Blogiversary BlastDay 30: Sukran

How's your sunday everyone? Fortunately, we got some sleep last night and the Li'l Guy woke up only twice last night. Seems like the medication is working well! ^^)

I am really glas we were able to get some sleep since we have some guests who'd be coming over for lunch today. We are serving Caracoles a la Mallorquina (snails cooked with herbs), Allioli  con patatas (potato puree with garlic) and the Lemon Yogurt bundt cake I baked last night for today's dessert. 

Though we already had some for today's breakfast! ^^) 

But before we proceed to today's giveaway, and  the last giveaway (but certainly not the least) for our Blogiversary celebration, let me announce first the winner of a giveaway.

And the winner of this giveaway

is...

Congratulations, Amber. Claim your prize by responding to our email in 48 hrs. thanks!

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Today's giveaway, and the last (but definitely not the least)of our Blogiversary celebration, is sponsored by a lovely handmade shop full of gorgeous eye-candies!

This handmade shop is owned and ran by Sukran Kiris who also designs and creates all of the lovely items you see in her shop. Enjoy our interview with her as we show you our most favorite items!

Sultana Laila-Felted Floral Leaf-Dangling Gold Jewelry

What is your shop's design and aesthetics philosophy?

My shop has many different kinds of pieces, from the small and dainty to large and delicate.  These designs can be worn everyday and even for special events like weddings.  I really enjoy jewelry and believe that in everyday situations, jewelry should make me feel like I am a woman who takes care of herself.  You will see a lot of vintage style in my pieces, but I interpret this style with an abstract twist.

You can get an even better idea of my taste and style by visiting my board on Pinterest: http://www.pinterst.com/sukranjewelry

Crocheted Bubbles Collar

Your jewelry pieces are intricately designed.  Where do you find inspiration?

I started to crochet when I was just a little girl of 5 years old and I can’t remember I time when I sat down somewhere without doing something with my hands.  I always begged my mom to start things for me so that I could work on them.  I think this is my nature, that I was born with the desire to create new things.  This is an endless passion for me and I feel like no matter where I go, the surroundings affect me and I use it as inspiration for my designs.  Caftan dresses and art from the Ottoman Era have been especially inspiring for me, with their rich, shimmering colors.  I also absolutely adore old American movies. 

Handmade Mixed Media Gold Lace Long Necklace

You can come and visit my blogspot and to see a beautiful Caftan show: http://www.sukran.kirtis.blogspot.com

Doing crochet jewelry, you often see very similar designs and creations, but I really try to add my own person style to everything that I make.  I always try to add asymmetric and abstract additions to my pieces.  I feel like my style is really a synthesis of tradition and the abstract.

OOAK Romantic Vintage Sultana Suri

What is your creative process?

I always try to have a plan, to sketch some ideas.  But when I’m in my little home studios I tend to let my feelings and whims take me where they will.  I have a sketch book with tons of sketches that I’ve come up with over the years, so they are always there to help as well.

Bridal Drop Earrings-Rock Crystal Jewelry

Aside from your jewelry shop, you also have another handmade shop.How do you manage with both business?

Yes, there is also my handmade shop with all of my metalwork, fabric accessories, and crochet creations in a cottage or vintage style.  I used to make metalwork jewelry along with my lace pieces, but after my son was born I stopped working with metal and chemical elements in my home studio.  So now I just work on crochet shawl and scarf creations.  This shop is like my relaxation corner.  It’s like the space where I can share all the projects that I use to relax when I am not working on lace jewelry.  Being able to share my designs with other people is the main reason that I love Etsy.  You can check out this shop called my Handmade is the Soul at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/skaan

Handmade Gold Lace Long Earrings Tulip design

Is there any advice you can give to anybody who would like to venture to handcrafting and into making it their full-time business?

I really think that the most important thing for someone who would like to start in handcrafting is to be full of passion, love, and patience.  And if you really want to turn your passion for handcrafting into a business, it’s important to learn the market.  Sometimes even the best creations will not meet the right customers.  You end up with a choice between waiting for the right people to come along that match your pieces, or following the market trends and rumors to find a niche for yourself.  Creating and working on your unique creations is the most rewarding part, but the business side is the most demanding.  Marketing is also not all that easy.  I wish good luck and success to anyone looking to venture into this field.

La Vie En Rose Feather Brooch

Don't you just love the original and intricate designs of Sukran?

One lucky TSWL reader will win

To win, you only have to fill in the Rafflecopter form below making sure you follow the instructions carefully. If the Rafflecopter form fails to load, just reload the page.

This giveaway will end on December 11, 12:01 am, EST. 

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