Hello! I have another drool-worthy Featured Handmade Artist for you today-- courtneyreckord. I love Courtney's organic sense of shape and style. She's got some really really beautiful pieces (I really like the Mermaid necklace featured below) LOVE the color, love the beads...





Hi Courtney! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?


My name is Courtney, I grew up in Baltimore Maryland and have been living in Vermont for a dozen years. I have two boys- 9 and 10 and work full time as an art teacher at Milton High School. I teach digital art and am bringing jewelry to the school next year.


How long have you been creating?


For as long as I can remember I have loved making things. I love painting- I remember the first watercolor painting that I did that I was really proud of- two dogs. I have done almost every kind of art and currently and immersed in jewelry making and knitting.


What is your inspiration for making your pieces?


Wow, good question. For jewelry I would have to say that I am interested in the stones that I choose to use- their colors and I am often drawn to stones before I know what I am going to do with them.


What is your dream job?


My dream job would be to create all the time- whatever it is. I really love fashion and would love to be a clothing designer. I am lucky to have a job where creating is a huge part of it- and I learn from my students- they are so creative and give me ideas that I would have thought of. It is a give and take.


Please describe your creative process.


I can really get into being creative and spend hours creating, when time goes by in a flash. Usually when I sit down to create I am not sure what is going to come out of it- and that process of discovery is what keeps me interested.


What item would you be secretly heartbroken if it sold?


Well- the ruby ring that I just made- but I listed it anyway because it doesn't really fit me all that well. I think for me the joy is more in making than wearing an item, except for my knitwear which takes so many hours that I am invested in it.


How do you promote your work?


Currently I am promoting on etsy forums, I have a facebook fan page and I am a part of several etsy groups- the vermont team, cafe mom street team and it's better handmade group. I just got some business cards made. I haven't really figured out what the best way to market is, yet.


What are a few of your favorite books, movies, musicians, and websites?


I love to read- my favorite recent books are anything my Marian Keyes, Steig Larsson and Alexander McCall smith.
Movies- well I don't watch too many movies but I do love mythbusters and mad men, which are TV shows.
Websites- etsy, of course craftzine.com, knitty.com, and I just discovered the tate museum website which has all sorts of interactive stuff and resources!
My website is miltonhighschoolarts.ning.com- that is where student work is posted!


Tell us a secret about you.


I am a marksman!



Thank you so much Courtney! Please stop by her shop and take check out her beautiful one of a kind jewelry!