Leeya

Leeya is a wonderful shop that comes to Etsy from Israel. Leeya grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan but moved to Israel five years ago. She has a new Blog called "Inspiration Through Creation".

1) How did you decide on a shop name?

My shop name is my first name, Leeya. It's simple and has a clean sound so I chose it.

2) When did you start crafting?

As a very young child I dabbled so diligently in the art of glue and glitter, drawing and whatever else i could get my hands on that the silence coming from my bedroom would frighten my parents and they would periodically come and check that I was still breathing ( I have three brothers). I guess those are my earliest memories of crafting.

3) What or sho inspires you?

Materials inspire me. There is nothing like a few hours in the bead shop. I love sparkling beads and learning new techniques. In fact, I am so inspired by materials that I am considering beginning a masters in materials engineering.

4) Do you have a day job?

I finished my B.Sc. in Physics last year and after a rigorous degree, I am taking this year "off." Rather, I have taken the year to devote to developing as an artist.

5) What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

Good question! I would have to say my jungle berry necklace because at the time that I made it I was experimenting with a new technique and just went wild (as the name suggests). It was exciting watching the pendant develope into a finished necklace (it went through a few stages) and I think that the finished product maintained something of the freedom that I was feeling at the time of creation.

Audrey's Accolades:

What awesome jewelry!! When I saw Leeya's shop I was amazed by the selection, her wonderful imagination and the colors!! Went through her whole shop looking for my favorite, and found so many items that I just loved. There are earrings, necklaces, hair clips (can never have to many), brooches, braceletts and coctail rings. WOW!! Ok - I have to pick one. Maybe it's because we just had Valentine's Day or maybe just because I love everything with hearts on it - I picked this necklace as my favorite item.

This heart has been handshaped from polymer clay. A clear crystal is embedded in the center and is surrounded by a ring of petals in brown and bronze. The petals match delicate brass chain and two small crystal beads are wire wrapped to connect the chain to the lobster clasp.