The Artisan Group is proud to announce today’s Artist Spotlight Feature is Lisa Smith of LKS Originals!
We caught up with Lisa and asked her a few questions about her natural gemstone artisan jewelry and her experiences so far working with TAG. Here’s what she said:
Tell us a little bit about your shoppe.
I love all things handmade, and arts and crafts have always been the way I express my creativity.
My husband and I raised 4 beautiful children, and when they were little we were always doing creative craft projects together. The Christmas tree was always full of the ornaments and trinkets that we made.
I first went into business selling my crafts when the children were little and I literally couldn’t afford to work outside the home. (After all, who could pay for daycare for 4 children!) I made what we all called “dough-bears” – little teddy bear ornaments and figurines made of salt dough – what fun! The business did well for quite a few years, and enabled me to stay at home with my babies and contribute financially.
I discovered polymer clay and the dough-bears became clay-bears, and I found that I could sculpt so many more intricate and tiny things – one of my loves is miniatures – so I was really excited to have this clay to work with! For years our friends and family received gifts of dough-bears and clay creations for the holidays, birthdays, etc.
I adore mosaics as well, but have never sold them. I can’t part with a single piece once I’m done with it, so I have lots of great mosaic pieces around the house… LOL!
So…on to the jewelry…
Pretty soon I was making necklaces, bracelets and earrings not only for myself but for friends and family who saw and loved what I was wearing! I soon opened my Etsy shop, and a few months later, quit my day job and jumped in with both feet, and haven’t looked back.
My jewelry line continues to expand as I learn new techniques – this is just so much fun! I taught myself how to wire wrap so I could make a pendant out of a very special stone that a very special person gave me. Now friends are hiring me to wrap their stones… pretty cool.
I’m super excited about my newest line, Orgone Energy Jewelry. These pendants, bracelets and earrings are really unique and beautiful, and they carry the power of positive energy and protection. Orgone Energy Jewelry started out as a little experiment and has quickly become LKS Originals‘ signature line. You’ve GOT to check this stuff out!
What is your favorite product from your shoppe and why?
I love each and every piece of jewelry in my shop, but one piece does hold a very special place in my heart; the turquoise and sterling silver Orgone Energy necklace I made for Nia Peeples. I’ve been a huge fan of Nia’s since we both were teenagers, and it was such an honor to be able to participate in her TAG gift bag. When Nia wore her necklace on an episode of Pretty Little Liars I was over the moon!! Here’s a link to what I like to call the “Nia Necklace”.
When you’re not creating such lovely jewelry pieces, what are your hobbies?
Actually, designing products for my shop is still one of my hobbies, I’m so blessed and grateful! When not making jewelry, though, I enjoy the outdoors – camping, fishing and hiking, motorcycling and gardening. I’m very passionate about healthy and organic food and natural remedies. I’m also active in a grassroots movement to get a GMO labeling ballot initiative passed in Colorado next year… very exciting!
What do you like best about The Artisan Group?
The Artisan Group is by far the most amazing group of people I’ve ever had the honor and privilege to be a part of! What I love best about the group was, honestly, a little bit unexpected. This group of very talented artisans and beautiful people is so supportive! There is no competition or backbiting here, everyone helps and supports each other, and we’re all cheerleaders for every victory and accomplishment by the others. Being part of this group constantly inspires me to raise the bar, reach higher and step outside my comfort zone. I believe the positive energy of this group inspires us all to be the best we can be! A great big thank you to Valerie and all my TAG friends!
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LKS ORIGINALS
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Lisa recently participated as a display participant in the official talent gift lounge on October 29 – November 1, 2012 at The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, in honor of the Nominees and Presenters of The 46th Annual Country Music Awards (CMAs).
What a great backstory, Lisa! With four kids, I’m surprised you had time to develop your awesome skills; so impressed with your energy! I’ve been a big fan of your line and love seeing what you create next. Congrats on all your successes!
I always love to hear the story behind the story and yours was no exception. What fun the Orgone Energy line is!
I love the orgone energy line! How do you do it all! Maybe orgone energy helps! Fantastic story, thank you for sharing.
Delightful to get to know you better, Lisa. Your jewelry is beautiful.
I always enjoy reading through personal story, and loved yours. Lisa, I checked out products on your website, those are some finest necklaces I have seen….WOW! What a fine piece of art and creativity. I have a huge collection of necklaces and would certainly love to add from your creations.