Having grown up surrounded by the creative influences of her mother and grandmother, AnaMaria could not help but become passionate about the arts. She's always on the look out to try new and different avenues to express her own creativity. Looking to find something unique for a Mother's Day or Graduation gift? You can see more of her creations at www.mycityartisans.ca/vendor2.php
MCA: What is the inspiration for your jewellery?
AM: When I see a new craft idea or technique that piques my interest, I can't rest until I try it...no matter what the result is. I feel I can learn from anything I try and when I can incorporate different techniques from no matter what art medium, to create something new and unique, I think it's exciting. There are times when my pieces are more subdued and dainty...that's more my style. Then there are the more big and bold pieces that are heavily influenced by my mother’s sense of style. I value her opinion and think of her wearing them when I create these kind of pieces.
MCA: Are there certain styles or techniques you prefer?
AM: Most times I have no idea what the end result will turn out, my ideas keep changing. This is at times very exciting to see how a piece evolves but can be a challenge as well to get a piece completed. I’ve sometimes had to let a piece sit idle until I come across a way to best finish it. I do enjoy upcycling whenever I can. I’m a firm believer in re-using bits and pieces from flea market or discount finds to recreate something fresh and new. When I get tired of a piece I’ve made, I like to take it apart again and reconfigure it with other elements into something new. My friends have even asked me to redo old pieces of costume jewellery that they’ve had hidden away and no longer wearing. Having said that, I do also like to incorporate elements like semi-precious stones that my mother sends me from South America to wire wrap pendants, earrings and rings. Having learned to crochet with yarn, I decided to try this technique with wire and beads instead and am loving the look. The next thing I can’t wait to try is viking chain…just need to find the time to get started on that, so just stay tuned!
MCA: When did you consider trying to turn your jewellery making into a business?
AM: A few years ago, when I felt that I’d learned the proper techniques, I decided to make them as gifts for family and friends. Of course they were grateful and kind but the true barometer was when they started to receive compliments from strangers about the jewellery that I gave them, did I believe I could sell to the general public.
MCA: If you weren’t making jewellery, what other creative outlet would you follow?
AM: That’s tough because I feel the need to try them all but my favourite has been from the beginning to sculpt with natural clay. I studied sculpting human form in university. This passion will have to wait until I can have my own workshop and kiln.
MCA: Describe what you like to do in your downtime?
AM: On a few occasions, I’ve been able to arrange a group of ladies together for a social and jewellery making session. I’ve got tons of supplies and I enjoy to share my techniques and ideas with them. Many will bring their own and it becomes a fun evening of friends creating together and we all learn something new from eachother. Add some wine and cheese in there and now it’s my kind of party!
MCA: How did you come up with your store name, any meaning to it?
AM: Well, Accessories to Go is just that. I want to make pieces that are easy to wear with daytime casual and transition well into an evening out. I for one can’t leave the house without throwing some jewellery accessory on, even on my purse or shoes. I just don’t feel complete without it.
MCA: Any funny stories you’d like to share?
AM: On one girls’ night out, I was running late. Threw on some jewellery, asked my girlfriends if I looked fine. They replied yes…time to go! They probably didn’t even take a close enough look…but I’d put on 2 different earrings! They were so completely different too. Throughout the whole evening, no one said anything. It wasn’t until I got home and removed them did I realize my mistake. I guess everyone thought I was starting some kind of new trend!
