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a fellow weekend designer…

Magdalena Hartleb and Feltik

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I came across Magdalena’s work while looking around on Etsy, where she has a beautiful store.  She currently lives in Norway with her husband, where she manages her blog and Etsy shop on the side.  You’ll love her work and her sweet answers.  So, without further adieu, in her own words…

How did you come to create your work--the fiber jewelry? Was it happenstance? Or did you know what you wanted before it was created and you worked to achieve the image in your mind?I have made stuff ever since I remember. I like to keep my hands busy, to create things, try new techniques and to spend my  time productively. Creating things gives me a lot of satisfaction and pleasure. Especially now, when I have more customers on Etsy. Knowing that people want to wear my jewelry is very rewarding.

I got into jewelry around college or late high school, when I simply wanted to wear some unique jewelry and also to relax after a busy day. I made mostly earrings back then but I didn’t sell them. I was aware, however, of Etsy as well as some Polish websites with handmade goods.  I got into felting during one of those long, rainy Irish evenings when I found a tutorial about felting and simply checked it out. It was fun, so I kept felting and the first necklace came out...my friends liked it a lot, so I made another one. Then I figured out that I could try to sell it. (It was also some kind of excuse for myself as I created way to much  to wear it al l!).  I was working full time as a graphic designer assistant so it was just my hobby, with no real vision for the future. I noticed however that my grape-like necklaces are quite unique and I received nice feedback.

I noticed wedding pictures on your blog. How was planning your wedding? (It was beautiful, by the way). Did you want to make everything? Or did you approach a few projects yourself and leave the rest to professionals? I loved your belt. [Look at beautiful Magdalena to your right and left.]
Thank you :) Our wedding planning and preparations took us some time, as we wanted it to be handmade, personal and to reflect us as a couple. That’s why I designed invitations myself, as well as my wedding dress. My sister tailored it and I embroidered the belt myself. I made small felt flowers for each guest, church decoration as well as place cards of origami lotuses, that we folded together with my fiance.

 

How does your home in Norway affect or mold your work? Do you think your location is influential on the work you produce? 
I think it won’t have much influence besides the fact that I have to calculate my prices in Norwegian crowns now. Especially that my goal is to make my shop a profitable business. But it is hard to say as we came here just over a month ago. Great thing is however that I found wool factory nearby! It was absolute coincidence, but I’m so grateful for that! They have amazing selection and very nice service.

What is your ultimate job ? Own your own store? Design jewelry or accessories for a chain store?
My dream and my goal is to have an on line shop along with small real one. I’d like to design not only jewelry but also unique accessories and maybe hand painted clothes, as that’s something I also do.
I want my shop to be one of those cozy and creative places in which you can forget the time, get inspired, have cup of coffee or simply chat about crafts, baking, travels or life.

Do you "create" full time (jewelry-making)? If not, how do you split your time between work and creating?
At the moment I’m about to start part time job but my goal is to be full time jewelry maker. I am quite good in time management as you call it, so I don’t have major problems with connecting those two. Especially that my husband is very supported always pursue me to live my dream and do what I love.

How do you become inspired? Traveling, shopping, reading, etc.? Traveling for sure gave me a lot of ideas and time to think what I want from live, what are my priories and goals. I get inspired by art, photographs and fashion shows. I tend to have some ideas when I’m about to fall asleep ;)

Who, in the design world, do you look up to? Your sister? Martha Stewart? The Missoni family? I don’t have any specific person! I admire all people who are following their hearts and dreams and who have courage to do what they love, even if it’s sometimes hard.

How has your aesthetic changed over time? How has the change occurred? I'm sure it has changed over time but it’s hard for me to say how, I don’t have distance from myself!
But my attitude to my small business has changed definitely. I’m much more precise and detailed now, that’s for sure. I know my goals. I really want my necklaces to be as good as possible. I always try to put myself on the other side and to think if I would be happy with my product. I only create pieces that I would like to wear myself.