ARTisan Interview: Introducing FlameCrazy

I discovered Cherine Perrin's Etsy shop FlameCrazy the other day while I was perusing the Lampworked glass section. I was blown away by her overall shop appearance, great photos and eye-catching glass beads. She has been so kind as to answer a few questions for my new series, ARTisan Interviews.  I hope you enjoy getting to know Cherine a bit better, and I do hope you take some time to check out her store. She is offering 10% off orders with coupon code: Lorelei10

1) Describe yourself in 3 words.

Oh man just 3 ... Compassionate ~ Quirky ~ Curious

2) How would you describe your craft and style?
I make lampwork beads. Lampworking is a process of melting glass rods in a torch and forming it around a mandrel that is removed later after they come out of the kiln. It is called Lampworking because in ancient times glass was melted in oil filled "lamps". It is also called Flamework or Torchwork.
My style is all about color and simplicity. When I am at the torch I am always mindfull of the wearability factor. Although I don't make jewelry myself, I know that my beads will be made into a wearable piece of jewelry and that drives my work.

3) What inspires you?
I am inspired by the glass itself. Those colorful glass rods laying on my workbench just begging to be melted and transformed into little wearable gems. This time of year I am also inspired by natureI find myself drawn to the browns, reds and oranges to mimic the beautiful changing colors of the leaves.

4) How long have you been creating?
My very first class was in 1999. I was hooked ever since.

5) Is this a job or a hobby?
That's a tough one. I wish there was an in-between word. I guess I will say it is a hobby since my mortgage doesn't depend on it. I guess it is that it doesn't feel like a job because it is so damn fun!

6) How do you see your work evolving?
I see my work evolving as I keep trying new techniques and working hard to master the others. I am desperately working on my sculptural skills right now. For me it is one of the harder techniques as there is a fine line between keeping a piece warm enough to not crack and cool enough to not become molten. Especially when you are working at a 2000 degree torch.

7) I find that I have a love/hate relationship with Etsy....
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
My favorite thing about Etsy is the sense of community. I love getting feedback from customers and return customers are the highest form of flattery to me. My least favorite thing would be that I don't have a listing fairy. Someone to just handle the computer stuff for me so I can spend more time in the studio.

8) Do you have any advice for other Etsy artisans?
My advice would be to seek out like-minded artisans and form relationships centered around mutual creativity.
Also, I found it is helpful to list items often. It helps you stay within the first few search pages, which is key.


Thank you so much Cherine! What a pleasure! I am excited to do a little shopping for some beads too!