It is my pleasure to introduce Erica Bello. She is a very talented metalsmith and a first time vendor at Bazaar Bizarre Boston!
Hi there! First things first: What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting?
Hi! My name is Erica and I started Erica Bello Jewelry in 2009. I am currently working out of my home in Rochester, NY.
How did you get your start? Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what is is today.
I started selling my own work during my first year in college with a fellow classmate. After graduating I built a studio in my basement and began participating in local craft shows. The Boston Bazaar Bizarre is my first venture outside of my hometown.
What inspires you the most to create?
New techniques and materials are so exciting to me. I love to experiment and try new things.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
Sterling and Oxidized Silver/Ceramics/Enamels/Semiprecious Stones
Do you have a favorite color palette?
Though I’m inspired by earth tones I love the simplicity of blacks and whites.
Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?
Amy Tavern and Lauren Markley are two of my favorite jewelry designers. I not only love the shapes they make but their use of nontraditional materials inspires me to take risks.
Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!)
Nothing on the horizon, but I hope to make jewelry making my full time job by Spring of 2013.
What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?
When I’m not hard at work in my studio I love to explore as much as possible, usually with a camera in hand. I also cant get enough of print making, antiquing, and relaxing with my cat.
What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table?
I am traveling all the way from Rochester, NY to participate in BBB!
Listen to my strange Rochester accent.
Tell me cool places to visit while I’m in Boston.
What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working?
I listen to a mix of indie folk and punk music, but when that gets old I love watching movies.
Where do you (craft) work?
I make work out of my basement studio, though it often spills into my living room and bedroom when I get busy.
What is your favorite mythical beast and what do you think their favorite crafty past time is?
Rumor has it that when the Loch Ness monster isnt being badly photographed, hes spends his time on scrimshaw.
See more of what Erica is up to on her website.
