plan and stick to it!  If you need to change it, then change it…but have a plan.

What’s your favourite word?

Hudson…my grandson

If you could sum yourself or your work up in one sentence, it would say…

Express yourself…smile, I do!

Visit Cathy Online!

Shop:  designsbycathy.etsy.com

Cathy is giving away a $20 gift voucher to be spent in her lovely shop – and it’s open to all to enter!!

To Enter:

1. Visit Designs by Cathy, and come back here leaving a comment about your favourite piece from the store.

2. For additional entries, leave a comment saying that you: followed or subscribed to Epheriell Designs (or already do); have Twittered about the givewaway; have shared the giveaway with friends on Facebook, or; you have written a blog post about it.

3. Entries close next Sunday night, the 4th of October, at 12pm Australian EST. Winners are announced the next day as part of next week’s Feature and Giveaway post.

Remember to leave me a way of contacting you.. and Good Luck!

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The winner of last week’s giveaway – Deb D!

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