05.29.08
My Interview with Diane, Owner of Tasty Jewelry
Please meet Diane Petkoff, Owner of www.tastyjewelry.com.
Where are you located? Austin, Texas.
What do you design? I design jewelry, hair accessories and home accessories.
Where/How did you learn this? I started making jewelry when I was a bout 8 years old. My older sister taught me how to string beads and it took off from there. Later I attended the University of Illinois and received my bachelor of fine arts degree in metals…a.k.a. jewelry. I love making things with my hands.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen, Frank Gehry, Andy Goldsworthy.
Where does your inspiration come from? From ordinary objects that I see around me…I see colors and shapes more than I see the object itself.
What do you do to combat creative block? I feel fortunate that I don’t really experience that. I wish there were more time in the day to get all these ideas out of my head.
Where do you design your creations? In my studio.
What does your work space look like right now? I’ve got a few projects brewing right now, some new necklaces and earrings and am working on some new techniques. It’s pretty organized and has to be since I’ve been collecting beads and supplies for 20 years.
How does your family feel about what you do? They are very supportive and love that they can come to me for gifts.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Be sure not to just take someone else’s idea and change it a little. Really dig deep and find what inspires you, find your own creative voice. It ensures that your products are truly unique and your own.
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? Always look forward.
Favorite part of owning your own business? Being able to express myself through my art and working for myself.
Least favorite? Paperwork.
How do you relax? I like to read cookbooks while sitting outside on a sunny day. I love cooking, it’s another way for me to be creative.
Favorite color? Green
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? Definitely, and is a major force on my website too.
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? More of the same thing I do now…I just love it!
A sample of Tasty Jewelry products. For all product, please visit Diane’s website.
