Artist Spotlight: Om Is Where The Heart Is + Giveaway!

To kick off my return to the active blogging world I figured I'd start out with a new Artist Spotlight feature, complete with giveaway (details below). This feature is of a friend and colleague of mine Lauren Belleza. She runs an Etsy shop called Om Is Where the Heart Is and you like her shop on Facebook.

Please introduce yourself, what lead you to begin creating?

Lauren and her son Orion

My name is Lauren Belleza. I have always enjoyed working with my hands. When my son was born five years ago I decided to open an Etsy shop and begin creating! I put the proceeds into his college fund. Then I realized I could also use half to fund whatever charity I felt like donating to at the time! I get to save, create and help others all at the same time!!  


Who in your life has been the biggest inspiration to your work?
My husband since he has been completely supportive since day one. No matter how many times he trips over my sewing machine cord or picks up extra beads off the floor he always is excited for every order I get:)  

Custom Hand Stamped Necklace

What is your favorite medium to work with/favorite technique to use?
I love metal stamping. It's so fun to create one of a kind works.  

What do you hope to accomplish through your work?
I hope to save a little for my son and at the same time be able to contribute to charities close to my heart.  


Which item currently listed in your shop/in your collection is your favorite and why?

Handcuff-ed

I love all of my items. Each and every one is made with love, truly. Each piece has a little part of my heart in it. If I had to pick I think I'd say the "50 shades" pendants. They are so risqué but at the same time so sweet and such a great layering piece.  

What fellow artist(s) have you been impressed by recently?
I love several Etsy artists. I love that they create for individuals. A few of my faves is Karina Grace, Zenned Out and Drapes of Wrath. :)  

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an artist?
Create what you would actually use or wear.  

One of Lauren's recent charity causes
 is building of an indoor skate ramp
 at the local YMCA.

What are you plans for the future of your shop/work?
Just keep busy and remember to create things that I love. I'd like to always stay busy. I have a day job but my passion is with my creations. I'd love to do craft fairs in the future in the Seattle area.

Lauren's shop doesn't only feature jewelry either, she also crafts comfy tank tops from up-cycled tee-shirts and infinity scarves with bright pops of color. Here in the Pacific Northwest we need all the pops of color we can get in all that grey weather.

Not only is she giving away a necklace to one lucky reader, she's giving away the one-on-one experience of crafting a one of a kind custom designed piece just for you. Instructions on how to enter the giveaway are below the break.