Etsy Stores We Love: Octavia Bloom

Jenny Christiansen, the artist behind Etsy Store Octavia Bloom, describ­­es her own work "like a wildflower found deep in a mountain."

Jenny's rounded, wire-wrapped charms are dotted with a delightful riot of colors and textures. They get more beautiful upon close inspection—just like a tiny flower that blooms in a mountain meadow. They're bohemian and carefree and they make me nostalgic for my childhood—reminding me of the bright butterflies my mom embroidered on her Levi's in the '70s.

Here are a few words from Jenny about the pieces she creates:

Molly Therese Bell: How would you describe your work? Also, tell us how it's evolved over time.

Jenny Christiansen: My work is a unique style of bead and wirework jewelry with an emphasis on color. It has evolved a lot over time, mostly because I work at it every day. My wrapping style has gotten more complex and tighter, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve.

MTB: What are your favorite materials to work with and why?

JC: I love working with beads because of the wide range of colors they offer.

MTB: Tell us about a favorite piece available in your store and why you're smitten with it.

JC: My favorite pieces of jewelry in my store are the ones made in the flamingo color combination. I love the blend of the sparkling, bright fuchsia, the soft pink, and the creamy aqua.

MTB: Where do you find inspiration? What places, people, objects (in nature or otherwise) inspire you to create new pieces?

JC: Here's a quote from my bio that answers that question:

"I love the wildflowers of spring and their shameless displays of themselves. Bright and bold, on the side of dusty old roads, or romantic and free, in hidden alpine meadows. The jewelry I create is my tribute to these wild beauties. While out on morning walks my eyes are drawn to them and my mind absorbs the colors, shapes, and textures of these wild blooms. Then later, tucked away in my old school house studio, I try to recreate these beauties. My hope is that wearing or viewing my jewelry gives you a sense of the wondrous, natural world we live in full of beautiful, blossoming wildflowers."

MTB: Tell us what your favorite Rio product is and why.

JC: I have been happy with every product I've purchased from Rio (and I've purchased a lot). However, what I love more than the products at Rio is how kind the people are who work there. Every time I call in with an order or product question they are so helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. That is what I enjoy the most about Rio and what keeps me coming back.

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