Monday, December 6, 2010

An Interview and Giveaway with Emmy Ray



My name is Emily “Jungden” Walters and I am located in Kansas City, MO.
Born and raised here, I attended Notre Dame de Sion high school and
received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Missouri State University,
Springfield. I have a dual emphasis in printmaking and metalsmithing, and
a minor in art history.



Since graduating I have worked in a few different jobs, including metalsmithing assistant to local designer Robyn Nichols, and as an elementary art teacher at Our Lady of Peace School, However I have always maintained my own small business on the side, emmy-ray, and am now lucky to be doing it full time. I do freelance jewelry design, and sell my products online and here in Kansas City at bon bon atelier (in Westport). I also enjoy teaching the occasional metal smithing work shop at genevieve flynn studios. I am a member of the Kansas City Wedding Hive, a collective of local artists and designers interested in creating indie and alternative wedding experiences for their clients. My main area of work at the moment is metal smithing (jewelry design) and floral design, but I also dabble in interior design, video editing, and painting. I am passionate about art, fashion, and design, and if it calls for a creative mind, I am usually up for the challenge.



1. What inspires you to come up with new designs?

If I spend too much time away from the studio, I start to get the creative
"itch". I'm inspired constantly by things I see everyday. The shape of a
leaf, the color of a beautiful piece of fabric, a bit of vintage
embroidery, inspiration is everywhere. I'm an avid blog reader, and a
lover of fashion (especially vintage).



2. How long have you been creating?

I've been a crafter ever since I was a kid. My grandmother was big into
sewing and let me play around in her studio all the time. I received my
bachelor of fine arts in 2005 in Printmaking and Metalsmithing. I started
my business emmy-ray in 2007 while still working full time making someone
else's jewelry. Two years ago I was able to "quit my day job" and work
full time. In the past two years I've also started doing floral design
for weddings and events.



3. Where do you do your work? Do you have a dedicated area of your home, or?

I have a studio space at home where I do all of my jewelry design, and
sewing. However my work tends to overflow into all spaces of our house,
especially since I like to work while hanging out in the evenings with my
hubby and our pups. For my floral design I have a separate studio space.



4. Tell us about a goal you have for your business

I'd like to continue growing my business and get my jewelry into many more
retail locations. In this coming year I plan on applying for lots of new
art and craft shows so that I can reach a new audience, and hopefully meet
some new friends in the crafting world.



5. What is your favorite album?

Wow, that's a tough question. Music is so important, it really helps me
get into a flow While I work in the studio. I have so many favorites it's
hard to name just one, but if I had to pick right now I'm currently loving
Florence and the Machine while I'm creating. She has such an amazing
voice, and I love her sense of style.



6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

My goal is to open a brick and mortar store. I'd love for this to be a
collaboration, or collective type of shop, and a fun studio space where I
can do floral consultations and continue to create my jewelry designs.



7. What is your favorite thing to do on a weekend?

Since I do wedding flowers, a lot of the time on the weekend I'm working.
Although I started out creating jewelry I love flowers just as much.
There's something so magical about taking part in someone's big day. When
I'm not working on the weekends I like to hang out with my hubby, relaxing
and catching up on DVR shows, or going out with friends to some of our
favorite local spots.



8. Tell us about a new skill you'd like to learn

Although I sew a little bit, it's usually simple things like pillows or
curtains (straight simple lines). What I'd really love to learn is how to
sew clothes, and do pattern making. I consider fashion to be such an
amazing art form, and would love to do some clothing design some day.

Look what you can win!!!


To Enter;

Visit Emmy Ray on Etsy and pick your fave item, and leave it in a comment.

To qualify for additional entries you can..

1. Follow Emmyray on Twitter
2. Like Emmy Ray on Facebook
3. Follow Emmy's blog on GFC
4. Blog about this giveaway
5. Follow this blog on GFC
6. Follow Papercakes on Twitter
7. Put my button in your sidebar
8. Tweet this giveaway
9. Like Paper*Cakes on Facebook

Closes Dec 20th

108 comments:

Anne said...

My fave item is the flapper headband! http://www.etsy.com/listing/60502836/flapper-headband
so cute!

Meghan said...

I love the flapper headband!

Meghan said...

I'm following this blog

Meghan said...

I'm following papercakes on twitter: nitelily3

Meghan said...

I "like" papercakes on fb

Meghan said...

I sent a request to follow emily on twitter: nitelily3

Laila said...

My favorite is the Bunny Wabbit bracelet :-) Love it!!!

captainliss40 said...

My favorite is the librarian necklace. captainliss40@gmail.com

jhitomi said...

Love the pink elephant necklace!
Jhbalvin at gmail dot com

jhitomi said...

Following papercakes on twitter as jhitomi
Jhbalvin at gmail dot com

va said...

i like the color purple headband ,
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60500756/the-color-purple-headband

tumblemumbo at gmail.com

va said...

2. following emmy ray on fb under ana amanti .

va said...

follow this blog with gfc .

Unknown said...

I love the Stick Em Up Necklace. The colors are perfect, and the whole idea is so cute. Everything is just so well-made--really lovely shop.

Sarah
bannercat | gmail.com & etsy.com

va said...

already have papercakes liked on fb under ana amanti .

va said...

blogged about it

http://va-internationalgiveawaysblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/bracelet-from-emmy-ray-giveaway.html

Melody said...

Melody.DuVal[at]gmail[dot]com

Hard choices! I love the skeleton key ring!

Melody said...

Melody.DuVal[at]gmail[dot]com

Sent a request to follow emmyray

I'm everybodyelse01 on twitter

Melody said...

Melody.DuVal[at]gmail[dot]com

Following on facebook
Commented here http://www.facebook.com/pages/emmy-ray/115254194125?v=wall#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=170108323020301&id=115254194125

Melody said...

I couldn't find gfc on her blog, so I'm following through google reader

Melody.DuVal[at[gmail[dot]com

Melody said...

Melody.DuVal[at[gmail[dot]com

Following this blog on gfc

Melody said...

Melody.DuVal[at[gmail[dot]com

Following PaperCakes on Twitter (everybodyelse01)

Camille said...

I love the Librarian Necklace!
cam22190 at gmail

Melody said...

Melody.DuVal[at[gmail[dot]com

Liked Paper Cakes on Facebook

Camille said...

I follow this blog on gfc :)
cam22190 at gmail

R. said...

My favorite item is the orange quilt ring.

rebecca.nvcl at gmail dot com

Libby said...

I like the skeleton Key ring :)
libbilogs@gmail.com

Libby said...

I follow your blog!
libbilogs@gmail.com

Unknown said...

My favorite item is the librarian necklace! :)

jentabulous at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

following emmyray on twitter!

jentabulous at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I Like emmy ray on facebook under jen j. il

jentabulous at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

avid follower of papercakes via gfc, under the name iadoreyouu

Unknown said...

following papercakes on twitter @butiadoreyouu

jentabulous at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

<3 papercakes on facebook under Jen J. Il

jentabulous at hotmail dot com

TopHat said...

I love the Party Girl necklace!

hrfarley at gmail dot com

Kristen said...

I like the Maple Sugar Bracelet.

kntine said...

My favorite is the liberaian necklace!
xtine_76@yahoo.com

kntine said...

Followed via gfc
xtine_76@yahoo.com

igea said...

My favourite item is:http://www.etsy.com/listing/61212843/black-key-necklace
and I hearte dit as:greenray user
igea777@gmail.com

igea said...

Follow this blog on GFC as:wolfsrain
igea777@gmail.com

igea said...

Follow Emmyray on Twitter as:@wolfsrain777
igea777@gmail.com

igea said...

Like Emmy Ray on Facebook as:antonella mazzariol
igea777@gmail.com

Meg said...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60498033/librarian-necklace

I am in love with this!

wright.173 (at) wright.edu

Meg said...

Following on GFC

wright.173 (at) wright.edu

Beathag said...

I like Cloud Nine Ring

sophia.komninou at gmail.com

pea said...

I love the Maple Sugar Bracelet- very cute!!

guinnesspaws(at)gmail(dot)com

pea said...

I have liked Emmaray on facebook. (Erin Claringbold)

guinnesspaws(at)gmail(dot)com

pea said...

I am a follower of this blog (ErinC).

guinnesspaws(at)gmail(dot)com

pea said...

I already like Paper*Cakes on facebook (Erin Claringbold)

guinnesspaws(at)gmail(dot)com

very married said...

ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com

my fav: http://www.etsy.com/listing/60895356/stick-em-up-necklace

Clementina said...

The Bunny Wabbit bracelet.
So cute.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63507693/bunny-wabbit-bracelet

Aileen said...

I love the Bunny Wabbit bracelet! We have two bunnies so I have a heart for them!

JaMean said...

I like the Black Key Necklace! Thanks! :)

jodikay2005 said...

Bunny Wabbit Bracelet

jodikayzeigler@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

love the skeleton key ring
diarygirl at live dot com
shaha

Anonymous said...

I like the creepy kitty necklace. http://www.etsy.com/listing/64393743/creepy-kitty-necklace

Anonymous said...

Sent a follow request to Emmy Ray.

Anonymous said...

I follow Papercakes on Twitter.

Anonymous said...

I have your blog button on my "Links" page.

Anonymous said...

I follow this blog, but not on GFC. I only follow it through google reader and have followed it for over a year.

Ai said...

My fave is the Bunny Wabbit Bracelet! Love the color and the patterns.

ai_lotus[at]yahoo[dot]com

Ai said...

Following Papercakes on Twitter @ lotusearthlight

ai_lotus[at]yahoo[dot]com

Ai said...

Tweeted this giveaway:
http://twitter.com/#!/lotusearthlight/status/15466767350501376


ai_lotus[at]yahoo[dot]com

Kasie said...

Love the party girl necklace!

animalcrackers@gmail.com

Emily said...

I love the kelly disk necklace. Thanks for the giveaway!

Emily said...

I'm following emmyray on twitter (@anylit)

Jenny Bean said...

My favorite is the Squirrely Necklace

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Sent a request to follow Emmyray on Twitter (@jenphotonerd)

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Liked Emmy Ray on Facebook

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Following this blog on GFC

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Following Papercakes on Twitter (@jenphotonerd)

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Tweeted

http://twitter.com/#!/jenphotonerd/status/15708594741714944

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Liked Paper*cakes on Facebook

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Added button to my blog

http://piecingitbacktogether.blogspot.com/

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Jenny Bean said...

Blogged at http://piecingitbacktogether.blogspot.com/2010/12/papercakes-finds-giveaways.html

jenniferho5@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Bunny Wabbit Bracelet all the way!

TZel said...

I like the Squirrely Necklace !
Thank you!
bridgestranslation at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win the key ring for my daughter!
Zoe0825@verizon.net

Jacqueline said...

the turquoise drop earrings are my fav! jmmccarr@gmail.com

biyagko_barbaru said...

My favorite is Kelly Disk Necklace.
fablanche3petal@gmail.com

Lisa said...

Everything is sooo beautiful.

I love the Creepy Kitty Necklace and Keychain.
The Skeleton Key Ring and the Cloud Nine Ring. I can't decide :D

milktea [at] milktea [dot] at

Lisa said...

Followed @emmyray on Twitter via @milktea_bliss

milktea [at] milktea [dot] at

Lisa said...

"Liked" emmy-ray on FB - Maggie May

milktea [at] milktea [dot] at

Lisa said...

Followed @papercakes on Twitter via @milktea_bliss

milktea [at] milktea [dot] at

Lisa said...

Liked paker*cakes on FB - Maggie May

milktea [at] milktea [dot] at

Anonymous said...

I <3 the Heather Triangle Necklace
purplebutterflyyy at gmail dot com

Rebecca C said...

Love the robin's egg earrings.

Anonymous said...

I love love love the green Kelly Disk necklace
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Kimberly S said...

I like the black key necklace

Kimberly S said...

following on twitter @kittie1031

Kimberly S said...

Liked on FB as Kimberly Thompson Shay

Kimberly S said...

following on GFC

Jessica said...

I LOVE the squirrely necklace!
jesage@asu.edu

Jessica said...

follow emmyray on twitter
JessicaSage22
jesage@asu.edu

Jessica said...

liked emmy ray on facebook
Jessica Sage
jesage@asu.edu

Jessica said...

GFC follow papercakes
Jessica Sage
jesage@asu.edu

Jessica said...

follow papercakes on twitter
JessicaSage22
jesage@asu.edu

Jessica said...

liked papercakes on facebook
Jessica Sage
jesage@asu.edu

iChigoMado said...

I've sent a request to follow Emmyray on Twitter as iChigoMado...

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

I've liked Emmy Ray on Facebook as Verdell Hunystar...

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

I've suscribed to Emmy's blog as I can't find her GFC...

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

I've blogged about this giveaway on http://ichigomado.tumblr.com/

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

I've followed this blog on GFC as iChigoMado

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

I've followed Papercakes on Twitter as iChigoMado

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

I've tweeted this giveaway as iChigoMado

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

I've liked Paper*Cakes on Facebook as Verdell Hunystar...

Thanks for the giveaway!

My email is luvlikachu@hotmail.com

iChigoMado said...

My utmost favorite item on her etsy store is the Black Key Necklace... It just looks so classy!

Gina said...

i really like the stripe cufflinks!
they're so cute & consist of my favorite colors!
aquariusdubu[at]hotmail[dot]com