Craft:

http://www.etsy.com/view_item.php?listing_id=503188
By Arwen O'Reilly

Tammy's Halloween earrings are a fun way to get into the spirit of the season. I love her ghost earrings with their trailing fringe, and the beaded skulls she made are great, too. I also love her attitude--she's a true crafter. As Tammy puts it: "I'm not here to make a fortune with my jewelry, I just enjoy beading and lord knows I can't wear it all." Isn't that just how it is? Check out her other beaded jewelry, from inventive to classic, from chokers and bracelets to beaded pumpkins, at her Etsy shop.

Arwen: Can you tell me about your introduction to crafting and your influences?

Tammy: I started crafting many years ago. My mother was always making something, whether it be crocheting or sewing quilts. And I can even remember she used to sew all of the clothes for my barbie dolls -- I mean 3 piece dress suits, not just a skirt with an elastic waistband. I don't know how she worked with something that small. I could talk all day long about my mother. She is gone now, but she was my biggest influence in life. I'll never forget the day she brought home a bead loom for me. That was over 20yrs ago. And I've been beading ever since. I do a few other crafts too. But beading is my most favorite.

Arwen: How do you feel about Halloween?

Tammy: All holidays are fun for me. We would always get the whole family together when crafting for the upcoming Holidays. We would have so many laughs. My sister and I still get together and craft; what fun we have.

Arwen: Do you have any favorite books, magazines, or websites?

Tammy: My favorite bead magazines are Bead Style and Bead and Button. One of my favorite websites is ETSY of course!

Arwen: I love your ghost earrings--they remind me of pixelated Pac Man ghosts.

Tammy: As for the picture of the earrings, I did not plan for them to look like digital pixels. The delica beads are very uniform in size. And my camera is absolutely wonderful when taking pictures of jewelry. The customers can really get a good look at the bead work itself.

I only have one tip to all the crafters out there. BE HAPPY! HAVE FUN! AND ENJOY LIFE! It will rub off on everyone around you!