Behind the Design - Lisa Hopkins Design

Happy Monday everyone.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

This week's Behind the Design features the incredibly talented jewelry designer, Lisa Hopkins of Lisa Hopkins Design.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration comes from so many sources. I find much of my inspiration in nature--the smallest wonders and shapes in nature catch my attention and spark ideas. I am also inspired by books, poetry, quotes, speeches, music, family, friends, meaningful moments...

Do you have a spot you like to go that helps you feel creative?
Getting out for a walk, usually with my dogs, is a great way to jump start my creativity. Stepping out of the studio and enjoying the world around me, especially on a warm, sunny day, refreshes my mind and prepares me for work in the studio.

Where do you do most of your work?
I have a home studio--a nice little space, with good natural light, that overflows into the garage.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
I chose Lisa Hopkins Design because when I first began selling my jewelry, I also wanted to keep my options open. I wondered if I might eventually want to sell other types of work (I am a calligrapher and I also spin and knit). I wanted a business name that would be versatile and I also wanted my name to be a part of it since my work is very personal to me.

Your favorite thing to make?
I'm not sure I have a favorite, but I love trying a new technique or idea--especially when it turns out as I envisioned, or even better than I envisioned.

What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
It's so hard to choose but my Tiny Bird on Branch design is pretty special to me.

You couldn't run your business without __________?
My computer and the internet. Having a worldwide audience, thanks to the internet, is an amazing thing. I've sold work to people in all but four states, and in 16 countries so far. I marvel at how far my creations have traveled.

What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
I wish someone had told me how all-consuming it can be and how difficult, yet necessary it is to achieve balance with other areas of your life. I'm still working on that.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
Letter Arts Review and Metalsmith.

If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
The poet, Mary Oliver.

Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets other than your work?
Spinning, knitting, cooking, gardening, birding.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?
This is a difficult question--there are so many places I'd love to visit; one would be New Zealand,and I'd love to do some birding while there.

If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you bring with you?
I've have to take 6: my husband and our two dogs and three cats--I wouldn't want to be without them.

Thank you Lisa for participating in this week's Behind the Design.

Photos courtesy of Lisa Hopkins Design.

Lisa can be found at:
Etsy shop
Paper Dragonfly shop