Jessica...The woman behind Rags to Riches jewelry kindly agree to answer a few questions for us...How wonderful it is to get to know in a more personal note our talented Etsy sellers! Enjoy this warm rendez-vous with Jessica!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your work. How did it all start?
My name is Jessica Ragsdale, I live in Marshfield MO. It is a very wonderful small town in Southwest Missouri... about 60 miles from by Branson MO for those of you who are for sure where in the world Marshfield might be. Our little town is full of character and charm.
I have been making jewelry for about 5 years. I have always been artistic and I have always loved to paint and draw! After having my daughter I was needing something to do to relax. I stayed home with her for 4 years. After about a month of those 4 years I needed something to do with my time when I wasn't taking care of her. So I went shopping one day and there was a very expensive piece of jewelry I loved and wanted. I couldn't afford it but my hubby said I could make something just as great or better. (Great to have supportive hubby's, huh?) Of course I had never made any jewelry before but I have always been artistic so I bought some beads at a local hobby store. I made a necklace and my mother in law liked it and asked if I could make her one. So I did and then her friend asked for one and it all began! My mother in law would take my jewelry to work and would sell it for me. That's how it started. I have taught myself everything and I enjoy trying new and different materials.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by something as simple, yet as interesting a button. I can “hear” a story from it and see the design in my head. (Yes, I hear voices!) Everyday items can be very interesting, like the color of a platter or the design/pattern with in a leaf made by the veins. Really, I am inspired by many things. Of course my daughter, Madison, is a big one! She is always cutting and gluing. The colors she picks are so interesting! Nature would be another big one. I love the seasons changing and the different moods it brings. I base my designs off my mood and I am a moody chic!
What do you love most of what you do?
I love taking something raw and making into something that is unique. It brings joy to others and gives me room to use my imagination.
You can see more of jessica's creations here:
